Where about in St. Louis are you? There are options for all sides of town. North in St. Charles you have St. Charles Flying Service not the best airplanes but cheap. In Chesterfield you have Air Associates nice planes more $$$. St. Louis downtown on the other side even has options. I would try to get a 141 school due to your time frame. Also pricing sounds about right for private if you have any questions let me know. I have dealt with Air Associates and St. Charles flying service personally.