About Our School
🏫 About St. Louis Demonstration JHS
Discover our journey, mission, and vision as we build towards becoming a world-class educational institution.
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Our Remarkable Journey Since 1977
St. Louis Demonstration Junior High School stands as a beacon of educational excellence in Kumasi, Ghana, with a rich history spanning over four decades. Established in 1977 as an integral part of the prestigious St. Louis Demonstration J.H.S, our institution was founded on the principles of academic rigor, moral uprightness, and spiritual grounding that continue to guide us today.
The early years of our school were marked by modest beginnings but an unwavering commitment to providing quality education rooted in Catholic values. Our founders envisioned an institution that would not merely impart knowledge but would shape character, instill discipline, and nurture the holistic development of young minds. This vision became the cornerstone upon which our educational philosophy was built.
The 1990s brought significant challenges as Ghana navigated through economic difficulties that affected educational institutions nationwide. Limited resources, infrastructure constraints, and the pressure to maintain academic standards while serving a growing student population tested our resilience. However, these challenges only strengthened our resolve and fostered the development of core values that define us today: perseverance, community spirit, and an unwavering commitment to academic excellence.
Mad. Millicent Otoo - A Transformational Leader
A pivotal and transformational chapter in our school's illustrious history was written under the visionary leadership of Mad. Millicent Otoo, our beloved former headmistress whose extraordinary dedication and innovative approach elevated St. Louis Demonstration JHS to unprecedented heights of academic excellence and moral distinction. Her tenure represents one of the most significant periods of growth and development in our institution's proud heritage.
Mad. Millicent Otoo brought to St. Louis Demonstration JHS a rare combination of educational expertise, administrative acumen, and genuine care for student welfare that transformed not just academic outcomes, but the entire culture and ethos of our school community. Her innovative educational methodologies, unwavering emphasis on discipline, and deep commitment to holistic student development established new benchmarks for excellence that continue to guide our institution today.
Under her transformational leadership, the school witnessed remarkable improvements in academic performance, with BECE pass rates reaching new heights and students consistently excelling in various academic competitions. Mad. Otoo's vision extended far beyond mere academic achievement; she understood that true education must nurture the whole person - intellectually, morally, socially, and spiritually.
Her tenure was characterized by significant infrastructure development and the establishment of programs that nurtured both intellectual curiosity and character formation. She introduced innovative teaching methods, modernized the curriculum to meet contemporary educational standards, and created an environment where both students and teachers could thrive and reach their full potential.
Mad. Millicent Otoo's legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the educational standards she established, and the culture of excellence she fostered. Her contributions to St. Louis Demonstration JHS extend far beyond her years of service, having laid the foundation for the continued success and growth that our school enjoys today. She remains an inspiration to current and future generations of educators, students, and the entire school community.
Our Continuing Journey of Excellence
🏫Decades of Educational Excellence
Since our establishment in 1977, St. Louis Demonstration JHS has grown from a small educational institution to one of the most respected junior high schools in the Ashanti Region. Our journey has been marked by continuous improvement in academic standards, infrastructure development, and the unwavering commitment of our educational community to provide quality education that shapes future leaders.
Throughout the decades, our school has adapted to changing educational needs while maintaining our core values of academic excellence, moral uprightness, and spiritual grounding. We have witnessed the transformation of education in Ghana and have consistently positioned ourselves at the forefront of educational innovation and best practices.
Our commitment to holistic education has resulted in the development of well-rounded students who excel not only academically but also in character formation, leadership skills, and community service. This comprehensive approach to education has earned us recognition and respect within the educational community and beyond.
🏗️Infrastructure Development and Modern Facilities
Over the years, significant investments have been made in developing our physical infrastructure to create an environment conducive to learning and personal development. Our modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, library facilities, and recreational areas provide students with the resources they need to excel in their academic pursuits.
The continuous improvement of our facilities reflects our commitment to providing quality education that meets international standards. From basic classroom amenities to advanced technological resources, we strive to ensure that our students have access to the tools and environments that support effective learning and skill development.
Our infrastructure development has been made possible through the generous support of various stakeholders, including government agencies, community partners, alumni, and dedicated individuals who believe in our mission of educational excellence. These contributions have enabled us to create a learning environment that inspires and motivates both students and teachers.
🏆Academic Excellence and Student Achievements
Our commitment to academic excellence has consistently yielded outstanding results in national examinations and various academic competitions. Our students regularly achieve high pass rates in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), with many gaining admission to prestigious senior high schools across Ghana.
