What Is It Known For?
American Trade School, founded in 2003, provides hands-on training for students pursuing careers in skilled trades. Located in St. Ann, Missouri, the school focuses on industry-specific education that prepares graduates for in-demand jobs. With an enrollment of around 120 students per year, class sizes remain small, allowing instructors to dedicate more time to each student’s progress.
Smaller class settings create a learning environment where students receive individualized instruction and practical training that aligns with industry needs. By emphasizing relevant skills, the curriculum helps students build a strong foundation for success in their chosen trade.
Degrees & Certifications
American Trade School offers two programs, both designed to be completed in 14 months, providing students with the skills needed to start their careers quickly.
Available programs include:
- HVAC Training
- Electrical Training
Class Schedules
American Trade School offers both day and evening classes to accommodate different schedules. Day classes run from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM, while evening classes take place from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM, Monday through Thursday.
Since the training is hands-on, all courses are held in person, with no online or hybrid options. While the school does not include externships as part of its programs, it provides job placement assistance to help students connect with employment opportunities after graduation.
Is It a Good School?
Yes, American Trade School is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Acceptance Rate
American Trade School in St. Ann, Missouri, has an open admissions policy, making it 100% accessible to anyone ready to start a career in the trades.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the average annual cost for the school’s largest program, HVAC Training, is approximately $17,510 per year. This estimate includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, and living expenses after factoring in average grants and scholarships for federal financial aid recipients.
For the most up-to-date and detailed cost breakdown, it’s best to use the school’s Net Price Calculator.
Programs & Courses
Skilled Trades
- HVAC
- Electrical
Campus Locations
Saint Ann 3925 Industrial Drive Saint Ann, MO 63074
Reviews
Based on the provided Google reviews, American Trade School has a very strong and consistently positive reputation, driven by its exceptional instructors, hands-on programs, and successful student outcomes. The feedback is overwhelmingly favorable, with almost no significant criticisms.
Overall Score: 4.6/5 Stars (from 52 reviews)
Common Praises
Exceptional and Caring Instructors: This is the most frequent and powerful praise. Certain instructors are repeatedly described as “fantastic,” “knowledgeable,” and “top-notch.” Reviewers highlight their willingness to take extra time to explain concepts and their genuine dedication to student success. A key point is that students feel their instructors genuinely care about their progress both in class and after graduation.
Effective and Hands-On Programs: The HVAC and Electrical programs are highly praised for their comprehensive, in-depth curriculum and hands-on approach. Students note that the programs provide all the necessary knowledge and skills to start a career, with some even finding work before they graduated.
Strong Career Outcomes: Many reviewers state that attending the school was one of the “best decisions” they ever made, with the education leading to fulfilling careers and even the ability to start their own businesses. The school’s job placement and career services are noted as a significant positive.
Supportive Staff and Administration: The staff is consistently described as professional, helpful, and welcoming. The school is praised for its streamlined process for veterans using the GI Bill, its helpful financial aid services, and its job board for students.
Positive Industry Reputation: A business owner with over 40 years of experience endorsed the school, stating it has “by far been the best” for training employees. This external validation adds significant credibility to the school’s programs.
Common Criticisms
The provided reviews contain no significant or recurring criticisms. The only minor point was a student’s desire for more training simulators, but this was balanced by their overall high praise for the school.
Momentum
The reviews show a strong and sustained positive momentum. The feedback is consistently excellent and spans from the last few months to several years ago, with a large concentration of recent praise. The school’s owner is highly active and personally responds to nearly every review, both positive and negative, which demonstrates a strong commitment to its student community. The combination of consistently high ratings, successful student outcomes, and active engagement indicates that the school is maintaining an excellent reputation.