Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School celebrates year’s growth, achievement, opportunity
Enrollment open for 2026-2027
Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School (STBCS) is celebrating a successful 2025–2026 school year marked by academic achievement, faith formation, student growth, and expanding opportunities for children and families throughout the Metro East. Read the 2026 Connections Newsletter to learn more.
As the school prepares to welcome students for the 2026–2027 school year, enrollment is now open for new and returning families.
Throughout the past year, STBCS students demonstrated significant academic progress, with 83 percent of K-8 students showing reading growth and 77 percent of students in grades 2-8 demonstrating math growth. The school’s commitment to long-term student success continues beyond graduation, with STBCS alumni maintaining a 100 percent high school graduation rate and 93 percent acceptance into college or post-secondary programs.
The school also celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2026, whose students will continue their educational journeys at respected institutions including Christian Brothers College High School, Cardinal Ritter College Prep, Rosati-Kain Academy, St. Louis University High School, and Belleville West High School.
“Our students continue to demonstrate what is possible when faith, academic excellence, and a supportive community come together,” says Principal Kenneth Nance Jr. “At Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School, we are committed to helping every child discover their God-given potential. We are proud of the growth we witnessed this year and excited to welcome new families who are looking for a school where students are known, challenged, supported, and loved.”
In addition to strong academics, students participated in music, choir, violin, ballroom dance, robotics, athletics, community service, and faith-based activities that support the development of the whole child. This year also marked the school’s first season of their return to sports programming with participation in track and field competition, where the Falcons earned a fourth-place overall finish.
Families continue to benefit from the school’s unique partnership with Access Academies, which provides middle school students with counseling, enrichment opportunities, high school placement support, college readiness programming, and scholarship assistance. This year alone, Access Academies contributed $127,000 in scholarship funding, while partner high schools contributed an additional $101,000.
STBCS offers:
- Small class sizes
- Faith-based education welcoming all faith traditions
- STEM education and technology integration
- Music, arts, and athletics opportunities
- All-day kindergarten
- Extended day and after-school programs
- Academic Success Center support services
- Breakfast and lunch programs
- Access Academies for grades 6-8
- Tuition assistance opportunities for qualifying families
“We believe every child deserves access to an excellent education that nurtures both mind and spirit,” Nance adds. “Our mission is to prepare students not only for high school and college, but for lives of faith, leadership, and service.”
Families interested in learning more about enrollment opportunities for the 2026–2027 school year are encouraged to visit STBCS, schedule a tour, or contact the school directly.
Enrollment information
- Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School; 8213 Church Lane, East St. Louis, IL 62203; (618) 397-0316; stbcs.com; [email protected]
About Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School
Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School serves students in grades K-8 in East St. Louis, Ill. Rooted in Catholic values and inspired by the life and legacy of Sister Thea Bowman, the school provides a safe, nurturing, and academically rigorous environment where students grow spiritually, intellectually, and socially.
