The Board of Education has approved an expansion of Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities at Pacific High School through a new partnership with St. Louis Community College at the Wildwood campus. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, the new CTE Academy will offer juniors and seniors a half-day, dual-enrollment pathway toward industry-recognized credentials and college degrees.
Student interest in vocational and technical training continues to exceed available space in the Four Rivers Vocational Program. The CTE Academy is designed to expand access and ensure more students can pursue high-demand career pathways while still enrolled in high school.
Through the program, students may earn up to 13 college credit hours per year while working toward industry credentials, certificates, or associate degrees. Programs are intentionally aligned with workforce needs, preparing graduates for immediate employment or advanced standing in college.
CTE pathway options include:
Advanced Manufacturing
Cybersecurity
Geospatial and Drone Piloting
Health Science
Software Development
The CTE Academy will operate as a morning program from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m., allowing students to maintain a full high school schedule similar to the district’s Early College Program. Students will enroll in 2-3 college courses each semester at an STLCC campus. As with Early College, students are responsible for their own transportation and textbook costs.
To support the launch of the program, the Meramec Valley Bridge Foundation has committed financial support, including a $10,000 startup gift and a $4,000 annual recurring donation to help ensure the program’s long-term sustainability.
Program planning and outreach will take place in early 2026, with student and parent presentations scheduled for February. Student applications will be due February 27, and the CTE Academy will officially launch in fall 2026.