Market Value Assets
Market Value Assets (MVA) include an internship or client-connected project experience, college credit, industry certification, or entrepreneurial experience — that supports future success in the workplace, college and/or in other professional pursuits.
34.0% of Ritenour students in the 2024 graduating class engaged in at least one MVA.
MVA’s are defined as industry-valued and recognized skills acquired in high school that create a more seamless transition from school to postsecondary education and the workplace.
MVA’s include information that students would include on their resumes or college applications.
Below is information from Ritenour High School from the 2023-2024 school year. Out of 404 total graduates, 34% (137 of 404) participated in at least one Market Value Asset (MVA).
Business Partnerships - Ritenour Work-Based Learning
Ritenour High School (RHS) has connected with many local businesses to create opportunities and real-life work experiences for our students. These partnerships and programs help students apply academic and technical skills and develop employability skills all while completing their high school education. At the same time, employers receive assistance in hiring and training qualified employees to help grow their businesses.
Work-based learning and internship programs occur in a work setting, typically at an employer’s worksite. The work-based and internship activities are coordinated with school-based activities to show students the “why” of what they are learning. These programs provide our students with career awareness, career exploration opportunities, and career planning activities. And most importantly, they help our students reach competencies such as positive work attitudes and employability skills.
Students who enjoy the many opportunities to work with our business partners will also receive many benefits. Students will earn income and receive high school credits at the same time. They will also gain access to community networking opportunities and learn career skills while on the job. Most importantly, this program will help students learn life skills such as attendance, character, teamwork, attitude, productivity, organization, and communication.
The Work-Based Learning Program offers RHS Students the opportunity to work at local businesses in the evenings and on weekends. The opportunities include but are not limited to paid employment, internships, apprenticeships, and volunteer experiences. Working in the community provides many benefits to our students such as earning credit while making money, developing life skills, and power skills such as communication, networking, organization, productivity, punctuality, and teamwork all of which increase employability. In addition, Seniors can apply to participate in a variety of programs that include partnerships with local businesses.
Existing Business Partnerships Include (2024-2025 School Year):
- Spectrum High School Internship Program
- Connect 4 Success Businesses (ElectroSavings Credit Union, Fletcher Reinhardt, Frost Supply, Once Upon A Child, and Spectrum Brands)
Entrepreneurial Experiences
AMPED (Algebra through the Lens of Manufacturing Processes, Entrepreneurship, and Design) is a hands-on learning program where Ritenour High School (RHS) students apply algebra concepts while operating a business. They run an advanced fabrication lab, customizing textile products and manufacturing various items for RHS clubs, sports teams, and fundraising ventures. This real-world experience integrates math, entrepreneurship, and design, allowing students to develop practical skills in business operations and advanced manufacturing processes while supporting their school community.
Ritenour Seal of Biliteracy
The Seal of Biliteracy designation is awarded by Ritenour High School to graduating students who have attained proficiency in English and any other world language, including sign language. To qualify, students are assessed in speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
The purpose of the seal is to encourage the study of a second language and recognize students for their accomplishments. It also provides colleges, universities, and employers a way to identify bilingual graduates. Students can use the seal to earn college credit and apply for scholarships at many state and national colleges and universities.
Students whose first language is not English can earn the seal, as well as those who are studying world languages. According to data from October 2023, 29 languages other than English are currently spoken by Ritenour students and their families – with Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, and French being the most common. More than 1,300 students in Ritenour are English Language Learners.
Ritenour School District’s commitment to the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy has many benefits, such as: encouraging students to study a second language, preparing students with 21st-century skills that increase their ability in a global society, and strengthening relationships between cultures in our community. Part of the process for students to acquire the Seal of Biliteracy involves a service project. Students can give back to the community and teach others about languages and culture.
