Junior and senior students have the opportunity to attend South Tech High School for half a day to gain hands on experience in their chosen major. Students continue to take their core classes at Affton High School and attend South Tech for their elective classes. South Tech is a great opportunity for students who enjoy hands on learning, want to get involved in their chosen career now, and want to begin earning certifications and career skills while still in high school.
Students are encouraged to apply to South Tech early during their sophomore year. Many programs are competitive. Admission to South Tech is based on completion of required credits, attendance, and discipline.
For application and more information visit southtechnical.org
Auto Collision Repair
This major offers a curriculum focused on the repair and appearance of the interior and exterior of vehicles. Students learn how to assess, estimate, and repair using modern welding, sanding, masking, and painting techniques using the same advanced equipment found in professional auto collision repair companies.
College Credit Offered: Ranken & State Technical College
Certifications Offered: Automobile Service Excellence (ASE) Student Certification in Nonstructional/Paint & Refinishing; S/P2 Safety Certification
Automotive Technology
This major is driven by the 4 main systems of vehicle operation - brakes, suspension and steering, engine performance, and electrical/electronics. Students will diagnose, service, and repair a wide range of vehicles alongside their ASE certified Master Technician instructor. The classroom includes modern diagnostic equipment which students operate as they work toward multiple ASE certifications.
College Credit Offered: Ranken and State Technical College
Certifications Offered: Automobile Service Excellence (ASE) Student Certification in Brakes, Electrical, Engine Performance, Suspension; S/P2 Safety Certification; Snap-On Certification
Carpentry
**Seniors Only**Students will build a skill set that includes framing, estimating, roofing, and interior finishing and learn how to read and interpret blueprints. They will build structures using a wide range of professional power tools and carpentry materials while earning apprenticeship and college credit.
College Credit Offered: Ranken
Apprenticeship Credit Offered: Carpenter’s Joint Apprenticeship Training Program, Students who successfully complete the Career Connections Level 3 certifications will obtain two units of elective credit.
Certifications Offered: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - 10 Hour Construction Industry; CPR
Cisco Networking Academy
This academy is an honors course in which students learn how to design, install and troubleshoot complex computer networks. They will navigate a variety of projects as they complete CISCO’s online curriculum in preparation for their certification exams.
College Credit Offered: St. Louis Community College, 10 credits; St. Charles Community College, 25 credits; Jefferson College, 5 credits; Ranken & State Technical College
Certifications Offered: CompTIA A+ Certification, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification; Cisco Student Certification
Construction Innovations
Students customize a year or semester of construction exploration to match their interests. A wide variety of quarter long courses give students a solid foundation of basic knowledge and experience. Students can continue into an Advanced Construction course in their second year. Students choose from: Carpentry, Electrical Trades, Floor Layers Middle Apprenticeship, General Construction or Heating, Ventailation, and Air Conditioning.
Certifications Offered: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - 10 hour Construction; CPR
Constructions Trades
**Seniors Only** Students build a skill set that includes framing, estimating, roofing, and interior finishing, learn how to read and interpret blueprints and build structures using a wide range of professional power tools and carpentry materials, and hone employability skills through study of the PACT curriculum.
College Credit Offered: Ranken Technical College
Certifications Offered: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – 10 hour Construction Industry; CPR
Cosmetology
This is an exclusive high school program offering the same curriculum as a beauty college without tuition costs. All aspects of cosmetology including all hair, nail, and skincare services are included. Students learn in a full-service salon along with classroom instruction from licensed Cosmetologists. By graduation, students will have had the opportunity to earn all of the hours required to take their Missouri State Board certification exam to become a licensed cosmetologist. **Students MUST begin this program at the start of their junior year - no mid-year or senior enrollment is available. *** Attendance requirements must be maintained to ensure eligibility for the Missouri State Board of Certification exam.
