Rock Bridge High School
| Type | High School |
|---|---|
| Year Opened | 1970 |
| Principal | Kathy Ritter |
| Address | 4304 S Providence Rd |
| Phone Number | 573-214-3100 |
| Website | N/A |
| Student Capacity | 1701 |
| Students Enrolled | 1592 |
| Number of Teachers | N/A |
| Number of Trailers | N/A |
| Enrolled in Lunch Program | 156 |
| White Population | 1386 |
| Black Population | 185 |
| Hispanic Population | 49 |
| Asian Population | 83 |
| American Indian Population | 4 |
| MAP Score Math | N/A |
| MAP Score Communication Arts | N/A |
By ANNE SHIFLEY
COLUMBIA — Rock Bridge High School ranked among the top 10 performers in Missouri Assessment Program testing by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. It was one of only two high schools in Missouri receiving U.S. News and World Report’s silver award for public high schools across the nation. The girls’ basketball and boys’ tennis teams won state championship titles. Undoubtedly, the 2007-2008 school year was prosperous for Rock Bridge High School.
But Principal Kathy Ritter said students are as passionate about performing arts, music and the visual arts as they are about academics and athletics.
“I think it’s built into the culture here, whether it’s a musical, band or club things,” Ritter said, “Students enjoy performing.”
Student artwork adorns the hallways and the call for self-expression manifests itself in more than 50 clubs and groups at Rock Bridge, many of which are unique to the school.
“Any student with an idea for a club can start one,” Ritter said. Club ideas must be passed by the student council, but the sky is the limit if student interests are not being met by current clubs. The vast array of clubs reflects the diverse student body, Ritter said.
Dance Unique is a high-energy performance club for students interested in modern dance. Those interested in Japanese anime can join others passionate about the genre’s movies, cartoons and artwork in Kawaii Club. Harry Potter fans talk magic in the Port Key Club. Students can brush up on their hand-eye coordination in the Ping-Pong Club.
Rock Bridge also adds individuality to otherwise common high school events. Representatives of the sophomore, junior and senior classes careen around the gym atop teetering tricycles to the cheers of classmates in the trike race at the fall Homecoming assembly.
Machismo and suavity reign later in the year when clubs elect candidates to represent them in the Mr. Student Body contest in March. The student council judges contestants based on the swimsuit, talent, formal-wear and in-depth question divisions. They pull out all the stops in competition for the $100 prize for the winning club, Ritter said. “It’s just gut-splitting to watch.”
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