Urban Sprouts

Urban Sprouts Urban Sprouts is a joyful, encouraging, and diverse educational community that honors and empowers.

Vision
We envision a community where the ideas of children matter, a society where education is a right, and a world the image of each child is valued. Values
Trust and Empathy
Respectful and trusting relationships between our educators, families, and extended community contribute to a collaborative and supporting environment where children's best interests are considered by all. Diversity, Equity

, and Inclusion
Children of all identities, competencies, and knowledge have the right to be their truly authentic selves. Our diversity enriches all of us when we value the differences and similarities that exist in children, families, educators, and the community. Curiosity and Investigation
We aspire to provoke curiosity and wonder in children as we guide and facilitate their investigation of the surrounding world. Inspiration
Our continual, documented observations of children's individual interests contribute to an inspired collection of learning opportunities for our entire educational community. Confidence
The full participation of children, educators, and family members in our early educational experience ensures the building of confidence in each child while continuing on her or his own journey of learning. Check out our annual report here: https://www.urbansproutscdc.org/ourpages/auto/2018/9/20/53001392/US%20Annual%20Report%20FINAL.pdf?rnd=1631118314897

17 years ago, our Founder, Ellicia Lanier, had a dream.A dream and vision she first imagined for her own children, and f...
06/08/2026

17 years ago, our Founder, Ellicia Lanier, had a dream.

A dream and vision she first imagined for her own children, and for children across St. Louis.

Founded in 2009 by Ellicia Lanier, a dedicated educator and advocate, Urban Sprouts was born from the belief that every child deserves a space where they are nurtured, seen, and celebrated.

Our first location opened its doors in University City in 2009. Now, 17 years later, we have expanded into a campus that serves 120 children and continues to walk alongside families with care, intention, and purpose.

We’re still growing, still dreaming, and still so proud to be on this journey with each and every one of you.💛

Yesterday, we had a special visitor return to Urban Sprouts.One of our alumni from the Class of 2018, and one of the ori...
05/29/2026

Yesterday, we had a special visitor return to Urban Sprouts.

One of our alumni from the Class of 2018, and one of the original thinkers behind Cafe O Play, came back to see the idea she and her classmates once imagined through their work, questions, and investigation begin to come to life.

What a beautiful full-circle moment to witness the ideas of children continue to grow, take shape, and inspire our community years later.

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to opening Cafe O Play! ☕

05/26/2026

Our Pre K children had the opportunity to join others at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra for a morning filled with sound, movement, and wonder.

Experiences like these allow children to explore the world beyond the classroom while deepening their curiosity through music, rhythm, and shared community experiences.

Thank you to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra for creating space for our children to experience something so meaningful and inspiring. 🎶🎹🩰

4 days. 110 educators. More than 20 states represented.Last week, we had the pleasure of not only welcoming educators in...
05/19/2026

4 days. 110 educators. More than 20 states represented.

Last week, we had the pleasure of not only welcoming educators into our space, but also partnering with Ideal Learning to serve as a gateway of learning for educators across the Midwest and beyond.

During our time together, we convened, connected, and learned from one another. In these current times, more than ever, it is important to advance quality, equity-centered early learning environments for all children.

Through this convening and beyond, we are grateful for the opportunity to help make ideal learning real by creating spaces where families, children, and communities can thrive.

Thank you, Trust for Learning , for your support and for being an advocate in shaping environments where children and communities can flourish.

And also trusting Urban Sprouts with such an important event for educators.

📸:

4 days. 110 educators. More than 20 states represented.Last week, we had the pleasure of not only welcoming educators in...
05/19/2026

4 days. 110 educators. More than 20 states represented.

Last week, we had the pleasure of not only welcoming educators into our space, but also partnering with Ideal Learning to serve as a gateway of learning for educators across the Midwest and beyond.

During our time together, we convened, connected, and learned from one another. In these current times, more than ever, it is important to advance quality, equity-centered early learning environments for all children.

