About Litzsinger
Litzsinger School, established in 1962, is a public, separate special education school within the Special School District of St. Louis County. We serve a diverse population of students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade, from the central corridor of the county. Students attending Litzsinger live in several nearby school districts: Brentwood, Clayton, Kirkwood, Ladue, Maplewood-Richmond Heights, Normandy, Pattonville, Ritenour, University City, and northern portions of Parkway and Rockwood (north of Manchester Rd.). We are not an open enrollment school; students are placed here through the IEP process which is initiated in their home districts. Our students receive individualized support aligned to their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). We are committed to meeting each learner where they are while holding high expectations for their growth and success.
Our approach centers on creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning community where every student is valued. We believe that all behavior is a form of communication and use proactive, compassionate strategies grounded in educational neuroscience, trauma-informed care, restorative practices, and tenets of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Our four schoolwide expectations—Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Peaceful, and Be Cooperative—are explicitly taught and reinforced throughout the day. Students are recognized for demonstrating positive behaviors, helping them build confidence, strengthen relationships, and feel a true sense of belonging.
Restorative practices are embedded in our daily routines. Through classroom community circles, students and staff build trust, deepen empathy, and strengthen connections. When challenges arise, our focus is on accountability and repair, ensuring that all voices are heard and relationships are restored in meaningful ways.
Our school community is supported by a team of highly qualified educators and related service providers. Most teachers hold a master’s degree or higher, and our paraeducators bring diverse backgrounds in education, healthcare, and human services. Across all roles, staff are trained to co-regulate with students—modeling calm, supportive responses to stress and dysregulation—so that students feel emotionally safe, connected, and ready to learn. Students also benefit from a collaborative team that includes nurses, therapists, and specialists who address a wide range of developmental and communication needs.
Litzsinger School takes pride in honoring each student’s journey. We celebrate progress, foster independence, and strive every day to create a place where all students can learn, grow, and be seen for who they are.
Mission
At Litzsinger, we are dedicated to delivering individualized education within an inclusive and supportive community, where each student is valued and heard, their inherent dignity is upheld, and safety is paramount.
Vision
We envision a learning environment that prioritizes opportunities for personal and academic growth, empowering each learner and enhancing their quality of life.