Betty Wheeler Classical Junior Academy (BWCJA), formerly Classical Junior Academy (CJA) and Kennard Classical Junior Academy (KCJA), is a full-time, tuition-free school serving gifted and talented children from preschool through fifth grade. Student acceptance to BWCJA is based on state criteria for gifted identification, as well as Saint Louis Public Schools’ criteria for magnet-school placement.

School policies and procedures, a staff directory, and other resources are available at BWCJA’s official SLPS website.

All questions regarding the admissions process, testing, application process, etc. should be directed to the district’s Student Recruitment and Placement Office at 314-633-5200 or slpsmagnetschools@slps.org.

BELL TIMES

School begins promptly at 9:10 a.m. and ends at 4:07 p.m.

SCHOOL PLEDGE

At Betty Wheeler CJA,

We all pledge to start each day
With open minds and open hearts.

We'll give each task a brand new start.

We'll learn and try and never cheat.

Our kindness toward others can't be beat.

We're always going to do our best,

and try to ace every test.

We'll make friends and help those in need,

and always follow our teachers' lead.

Go Tigers!

--Written by Beckett Schunke, 5th grade class of 2023

 SCHOOL MOTTO

I’ll strive for excellence in everything I do.
I’ll be the best me, and you be the best you.
— Margaret Franklin and the KCJA radio students 2006