Meet the Principals

Greetings Fifth Grade Center Families!

It is a true honor and privilege to serve the fifth-grade learning community in the Ladue School District.  Fifth grade is a significant transformation for students academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.  Due to this certainty, the FGC staff is very cognizant of our high but realistic expectations for students as they change from the beginning to the end of the school year.  In conjunction with meeting social-emotional needs, we plan to efficiently prepare them for the middle school learning structure while completing our innovative academic program.  

We believe that each child possesses his/her own unique set of gifts and talents. Helping students discover and showcase these gifts is an essential function of what the caring, dedicated, and passionate staff at the FGC demonstrate daily.  Through collective efficacy and professional learning communities, we look forward to helping  ALL students thrive while also partnering with families to provide support and build positive relationships.  Our goal is to make EVERY DAY COUNT as we only have one year to work with our fifth-grade students before they transition to Ladue Middle School.  

If there is ever a time during the school year that I can be of any further assistance to you, please feel welcome to contact me.  I am eager to help, and we are all in this together!

Let’s have a great school year!

Levi Rutherford has four years of experience in education and understands the importance of tradition and commitment to excellence at the Fifth Grade Center after spending the last three years teaching in our building.

Rutherford earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Recreation and Parks Administration and Elementary Education and Master’s degrees in Public Administration and Educational Leadership. Rutherford is a high-achieving leader with keen problem-solving experience implementing restorative practices, leading professional development, and holds several teaching certifications. In addition, he is a former assistant football coach for Ladue Horton Watkins. His dedication to continuous professional growth and development will work well as the assistant principal alongside Dr. Wilson and is a welcomed addition to the Fifth Grade Center community.