Ritenour High School JROTC Program
The JROTC curriculum at Ritenour High School includes coursework on leadership, civics, geography and global awareness, health and wellness, language arts, life skills, and U.S. history. The curriculum is based on the principles of performance-based, learner-centered education. It promotes the student’s development of core abilities such as capacity for life-long learning, communication, responsibility for actions and choices, good citizenship, respectful treatment of others, and critical thinking techniques. More important than “what” is learned in JROTC is “how” it is learned. Teachers are trained to utilize a range of technologies and develop social/emotional skills, support academic content through gaming and simulations, and promote the role of social media. Thus, students engage in meaningful, purposeful activities that lead them to demonstrate success through a portfolio of accomplishments. Every learning experience in the curriculum addresses Core Abilities, Program Outcomes, and Course Competencies; building on their developing skills and abilities, which are critical to success in high school and post-secondary career.
There are many benefits for students who join the JROTC program at Ritenour High School. If a student completes three years of JROTC training and decides to join the military upon graduation, they will be promoted automatically from Private to Private First Class (a three-rank promotion). Students who graduate high school having been a part of the program will be well prepared to succeed in post-secondary options because JROTC helps them make decisions that promote positive social, emotional, and physical health. Students in the JROTC program at Ritenour High School participate in various service learning projects and team competitions throughout the year that help them grow into well-rounded individuals. Ritenour is dedicated to helping the Army JROTC with their mission: “To Motivate Young People to be Better Citizens.
Dual Enrollment
When we look at the strides our students have made, it’s clear that dual enrollment is a game-changer. Our partnership with St. Louis Community College (STLCC) has really paid off, and it’s exciting to share that 30 students from the Class of 2024 have earned 9 or more college credits before even walking across the graduation stage.
This isn’t just a numbers game. These 30 students have managed to get a head start on their college education while still in high school, which gives them a leg up in so many ways. Earning college credits early means they’re saving money on tuition, possibly finishing their degrees faster, and stepping into their next academic or career phase with a solid edge.
These credits are more than just a line on a transcript—they represent a real, tangible benefit for these students. They’ve tackled college-level coursework, shown they can handle advanced material, and are proving that they’re ready for the challenges of higher education and beyond.
Our collaboration with STLCC has been a fantastic asset, making a big difference in the lives of these students. Seeing 30 of them achieve this milestone in the Class of 2024 highlights the success of our program and the positive impact it’s having. It’s a clear win for our students and a testament to the strength of our educational partnerships.
In short, these dual enrollment credits are a significant asset for our students, setting them up for future success and showcasing the value of the opportunities we’re providing.
Ritenour Career and Technical Education
The Ritenour School District is approved to offer Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses in six program areas. Approved program areas include: Business Education, Marketing and Cooperative Education, Health Science Education, Family Consumer Sciences and Human Services Education, Skilled Technical Sciences Education, and Technology and Engineering Education.
Within the various program areas, eight programs of study are offered. Programs of study include: Management and Administration, Biomedical Science, Culinary Arts, Education and Training, Fashion and Housing Design, TV/Radio Broadcasting, Computer Science, and Engineering.
All programs of study, when coupled with work-based learning, allow students to complete at least 3.0 credits of sequential coursework allowing them to obtain participant or completer status.
Programs of study provide students the opportunity to show proficiency through earning an Industry Recognized Credential (IRC) or multiple Stackable Credentials. Examples offered in Ritenour include: Fundamental Business Concepts, OSHA10, ServSafe Food Handler, ServSafe Food Protection Manager, Culinary Arts, Education Fundamentals, Fashion, Textiles, and Apparel, and Interior Design Fundamentals. Additional IRCs are offered to students that attend North Technical High School.
Experiencing Success
The latest follow-up data from our 180 follow up underscores a remarkable achievement: 338 out of 348 students have successfully enrolled in higher education, enlisted in the military, or secured meaningful employment. This impressive statistic highlights the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for the next stages of their lives.
Out of the total 2023 cohort, nearly all participants have transitioned into their chosen paths, reflecting a high level of readiness and adaptability fostered by the Graduate 180 initiative. This success rate not only demonstrates the program's impact on student outcomes but also underscores the commitment of our educational team to equipping students with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.