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Section 7 of 10

Schools & universities

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General community information only — not legal, immigration, medical, or financial advice. Confirm current details with official sources or a licensed professional.

Schools & universities

  1. 1Schools follow your address

    District and school assignment usually depend on where you live

  2. 2Prepare enrollment documents

    Proof of address, immunization records, birth document, and transcripts

  3. 3Ask the international office

    Universities can help with arrival steps, visa questions, work rules, and insurance

  4. 4Know the key offices

    Registrar, financial aid, health center, and student services

  5. 5Plan transportation early

    Campus location affects housing, commute time, and whether you need a car

  6. 6Save school contacts

    Keep office emails, emergency numbers, and important deadlines

Confirm requirements directly with the school or university.

The St. Louis region has a strong set of universities and many different school districts, so where you live shapes your children's schools — worth researching before you choose a neighborhood.

  • Public school is free and open to every child, regardless of the family's immigration status. Children are usually assigned to a school based on your home address, so research the district before settling on a neighborhood — and look into magnet, charter, or private options if you want alternatives.
  • To enroll a child, schools typically ask for proof of residency, the child's immunization records, prior school transcripts or report cards, and a birth certificate or passport. Gather these early; translated copies help.
  • Ask each school about English-language-learner (ELL/ESL) support for children still learning English — most districts provide it.
  • For higher education, the area's main universities include Washington University in St. Louis (private research), Saint Louis University (private, Jesuit), and the University of Missouri–St. Louis (public) on the Missouri side, and — across the river in Illinois — Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), which has a notable Iranian student community. St. Louis Community College is a more affordable option for general courses and transfer pathways.
  • If you're an international student, your university's international student office is your first stop — it helps with F-1/J-1 visa matters, orientation, and housing. Look for an Iranian or Persian student association in the directory.
  • Free adult English (ESL) classes are available if you or family members want to build your English. No-cost options include St. Louis Community College's Adult Education & Literacy program (stlcc.edu), the Parkway-Rockwood Adult Education & Literacy program (prcommunityed.org, call or text 314-415-4940 — classes run across many St. Louis County districts and you don't need to live in them to enroll), and the International Institute of St. Louis (iistl.org, 314-773-9090); the county and city public libraries (slcl.org, slpl.org) also host free English conversation groups. Schedules, levels, and eligibility vary, so contact them for current sessions.