History of Ritenour
The Ritenour School District, located in Northwest St. Louis County, is one of the oldest districts in the metropolitan area. Our proud history began with Buck School, a one-room log cabin built in 1846.
Today, Ritenour embraces the exciting challenges of the future. We have grown from that one room cabin into 10 schools, an early childhood center and a large adult education program. More than 800 professional, caring employees, plus active district parents and a highly supportive community work together to educate a culturally, socially and economically diverse student population of more than 6,100 children and young adults.
Our history of educational excellence is well documented. The district is fully accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and our high school is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Ritenour boasts national Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, Missouri Gold Star schools, and numerous national and state champions in both academics and athletics. The district has also earned national awards for academic improvement, community engagement and financial management.
Ritenour schools are among the best in St. Louis County. Since 1990, voters have overwhelmingly approved millions in bond issue renovations to dramatically restore all district facilities including air conditioning, new classrooms, updated technology infrastructures, classroom Internet connections, security and safety improvements, and additional multi-media computer workstations and labs.
Ritenour is truly a place to call home. The nine municipalities that comprise Ritenour evoke a strong sense of “neighborhood” for people of all ages to live and work together. Parks, community centers, hospitals, shopping centers and churches are always nearby.
Situated near the heart of the metropolitan St. Louis area, Ritenour is a highly accessible community that features new commercial growth and offers a vast array of businesses. Extending southward from Lambert International Airport, the district is bounded on each side by major traffic arteries and is only 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis.
Ritenour’s prime location in the heart of St. Louis County makes it an easy-to-reach, viable element in a city rich in culture and traditions. In St. Louis, you are never far from fun. Whether you enjoy museums, the symphony, professional sports or the theater, St. Louis and the Ritenour School District is a great place to call home. By remembering our traditions and embracing the changes of our future, Ritenour is truly a place to grow and a place to learn.
