ABOUT AIM HIGH
Better Futures Begin in 6th Grade
OUR MISSION & VISION
MISSION
Aim High St. Louis partners with middle school students from under-resourced communities to build confidence, curiosity, and the skills to thrive – through engaging academic and enrichment experiences, Achievers become lifelong learners and future leaders.
VISION
Inspire the desire to learn, to stay in school, and to become respected leaders of the community.
OUR STORY
Aim High was founded in 1991 by John Burroughs School faculty members, Ellen Moceri and Richard Sandler, with the support of then headmaster, Keith Shahan. They sought to support student success despite the systemic and social barriers that exist in St. Louis. They began with 50 fifth grade students attending a summer academic program at John Burroughs School.Â
The program quickly grew and in the summer of 1993, St. Louis Priory School became a host campus. By the summer of 2000, Aim High was serving more than 250 students each year and included Saturday sessions to provide year-round programming for Aim High students.
Today, Aim High provides opportunities for educational and social development for approximately 400 middle school students in the St. Louis area from over 60 different elementary schools tuition-free!
PARTNERSHIPS
Aim High is made possible through the work of our multiple partnerships. From our partnering school districts to our host campuses, Aim High would not be possible without them.
HOST CAMPUSES
JOHN BURROUGHS SCHOOL
Founded in 1923, Burroughs is a coeducational, college preparatory day school for grades 7-12. Faculty, parents and students share a commitment to a liberal arts education which strikes a balance of emphasis among academics, arts, athletics and activities. Graduates enter leading colleges throughout the country.
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS
Washington University in St Louis is recognized worldwide as a top-notch educational institution. Founded in 1853, WashU offers outstanding experiences for college students and boasts innovative research facilities on their sprawling campus. Â
PRIMARY RECRUITMENT DISTRICTS
Aim High partners primarily with area public schools, but also committed charter and private schools, where the student population needs reflect Aim High’s intended goals for partnership. Primary recruitment districts include:
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- St. Louis Public Schools
- Normandy Schools Collaborative
- Ritenour Public Schools
- University City Schools
- Hazelwood Public Schools
- Ferguson-Florissant Public Schools
- Jennings Public Schools
- Riverview Public Schools
PROGRAM PARTNERS
CHARACTER PLUS
Aim High is one of just a few area non-profits who are proud members of this nationally recognized character development institution. With annual staff training opportunities and curriculum support, Aim High’s Achievers benefit from the knowledge of the brightest and most in-tuned minds when it comes to helping students develop the character traits and values that will drive them to lifetime success.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Geoff Ratliff
Board President
Merrill Lynch
Neil Hershey
Board Treasurer Edward Jones
Kim Jakovich
Board Secretary
Commerce Bank
Kristen Southworth
Governance Chair Lewis Rice
Marie Holmes
Neighbors Credit Union
Kimberly Moody
Education Inspiration
Aaron Daugherty
Washington University in St. Louis
Sara Howard
Radius Creative, LLC
Chris Kilbride
Ritenour School District
Deena Goran
John Burroughs Biology Teacher
Jarrett Young
City Academy
Dorvonda Payne
Aim High Alumni
Jennifer Salrin
John Burroughs School
LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
- Andy Abbott
- Father Cuthbert Elliott, O.S.B.
- Pat Esserman
- Right Reverend Thomas Frerking
- Ellen Moceri
- Abbot Gregory Mohrman
- David Molho
- Tom Ruwitch
The Road to Aim High
FINANCIALS
Aim High is committed to the highest level of transparency. Our organization earned a 2020 Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, showcasing the progress and results we’re making toward our mission in addition to in-depth financial information. You will find our Annual Reports and Form 990s below and you can review our profile on Guidestar.
2024
Annual Report
2024
Form 990
2023
Annual Report
2023
Form 990
2022
Annual Report
2022
Form 990
2021
Annual Report
2021
Form 990
2020
Annual Report
2020
Form 990
MEET OUR TEAM
Tamila (Tammy) Taylor, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Tammy joined Aim High in January 2022 and brings significant knowledge in the DEI space, as she was Director of Parent Programming for John Burroughs School in the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity. She is currently board chair for the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation, which serves the largest school district in the St. Louis metropolitan area. She brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, governance and finance to the Aim High Team.
Staci Buckels, DIRector of operations
Staci joined Aim High in June 2023 as Director of Operations. Staci has a Bachelor’s degree from St. Louis University in Communication. Her masters degree is from Lindenwood where she also taught Marketing. Staci has a strong background in retail marketing and operations. Her career started in nonprofit, working with programs that teach social growth and development skills through after school and summer camps. She brings a passion for educational equity to our team.
Jessica pachak, development manager
Jessica joined Aim High in 2024 as the Development Manager. Jessica is a St. Louis native – born and raised in South St. Louis City. She studied at Cornell University where she majored in Government and Sociology before receiving her Masters in Public Policy and Education Management from Harvard University. She’s worked in public education for most of her career – teaching in Detroit, MI and St. Louis, MO as well as serving as a Principal of a public charter middle school in St. Louis city. Jessica brings a passion for St. Louis and experience with fundraising and development to the Aim High team.
Kwira Vickers, Data Manager
Kwira joined Aim High in January 2025. Kwira graduated from Lincoln University of Missouri in 2005 and immediately began her career as an educator at Normandy High School. Kwira served as a teacher and counselor from 2005 to 2011. In 2011, Kwira joined the team at KIPP Inspire Academy where she helped grow the school from 180 to 450 kids from 2011 to 2024. In Summer 2024, Kwira became the new Middle School Director at St. Louis Catholic Academy. Kwira is excited to manage systems and organize the 5-week Summer Institute.Â
Andranique ellis, Site Director at john burroughs school
Andranique joined Aim High in 2008 as a 6th grade English teacher. After a period of teaching, she paused her Aim High teaching career in order to give more time to her two wonderful children. In her new role as Site Director, she looks forward to being a pillar of support for all teachers and Achievers. During the school year, Ms. Ellis teaches Spanish at John Burroughs School. She earned her BA in Spanish and Education from Washington University in St. Louis, and she holds a MA in Education and Innovation from Webster University.