Beyond examination success, our students have distinguished themselves in various academic competitions, science fairs, debate contests, and cultural events at both regional and national levels. These achievements reflect the quality of education we provide and the dedication of our teaching staff to nurturing student talents and abilities.
Our alumni continue to make significant contributions to society in various fields, including education, healthcare, business, technology, and public service. Their success stories serve as inspiration to current students and testament to the quality of education and character formation they received at our institution.
🤝Community Partnership and Stakeholder Support
The success of St. Louis Demonstration JHS has been greatly enhanced by the strong partnerships we have built with various stakeholders in the community. Our Parent-Teacher Association, alumni network, local businesses, religious organizations, and government agencies have all played crucial roles in supporting our educational mission.
These partnerships have facilitated resource mobilization, infrastructure development, scholarship programs, and various educational initiatives that have benefited our students and the broader school community. The collaborative approach to education has created a supportive environment where students can thrive and reach their full potential.
We remain committed to strengthening these partnerships and building new relationships that will continue to enhance the quality of education we provide. Our open-door policy and transparent communication ensure that all stakeholders remain engaged and informed about our progress and future plans.
🙏Gratitude and Future Vision
As we reflect on our journey since 1977, we are filled with gratitude for all who have contributed to our success. From our founding leaders to our current administration, from our dedicated teaching staff to our supportive parents and community members, each person has played a vital role in shaping our institution.
We honor the memory of those who have passed on, celebrate the contributions of those who have retired, and appreciate the ongoing dedication of our current staff and stakeholders. Their collective efforts have created the strong foundation upon which we continue to build our educational excellence.
Looking toward the future, we remain committed to our mission of providing quality education that prepares students for success in an ever-changing world. We will continue to adapt, innovate, and excel while maintaining the core values and traditions that have made St. Louis Demonstration JHS a beacon of educational excellence in Ghana.
Mr. Atta Sarpong - Infrastructure Development Champion
Mr. Atta Sarpong, our dedicated former PTA Chairman, played a crucial role in the physical development of our school infrastructure. His visionary leadership and commitment to providing quality learning environments resulted in significant building projects that enhanced our educational facilities. The structures he helped establish continue to serve our students today, standing as lasting monuments to his dedication to educational excellence and community service.
Today, under the capable leadership of Mrs. Michelle Acquaye, our current headmistress, we continue to build upon this solid foundation while adapting to the demands of modern education and global standards. Mrs. Acquaye has successfully integrated contemporary teaching methodologies with our time-tested values, ensuring that our students are well-prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.
With over 30,000 graduates who have gone on to make significant contributions to society and 800+ current students who embody our motto "Primus Interparis" (The Best Among the Rest), St. Louis Demonstration JHS stands as a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and community support in shaping educational excellence. Our journey from humble beginnings to becoming a recognized institution of learning reflects our unwavering commitment to developing critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and character among our learners.
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Understanding Our School Crest
A Society's Crest is a symbol of those values and aspirations which that society stands for. Inside the St. Louis Crest, therefore, are images that capture the historical background of our school, as well as the aims and intentions of our Founding Mothers for their children. Let's start from the Bottom Left Hand Corner of our Crest, and work through the symbolism that lies in it.
I. THE CASTLE
📚Historical Significance
The castle comes from the fabric of the St. Louis Order. The royalty of St. Louis, King of France, is captured by it.
✨Modern Relevance
The St. Louis girls should radiate the qualities characteristic of royalty in the following ways:
👑i. Leadership
Leadership is integral to royalty. Our girl, therefore, has been born to lead. It is her birthright, just as it is the king's birthright to lead his people. The St. Louis girls should therefore, wear her leadership mantle with grace, and not try to ram it haughtily down anyone's throat. The best leader is one who carries her dependents along in her decision-making, not one who struts and preens around like the proverbial peacock.
🤝ii. Service to Community
Just as the good king serves to make the world a better place for his subjects, so should our St. Louis girl put herself out to brighten whichever corner she finds herself in. Taken against the background of the smiling missionary nuns who put their entire lives at our disposal, this detail tells us to render our service to all and sundry with a smile.
💪iii. Strength of Character
Just as a fortress stands invincible to outside attacks, so should the St. Louis girl stand strong all means. Broaden your horizons, as a part of your learning. Take into consideration all things that deserve to be taken into consideration. But, once you've taken an informed decision, stick to your guns. As Tennyson advises, the St. Louis girl should be strong in will. To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
It is to press this quality home that the nuns used to say, "Girls, you've got to stand on your own two feet." Or "Don't be a jelly-fish." Or "Don't be like the men of Laodecea, blowing neither hot nor cold". Or "Be strong and firm".