Through this convening and beyond, we are grateful for the opportunity to help make ideal learning real by creating spaces where families, children, and communities can thrive.

Thank you, Trust for Learning , for your support and for being an advocate in shaping environments where children and communities can flourish.

And also trusting Urban Sprouts with such an important event for educators.

📸 : Jaelin Collier

We did it! Thanks to your generosity, we ended Give STL Day at $5,357, reaching our goal and supporting work that direct...
05/08/2026

We did it! Thanks to your generosity, we ended Give STL Day at $5,357, reaching our goal and supporting work that directly nourishes our children and community.

Through our Garden to Table program, children engage in hands-on gardening and creative cooking experiences that foster learning, connection, healthy habits, and a deeper relationship with the food they eat.

Thank you to everyone who donated, shared, and supported our Give STL Day effort

It takes a village to grow a garden. 🌱At Urban Sprouts, we believe that every child deserves access to nourishing food—a...
05/07/2026

It takes a village to grow a garden. 🌱

At Urban Sprouts, we believe that every child deserves access to nourishing food—and the joy that comes from growing and preparing it themselves. Our Garden‑to‑Table program integrates hands‑on gardening with creative cooking to foster learning, connection, and healthy habits. 🥕🌽

Donate today!
https://www.givestlday.org/organization/urbansprouts...

05/07/2026

Give STL Day is here—and we’re excited to share something truly special with you.

Meet Zoey, one of our joyful young scholars at Urban Sprouts. She’s taking you on a tour of our Garden to Table program—interviewing fellow students and staff about why they love the garden and what it means to them.

Through our Garden to Table program, children ages 0–5 enjoy fresh, nutritious meals made with ingredients they help grow and cook. They learn not only how to nourish their bodies, but how to care for the world around them—and each other.

This beautiful, hands-on experience is only possible because of generous supporters like you. Today, help us reach our $5,000 goal and continue to grow this vibrant space for learning, connection, and joy.

🌼 Give now to support young minds like Zoey’s:

https://www.givestlday.org/organization/urbansprouts?fbclid=IwdGRjcARWKT9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeiWHMP8qAEoYNkemxnAaUldt5kGKSQEb0LoqONSciE2BPQEZgHOlzHn_0nOw_aem_ioO5qrOY6shnc7N3qPWV0Q

Thank you for believing in what we’re planting—together. 🌱

We are so grateful for the teachers here at Urban Sprouts. They truly make our school community special. They give child...
05/05/2026

We are so grateful for the teachers here at Urban Sprouts. They truly make our school community special. They give children the freedom to explore, wonder, create, ask questions, and lead their own learning with joy and curiosity.

To our Urban Sprouts teachers, thank you for the love, care, patience, and intention you pour into our children each day. You are the heart of our village. 💛

We kicked off the week with Mocha Monday, treating our staff to a fresh cup of coffee from Traveling Tom’s! Take a look at the photos!

Happy Earth Day! 🌍♻️Today we celebrated Earth Day by collecting a variety of loose parts made up of recycled and natural...
04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day! 🌍♻️

Today we celebrated Earth Day by collecting a variety of loose parts made up of recycled and natural materials while our students explored planting in our garden.

Moments like these reflect our Garden to Table program, which is part of our holistic approach to support each child’s health and well being through fresh, nutritious meals sourced as much as possible from our community garden and onsite greenhouse.

As Give STL Day approaches, we are proud to continue creating hands on experiences that help our children learn, grow, and thrive. Check out the photos and donate today by clicking the link below. 🌱

https://www.givestlday.org/organization/urbansprouts?fbclid=IwdGRjcARWKT9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeiWHMP8qAEoYNkemxnAaUldt5kGKSQEb0LoqONSciE2BPQEZgHOlzHn_0nOw_aem_ioO5qrOY6shnc7N3qPWV0Q

Address

6757 Olive Boulevard
University City, MO
63130

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+13149972259

Website

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