At Castlio, our entire team is committed to ensuring that every single student finds success. We operate on a simple but powerful belief: all children can learn, grow, and thrive. Every day, we show up ready to support that growth through meaningful, engaging learning experiences.
Our dedicated staff and teachers focus on the whole child. While academic achievement is a top priority, we are equally passionate about helping students develop confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. We take immense pride in fostering a safe, caring environment where every student is truly known, valued, and celebrated.
We are proud to partner with you on this educational journey. One of the things that makes Castlio so special is our community. The strong bond shared among our families, students, and staff is our greatest strength. Together, we create a culture where everyone belongs and everyone contributes to our shared success.
In 1881 Colonel Francis Howell, founder of the Francis Howell School District (FHSD), financed the establishment of an academy for children in the area. The academy was known as the Howell Institute of Learning. In 1917, the institute became a state high school until the TNT plant was located in Weldon Springs. In 1940, it became part of Consolidated School District No. 2.
Castlio Elementary School is named after Hiram Beverly Castlio, the nephew of Francis Howell. Mr. Castlio was the executor of Francis Howell’s estate. He supported Howell Institute with his time as an active member of the board and one of the original trustees of the endowment fund. Upon his death a matching donation was made to the school.
Francis Howell School District covers approximately 150 square miles. It is the eighth largest district in the state of Missouri. Castlio Elementary School opened in 1981 with 500 students in grades K-6. Castlio Elementary doubled in size with the beginning of the 1989-1990 school year and currently serves approximately 1000 students. Herman Wilfong served as the principal from the opening until retiring at the end of the 1994 school year. Joyce Oitker was the principal beginning in 1994 until her retirement in June 1998. Dr. Cathy Bear was selected as the third person to lead Castlio Elementary School into the next millennium. Nancy Jamieson began serving as principal from May 2000- 2004. Starting July 2004 Dr. Bridgett Niedringhaus served as principal until her retirement in June 2018. Mr. Scholle is Castlio’s Principal for the 2022-2023 school year.
Castlio Elementary School is the home of the Cougars; our colors are red and white.
As a District focused on continuous improvement, each of our 23 schools develops a site-based school improvement plan every year. The plan outlines the goals and actions the building plans to take throughout the year to improve various areas of performance.
A pyramid of intervention is a tiered approach to prevention and intervention strategies to support students both academically and behaviorally. The pyramid uses a variety of strategies and techniques to help all students stay on the right track. The foundation of the pyramid offers Tier 1 supports for all students. Tier 2 interventions provide additional support for smaller groups of students who need more targeted help. Tier 3 provides the most intensive supports for individual students when Tier 1 and 2 interventions have been unsuccessful. Our schools review and update their pyramid on a regular basis to ensure new strategies are incorporated and all are aligned with best practice.
Castlio exists to empower a community of successful learners.
School Handbook
The student handbook summarizes District policy and contains general guidelines and information. Translated copies of this Handbook are available. Contact the school office.
