After the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803, the St. Louis area became an important trade center, with many people establishing permanent settlements there. During the industrial age, the South County area experienced substantial growth as St. Louis was developed and expanded. By the mid-to-late 20th century, population growth had reached record proportions, as people began taking advantage of the high quality of life available in the area.
The overall quality of education in the South County region is extremely high. For example, college-bound students in the South County District consistently score well above both the state and national averages on the ACT. This clear dedication to excellence is espoused in the Mehlville School District's mission statement, which is "preparing students of character for lifelong learning." The Mehlville School District is made up of 11 elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools and an Early Childhood Preschool Program. In addition to this, South County has many private schools, including Vianney High School for boys, Notre Dame for girls, Lutheran High School and Thomas Jefferson School. There is also the Special School District, which attends to South County students who have special needs. Residents have access to more than 20 centers of higher education and approximately 20 professional and graduate schools. The South County region's strong economy continues to draw new businesses. Many employers are located in Mehlville and its surrounding communities in order to take advantage of the highly educated and skilled local labor force. The community is also well known for its strong civic leadership and diverse customer base, factors that lead directly to long-term economic success. Shopaholics will be well satisfied with the delights that Mehlville has to offer. Of course, there is world-class shopping located in nearby downtown St. Louis, but why turn down the convenience and old-fashioned customer service offered right on your doorstep? Along with the rest of South County, Mehlville offers everything a person could crave, from groceries to hardware, and finding exactly what you are looking for is part of the fun! As well as offering a variety of outdoor activities to exercise the body, the Mehlville area is also a Mecca for those whose interests lie in the arts. The outstanding St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, housed in Powell Symphony Hall, performs a broad array of music. For Broadway and opera lovers, the Muny Opera in Forest Park and the Opera Theatre of St. Louis offer sublime performances. Located in scenic Forest Park and one of only two permanent structures remaining from the 1904 World's Fair, the Palace of Fine Arts Building houses the St. Louis Art Museum, whose collection features over 30,000 works. Boasting a wide variety of things to do and see, a strong economy, excellent schools and the convenience of a major metropolitan area just minutes away, Mehlville is an ideal hometown for families and businesses alike! |