Certifications Offered: Cosmetology Missouri State Board of Certification; Barbicide Certification
Culinary Arts
The Culinary Arts program is taught in a modern, fully equipped, restaurant style kitchen as required by the American Culinary Federation for certification. Students plan, prepare, and cater meals alongside professional chefs in both the classroom, compete at various competitions throughout the year, and participate in exclusive mentorship and shadowing programs with some of our region’s most recognized culinary leaders. **Students must be vaccinated for Hepatitis A to comply with St. Louis County Health Department requirements and work in the culinary kitchens.
College Credit Offered: St. Louis Community College, 10 credits • Sullivan University, 3 credits • Johnson and Wales University, 13.5 1⁄4 hours • Robert Morris University, 9 1⁄4 hours • Southwestern Illinois College, 8 credits
Certifications Offered: American Culinary Federation Certification; Servsafe Certification
Dental Sciences
Students are immersed into clinical experience in both the classroom and through internships available during the senior year. Our modern operatory includes real world tools and equipment which allow students to conduct mock exams and perform X-rays, preventative and restorative practices, and emergency care.
College Credit Offered: Missouri Baptist University, Dual Credit, 8 credits; additional opportunities through State Technical College
Certifications Offered: Dental Assisting National Board, Missouri Test of Basic Dental Assisting Skills • CPR Certification • Permit to Assist The Administration of and Monitor Nitrous Oxide Analgesia • OSHA Healthcare Certification
Design & Entrepreneurship
This engaging program provides students the opportunity to learn the fundamental skills of three dimensional design using cutting edge design software, hands-on building of prototypes of their designs in our state of the art MAKES lab, and the concepts of design thinking. Throughout the program students will meet entrepreneurs, network with industry professionals and collaborate with their peers to solve real world problems.
Certifications Offered: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - 10 hour Certification; S/P2 Safety Certification; Certiport
Early Childhood Education
Students become teachers in our certified preschools as they research, create, and implement lesson plans while learning effective preschool teaching techniques. Upon graduation, students will have a portfolio of work to present to colleges and/or employers along with early childhood certifications.
College Credit Offered: St. Louis Community College, 6 credits
Certifications Offered: American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) - Early Childhood Certification; CPR and First Aid Certifications; ServSafe Food Handler Certification
Electrical Trades
**Seniors Only** Students will learn how to design, stage, and install commercial and residential electrical wiring for power and telecommunications systems. Skills taught include blueprint interpretation, layout, design, and programming equipment and an emphasis on logical thinking.
College Credit Offered: American Trade School, 12 hours; Ranken Technical College and State Technical College
Certifications Offered: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - 10 hour Construction Industry ; CPR
Electronics & Robotics Engineering
Exploring the complex electrical, electronic, mechanical, and robotic components used in manufacturing and industry is the goal of this course. Students will also design and program robots for the annual FIRST Robotics Competition using modern equipment and techniques.
College Credit Offered: St. Louis Community College - 4 credits
Certifications Offered: International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) – 4 certifications in DC Electronics, AC Electronics, Semiconductor, and Digital Electronics
Firefighting/Emergency Medical Technician
Our Firefighting and Emergency Medical Technician major is an academy level course that immerses students into academy level training. Using a wide range of firefighting and life-saving medical and diagnostic equipment, students develop their skills through real world emergency scenarios and field experiences.
College Credit Offered: St. Louis Community College - 10 credits; Southwestern Illinois College - 6 credits
Certifications Offered: Fire I and Fire II certifications,, Emergency Medical Technician Basic certification through National Registry, National First Responder certification, Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations certification
Floor Layers Middle Apprenticeship
**Seniors Only** Students begin their post-secondary training while in high school in this exclusive apprenticeship. While learning to install hardwood, vinyl, carpet, and ceramic flooring students earn credit that can also lead to an associate’s degree shortly after high school graduation. Paid summer internships with licensed contractors are also available.
Apprenticeship Credit Offered: U.S. Department of Labor Journey Level Certificate – Students completing the program will be able to articulate this certificate into college credit with Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana. With an additional 15 hours/5 courses, the student will earn an Associates Degree in Applied Science.
