U City Directory 2026

26 2026-27 | University City Community Directory continued on page 28 continued from page 25 field in the iconic Muhl-Schemmer Stadium. Across the District, signs of the extensive work completed in this second year include enhanced security, reconfigured vestibules in select schools, air conditioning at Flynn Park, and new playground equipment with porous, safe surfaces at Pershing and Jackson Park. • Superintendent Hardin-Bartley has a local, state and national reputation for innovative educational leadership. In 2023, she was honored with the prestigious Robert L. Pearce Award from the Missouri Association of School Administrators for outstanding leadership in education. • In 2023–24, the District’s Agriculture and Sustainability program engaged students from kindergarten through 12th grade, with a vertically aligned curriculum designed to build interest and excitement through hands-on learning at every level. That same year, University City High School became the first to launch a dedicated Agriculture and Sustainability pathway, which has grown significantly to include expanded gardening and planting initiatives. District grounds are beautifully landscaped and maintained through a partnership with U. City in Bloom, alongside school-based garden teams. • In 2022, The U.S. Department of Education bestowed the Green Ribbon School District Sustainability Award to U. City Schools for outstanding efforts to link environmental sustainability and conservation to wellness and social justice initiatives within the University City community. • In 2022, Hardin-Bartley was named one of five “superintendents to watch,” by the digital publication EdDive, acknowledging her leadership in creating healthy, trauma-informed schools. In the fall of 2020, she was recognized as the region’s “Stellar Performer in Education,” by the St. Louis American Foundation, earning the title of “Disruptor-in-Chief” for her unwavering advocacy for system reform in schools, with a focus on students and racial equity. • Formed in 2019, One U City (1UC) is a family and community organization that supports the school district, and one of the first organizations in the country to successfully combine all of the schools’ Parent Teacher Organizations into one in order to more equitably share resources and build community across the district. • In 2019, Hardin-Bartley was named “New Superintendent of the Year,” by the Missouri Association of School Administrators. She speaks regionally and nationally about racial equity in education and the importance of student voice, social justice and well-being in school settings. • The District is proud to be home to two LEED-certified schools, Barbara C. Jordan Elementary and Pershing Elementary. The District maintains a 1:1 device ratio for both teachers and students. About Our Schools: The School District of University City includes one high school, one middle school, four elementary schools and an early childhood education center, along with programs for adult education and literacy. The K-8 schools have active parent organizations called “collaboratives” under the umbrella of One U City, a joint school collaborative serving all elementary schools and the middle school to help promote equity for parent and student activities and events. UCHS PTO supports high school initiatives. University City High School has a longstanding tradition of graduating an impressive number of National Merit®, National Achievement®, Missouri Arts and Bright Flight scholars. The U. City Lions excel as championship athletes and robotics challengers. UCHS girls tennis, softball and