Moline Elementary School has been selected to join the 2025-26 cohort of the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge (EELC), a major initiative aimed at closing literacy gaps and ensuring children across St. Louis achieve reading proficiency by third grade. Through the grant, Moline will receive a $5,000 planning grant and up to $200,000 in implementation funding.
The EELC, backed by a $1 million investment from St. Louis-based Emerson, engages local school districts in a two-year, immersive learning experience designed to connect educators with the latest research and best practices in literacy instruction.
Moline’s selection comes after several years of notable academic growth and national recognition. The school has been recognized internationally as a Promising Practices in a PLC at Work school and featured as an Evidence of Excellence school by Solution Tree, citing its strong early literacy results. Moline was also honored by Saint Louis University’s PRiME Center for its English Language Arts and math growth over the past two to three years.
“We’re proud of the progress our students and staff have made,” said Moline Elementary Principal Amber White. “Our teachers are committed to continuous learning and using research-based strategies to ensure every student becomes a confident reader.”
Since 2022, Moline has increased student attendance by nearly 10 percent each year and implemented LETRS training to strengthen foundational literacy instruction. The school began exploring Science of Reading practices four years ago—prior to the district-wide rollout—demonstrating its leadership in literacy innovation.
By joining the EELC cohort, Moline aims to build on this momentum and serve as a model for literacy growth across the Riverview Gardens School District.
“The Emerson Early Literacy Challenge represents an opportunity to deepen our learning and share what’s working,” White said. “We’re excited to continue leading the way for our students and community.”