The Des Peres School, built in 1873 from plans by German-born Frederick W. Raeder, was the site of the meeting of the first public school kindergarten. The kindergarten was initiated by Susan Blow, who had studied Froebel's principles and methods in Germany.

The present owner of the building at 6303 Michigan Avenue, The Carondelet Historical Society, is in the process of restoring the original kindergarten room.