II. THE FLEUR DE LIS (Bottom Right)
📚Historical Significance
The lily of the French Court… that is St. Louis's lily… symbolized purity.
✨Modern Relevance
There are two aspects of purity that this symbol calls to mind:
🤍(a) Chastity in Morals and Thought
No prize will be given for connecting the young girl's morals to Christian chastity. In one of Tennyson's poems, he describes the reaction of various flowers as a passionately expected lover approaches them:
The red rose cries, 'She is near, she is near;'
And the white rose weeps; 'She is late;'
The larkspur listens, 'I hear, I hear;'
And the lily whispers, 'I wait.'
This kind of waiting is what our nuns ordered and wished for us. The St. Louis girl is to be pure in word and in deed. She is to wait for the right time to take the right step.
🌸(b) Promise of Blossoming
Another aspect of the lily symbol denotes the promise of pending blossoming. The teenage St. Louis girl, now in school, is being gently cared for until she blossoms into the Bible's lily of the valley. When, in all her glory, she is ready to face the world, and poets like James Elroy Flecker announce her debut with:
How splendid in the morning glows the lily;
With what grace he throws
His supplication to the rose.
St. Louis girl finds, in the process of her blooming, the assurance of glorious days to come. In the lily symbol, then, she is assured that a good deal of grandeur lies in wait for her, if only she will bide her time, and allow herself to be tutored, and pruned, and guided for the ultimate goal.
Especially if our St. Louis girl uses her time of waiting fruitfully, soaking up as much knowledge as the world put her way, she will bloom into a spectacular success. So, it is not only the waiting that has to be done through, but also the positive response to the grooming procedure.
III. THE SWORD
📚Historical Significance
That is St. Louis's sword. He went to the Crusades.
✨Modern Relevance
The Sword and the Chains that hold it up to the top of the Crest warn us that life is no bed of roses. As Robert Louis Stevenson says, "Life… is a field of battle, and not a bed of roses."
The St. Louis girl should come into real life, knowing that she is going to encounter numerous difficulties. She should, however, believe that, with the solid grounding that she has had in survival skills, she will eventually overcome, God willing. And when she does overcome, then, there is the Crown of her Success waiting for her.
💪Essential Lesson
The essential lesson of the sword is that Hard Work and the Exercise of Talents are both essential part of life.
IV. THE LAUREL
📚Historical Significance
The laurel is the symbol of victory, or the crown of success, or the healthy glow of youth and vitality. That is why Rossetti says the laurel is the "the sign of the perfect prime". In ancient Greek times, the victorious athlete had a laurel slipped on his head. So, when the hard work has been done, success crowns one's achievements.
✨Modern Significance
It is important to note that the Laurel encircles the hilt of the Sword. The lesson here is that the sweet smell of success is coupled with the toil of hard work. Only after one has grabbed the bull of hard work (the Sword) by the horns, and has assiduously worked their way through whatever challenges that come their way, can they hope to earn any just reward.
💼Work and Happiness
In other words, our St. Louis students should work very hard if they are, eventually, to land on their feet. This is the background upon which society bases the adage Work and Happiness.
V. THE FRENCH MOTTO: DIEU LE VEULT
📝Classical vs Modern Spelling
Alert readers will notice that the verb in the old logo has an L in it. It is, therefore, spelt Veult. Thus, the Crest in front of St. Louis Training College used to retain the old L, and this spelling is appropriately duplicated on the cover of the College's 40th Anniversary Brochure. That old version reflects the spelling of that verb in Classical French.
Similar instances in other languages:
Classical English
wert → were
art → are
shalt → shall
wilt → will
Modern French
veult → veut
(without the L)
⚓The Permanence Factor in a Motto
The question to be asked is this: Does a motto ever change its construction with the time? Surely, the essence of capturing a feeling, or an idea, or a wish, in a motto is so as to make that feeling, or idea, or wish permanent. A motto is meant to give its beneficiaries (in this case, us the products of St. Louis) a sense of unshakeable stability. It is an anchor that always assures its beneficiary of a rock-of-ages solace. It is like the mother-image….always there. A motto, in this aspect, is a back-to-basics refuge.
