International Welcome Center

The International Welcome Center serves Ritenour students from Hoech and Ritenour middle schools, as well as from  Ritenour High School, who need intensive English Language Learner (ELL) support with accelerated English training. The program also provides an introduction to the U.S. culture and school system, and exposure to educational expectations and opportunities. The center gives students the support they need throughout their school day in an environment that values their home cultures. 

International Welcome Center Hours

Student Arrival: 7:10 a.m. (for breakfast at school)
School Begins: 7:30 a.m. (students in classrooms ready to learn) 
Student Dismissal: 1:15 p.m.   
Early dismissal:  7:10 - 11:20 a.m.  

About Us

In addition to helping the students academically, the center also helps their parents or guardians navigate the school community. The staff provides information about community resources, health-care services and social service agencies that can help non-English speaking families. Ritenour also offers free English classes for adults, parenting classes and many other resources. 

What We Teach

At the International Welcome Center, a team of dedicated staff members meets the needs of students and their parents. Ritenour teachers and teacher assistants help students learn how to read, write and speak English, as well as in mathematics. A bilingual interpreter is the center's parent liaison. In addition, district social workers assist with students and families each week.

Students may also participate in weekly nutrition and health classes through a partnership with University of  Missouri Extension Program. While at the center, high school students earn credit toward graduation.

Students spend one to four semesters at the International Welcome Center before transitioning to their home school -- Ritenour High School, or Hoech or Ritenour middle schools.