Debbie and Chip Rowland had an academic vision. As an educator in elementary/special education, Debbie collaborated with specialists, directors, parent educators, as well as children to create a center that would be used as a model around the country. As parents of four, the Rowland’s envisioned what their needs, wants and expectations for a school were and created this “ideal” setting. There is nothing like it in St.Louis!

On August 22, 1992, The Elegant Child Early Learning Center opened its doors with 60 families and a staff of 25. Six months into their operation, there were waiting lists for classroom and the staff nearly doubled. Obviously, the vision of excellence and service was once shared by many families who wanted the best for their children. Now eighteen years later, the Elegant Child Campus is the largest in the state with over 400 families and over 100 staff members. The Center is licensed for 385 children a day and also runs the before and after school care at St. Alban Roe, St. Clare, St. John Lutheran and Ascension schools.