U City Directory 2026

University City Community Directory | 2026-27 25 continued on page 26 ready young adults who are equipped with 21st-century skills and mindsets,” said Superintendent Sharonica L. Hardin-Bartley, Ph.D., PHR. “It’s exciting to think that we are preparing them for careers today that either didn’t exist when they started their educational journeys or have grown with opportunities we continue to discover and build toward.” “U. City schools have maintained high standards for educational excellence for more than 100 years; all the while drawing inspiration from a community steeped in history, culture, diversity and opportunity. However, as times change, so do the needs of our students,” she said. “In order to stay true to our mission, we are building on our strong foundation while modernizing and energizing curricula and partnering with our community to help deliver a unique and relevant learning experience to each classroom. Student voice is highly encouraged, and we nurture a social justice and community action mindset in our schools to address the realities of racial inequity, environmental sustainability and health disparities.” Our students undertake numerous community service projects each year, addressing issues impacting equity, inclusion, environmental sustainability, student safety, mental health and more. The University City Board of Education is one of the first in Missouri to pass a powerful resolution supporting racial equity, social justice and restorative practices in its community. We are also one of a few school districts in Missouri with a school board student liaison actively participating on its board of education. University City is also the only Missouri district to offer its high school students a full-year course in sustainable and restorative practices, where students use proven social science methods to build better relationships and systems within the school. The district regularly facilitates interactions between students and professionals in various fields to create professional pathways to careers in medicine, technology, engineering, environmental science, agriculture, the arts, business, media and healthcare. The District offers Camp U, a free one-month summer learning program available to rising first- through eighth-graders. Camp U provides hands-on learning opportunities in partnership with St. Louis Institutions such as COCA, The Magic House MADE for Kids, the Saint Louis Science Center, Ballet 314, the Saint Louis Zoo and many more. Summer Learning Academy provides additional free academic support and enrichment to high school students, including summer dual credit courses. Here are a few of our Points of Pride: • In March 2026, the District became the first in St. Louis County to charter a Future Farmers of America program as part of its Agriculture Program of Study. • In the fall of 2026 the District is launching a School-Based Health Center at University City High School. • In April 2026, Talented and Gifted Education Teacher Nicole Binion and her fifth-grade students were named Missouri State Champions in the Presidential AI Challenge, a nationwide initiative focused on using artificial intelligence to solve real world problems. • In June 2025, the District installed a Smart Farm System from a salvaged shipping container retrofitted to be a self-contained, hydroponic growing classroom. This high-tech outdoor classroom will give students real-world skills, an opportunity at an industry credential in hydroponics, and a chance to help solve real-world issues like food deserts. • In April 2024, the U. City community overwhelmingly approved Proposition U, a zero tax-increase bond issue that will raise $65 million to forward upgrades in safety, academics, facilities and athletics, including a multipurpose