Elite Nail Institute

Elite Nail Institute is a privately owned school at 235 Salt Lick Rd in St. Peters. It focuses solely on nail technology rather than general cosmetology. Learners come from across the St. Louis area, including St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Lincoln County, Pike County, Franklin County and nearby communities. Prospective students may visit the campus in person or take a virtual tour before they apply.

The 400-hour program covers manicuring, hand and arm massage, nail and skin structure, nail and skin diseases and disorders, human anatomy and physiology, nail art and nail design. It also includes the chemistry and electricity needed for manicuring, state laws and regulations, business practices, and safety and infection control. Roughly 220 hours go to manicuring, massage and nail treatment, 40 to the use of certain chemicals, and 80 to miscellaneous lectures, tests, review and State Board preparation. Students practice in a student salon, and the school offers extra training in in-demand premium services beyond what the State Board requires. Instruction follows the Milady's Nail Technology curriculum.

The evening program runs Monday to Friday from 3:00pm to 8:00pm and can be finished in as little as 16 weeks with perfect attendance. Schedules may change depending on enrollment and instructor availability. Classes start in January, May and September. Admission includes a tour, an interview and an application; applicants must be 17 or older and submit a government photo ID, Social Security card, birth certificate, a high school diploma, GED or transcript, and a 2x2 photo. Submitting an application does not guarantee admission. A $50 non-refundable application fee is required, and a $37.99 non-refundable student license fee is paid to the state board. Payment plans are available under a Payment Plan Agreement, with payments due on the 5th of each month by 4pm. Late payments bring fees and a financial hold. The school accepts personal checks, cashier's checks, money orders, debit cards and major credit cards. Books, kits and supplies must be purchased through the school's vendor, and outside nail products and equipment are not permitted in the building.

The school says it is not yet accredited and does not currently have federal Title IV funding. Financial aid is not available for programs under 600 hours, and the school does not accept financial aid or VA benefits or transfer hours. Graduates pay state board testing fees for the written and practical exams after completing the program. The school aims to prepare students for work in salons, spas, private clients and medical offices, and it serves working professionals and people balancing jobs and other responsibilities. Class sizes are kept small for more individual attention.

Focuses exclusively on nail technology education and prepares students for the Missouri State Board theory and practical examinations.

Small classes with a low student-to-teacher ratio give students more individual attention.