The future of St. Louis is HERE! We had a very inspiring visit to Cardinal Ritter College Prep in the city last week.
Our tour was led by the students themselves. They gave us a real glimpse into what makes this school so special. We caught the marching band during practice, checked out their athletics program (23 state titles!), and walked through their impressive student-run art gallery. Every student we met was sharp, focused, and full of grit.
We also had the chance to learn more about their academics. The school offers five science courses—Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, and Environmental Science—and starts freshman year with a required leadership class that sets the tone from day one.
President Tamiko Armstead proudly shared their 100% college acceptance rate and an impressive 82% college completion rate. AND the Class of 2024 boasted a 100% graduation rate. A job very well done to all these incredible change-makers!
But Cardinal Ritter is about more than the stats. It’s a place where students are being prepared to lead and succeed beyond the classroom. The values of faith, pride, service, and community are lived out every day. It is an institution that reflects the limitless value of what happens when people go Beyond These Walls to uplift others.
The school has deep roots in my hometown of St. Louis. It opened in 1979 and was named after Cardinal Joseph Ritter, who fought for equality and helped integrate Catholic schools in the city. Since then, it’s become a place where African-American students from across the city are being equipped academically, personally, and spiritually to lead and serve their communities.
Our visit made it clear that these students aren’t waiting their turn to lead–they’re already standing at the forefront! Thank you to President Armstead and the whole team for the warm welcome and for showing us what’s possible when a school is fully invested in its mission and its people.
Let’s keep supporting and inspiring the leaders of tomorrow!