It is for this always-the-same reason that most mottos are captured in Classical Latin or Classical Greek. And, these mottos remain in their classical constructions whether Latin changes down to present-day Italian, or whether Ancient Greek changes down to present-day Modern Greek. The property of the motto is to be permanent.
🏛️Tradition vs Trend
We should not allow one single frenzy of trying to move with the times to make us look fickle, and break tradition. Especially, when the Training College in Kumasi maintains the old format, and St. Louis clusters of schools all over the world keep the old format, should we be guided by Ghana's Sankofa doctrine, and go back to the wisdom of tradition?
🏫The Motto of the Religious Order
Historical Significance
Originally, the St. Louis nuns had only the French Dieu Le Veut (God willing) for the School Motto. Some time in the 1960s, the Latin top line, Ut Sint Unum, was added. The Latin addition was tacked on, in order to cater for the St. Louis cluster of schools, so as to distinguish the educational establishments from the convents. Together, the two strings read: God wishes that all may be one.
🌍Modern Significance
History has proved that it is only when there is unity, harmony, and tranquility among people that any kind of development or progress occurs. It, therefore, only makes sense to pray that peace will reign, so that the good fortune that we so wish for will crown our efforts.
We notice also, with interest, that in this short single Motto, two languages coexist without any tears. The Latin top blends into the French bottom to read, and we hardly bat an eyelid as we declare, in yet the third language of English:
MAY GOD WILL IT THAT ALL MAY BE ONE
HARMONY, PEACE and UNITY are our ambition, because these are the prerequisites for success in life.
Our Purpose & Values
Guiding principles that shape our educational approach.
Our Mission
To provide quality education through the Ghana Education Service curriculum, developing critical thinking, creativity, and character that prepares our students for BECE success and lifelong learning.
Our Vision
To become a world-class educational institution that produces globally competitive, morally upright, and innovative leaders who contribute meaningfully to Ghana's development and the global community.
Core Values
St. Louis in the News
Historical media coverage showcasing our journey and achievements.
NAPO donates educational materials to St. Louis College, all basic schools in Manhyia South
Manhyia South MP Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh donates educational materials to support learning at St. Louis and other basic schools.
Read Full ArticleManhyia South MP donates to St. Louis College, 47 basic schools
Educational support initiative by Manhyia South MP benefiting St. Louis College and 47 basic schools in the constituency.
Read Full ArticleMake classroom lively & pupil-friendly
Educational insights for engaging learning environments.
Read Full ArticleSt. Louis JHS lacks infrastructural facilities
Infrastructure challenges and improvement commitment.
Read Full ArticleSt. Louis Demonstration J.H.S - Facebook
Community engagement and school activities showcase.
Watch on YouTubeSchool Activities & Community
School events and community involvement initiatives.
Watch on YouTubeEducational Programs & Student Life
Comprehensive look at educational programs and student life.
Watch on YouTube
Our Facilities & Development Vision
Building towards a modern educational environment that prepares our students for the global digital age.
Classrooms
Traditional classrooms serving our 800+ students. We are working to modernize these spaces with smart boards and improved furniture.
Computer Lab
Basic computer lab that requires significant upgrades to meet modern technology education standards.
School Environment
Spacious grounds providing safe spaces for students to play, learn, and develop social skills.
Teacher Preparation Rooms
Dedicated spaces for teachers to prepare lessons and collaborate. These areas need modernization.
Canteen
Basic canteen facilities that need significant improvement to provide better nutrition and dining experience for students.
Toilet Facilities/Urinals
Current toilet and urinal facilities require major upgrades to meet modern hygiene and accessibility standards.
Science Laboratory
We are actively seeking support to establish a modern science laboratory for hands-on learning.
Library & Resource Center
Planning to create a modern library with digital resources and quiet study areas for our students.
Help Us Build a World-Class Learning Environment
We are continuously seeking support from individuals, organizations, and partners to modernize our facilities and create a learning environment that prepares our students to compete in the rapidly changing global world. Your contribution can help us establish modern science labs, upgrade our computer facilities, create a well-equipped library, and enhance our overall educational infrastructure.
Our Impact & Aspirations
Building on 48 years of educational excellence while working towards our vision of becoming a world-class institution.
Educational Legacy
47+ years • 30,000+ graduates
800+ students • Excellent BECE
Current Strengths
Dedicated staff • Community support
Character focus • Quality curriculum
Future Vision
Modern labs • Digital library
Global standards • Innovation
Join us in transforming St. Louis Demonstration JHS into a world-class educational institution.
❤️Be Part of Our Story