Certifications Offered: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – 10 hour Construction Industry Certification; CPR
Graphic Design
A student’s passion for art is channeled into advertising and marketing projects using the full Adobe Suite of design software. Through advanced tutorials combined with a study of fonts, color theory, sketching and drawing, students will produce a professional portfolio of their work to share with prospective colleges and employers upon graduation.
College Credit Offered: St. Louis Community College, 3 credits
Certifications Offered: Adobe certifications in Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop
Health Sciences
This course fully immerses students into healthcare through lab and patient care experiences, college-level academic coursework in anatomy and physiology, and clinical rotations at area hospitals and assisted living facilities. Students MUST begin this program at the start of their junior year - no mid-year or senior enrollment is available. Students must meet all vaccination requirements of our clinical providers, including the Covid-19 vaccination.
College Credit Offered: St. Louis Community College - 4 credits; Missouri Baptist University, Dual Credit - 8 credits; State Technical College
Certifications Offered: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - State of Missouri certification • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) –10 hour General Industry – Healthcare Certification • CPR and First Aid certifications
Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
**Seniors Only** Students learn how to design, install, repair, and maintain residential and commercial refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning systems. Blueprint reading, electrical schematics, and operational sequencing charts are taught in preparation for certification exams.
College Credit Offered: American Trade School, 12 hours; Ranken Technical College and State Technical College
Certifications Offered: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – 10 hour Construction Industry Certification • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – 608, Refrigeration Handling certification
Law Enforcement
Police Academy training is conducted through an array of training exercises, crime scenarios, self-defense, and fitness training. Students will learn conflict mediation and resolution, investigation techniques, and be trained in the use of advanced law enforcement-related training equipment, including vehicles
College Credit Offered: St. Louis Community College - 6 credits
Certifications Offered: International Academies of Emergency Dispatch Emergency Telecommunicator Certification; 911 Dispatch; Red Cross First Aid and AED Certification; CPR; Multiple FEMA/Homeland Security certification courses
Pharmacy Sciences
**One Year Only** Using the same advanced equipment as industry professionals, students test and research drug treatments and interactions. Students also learn the skills required for multiple careers in this pathway, including those needed in retail, hospital, and medical center pharmacies.
College Credit Offered: Missouri Baptist University, Dual Credit - 4 to 8 credits
Certifications offered: PassAssured • Missouri Pharmacy Technician License; OSHA 10 hour; CPR
Precision Machining
Students invent, design, and manufacture tools and components for a wide range of production while learning how to use advanced computer controlled technology, 3D printing, and traditional machining skills. Project based learning includes training in MasterCAM and Computer Aided Design (CAD) software.
College Credit Offered: St. Louis Community College, 5 credits; Ranken Technical College and State Technical College
Certifications Offered: National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) – Measurement, Materials & Safety Certification, Job Planning, Benchwork & Layout Certification
Veterinary Assistant
The science of veterinary medicine, including animal care and training, clinical procedures, medical terminology, grooming, and disease prevention are key components of this course. Students interact daily with a wide variety of animals fostered in our facilities and provide their medical care while learning from certified professionals.
College Credit Offered: Jefferson College, 2 credits
Certifications Offered: Certified Vet Assistant - State of Missouri Vet Med Association
Web & Computer Programming
Students will learn how to write and edit source code and applets using several programming languages including HTML and Java. Students will design, create, and maintain software, databases, and web pages while earning certifications.
College Credit Offered: St. Louis Community College, 5 credits; Ranken Technical College and State Technical College
Certifications Offered: Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Certification – HTML5 or Software Development; Python Essentials
Welding
This competitive program teaches students to design, engineer, build, and troubleshoot complex metal fabrication challenges. Through high-level training and challenging competitions, students perfect modern welding processes while earning welding certifications.
College Credit Offered: Ranken and State Technical College
Certifications Offered: American Welding Society (AWS) – multiple entry-level welding certifications available; S/P2 Safety Certification