St. Louis schools introduce innovative programs designed to support the modern student

Artificial Intelligence

Nerinx Hall High School

As generative AI is taking the internet by storm and sparking thoughtful conversations, STEM coordinator Steven Kuensting is teaching about it. Students will model machine-learning algorithms using Python and be introduced to such topics as image processing, predictive analysis, and deep neural networks. With AI software poised to become part of everyday life, Kuensting believes it’s important for students to know how it works. “Smart devices are becoming so ubiquitous,” he says, “and with that comes an important educational responsibility that everyone should at least have been informed about how AI and AI systems are a part of their device.”

Cybersecurity Club

St. John Vianney high school

Members not only learn about cybersecurity but also compete in hackathons, capture the flag, and the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, with the chance to win prizes. For 2023 graduate Conor Daut, joining the club was a life-changing decision. “I went into the club not really knowing a lot,” he says. “And now it’s kind of helped me figure out what I want to do in the future.” This fall, Daut plans to study cybersecurity at Southeast Missouri State University.

Students Demand Action

Whitfield School

There are hundreds of mass shootings every year in the United States. Zoey Martinez, who graduated earlier this year, wanted to foster a dialogue about gun violence. So in 2022, Martinez brought Students Demand Action, a national grassroots volunteer initiative created by and for teens and young adults, to her school. At Whitfield’s chapter, Martinez and co-president Sheldon Jackson have started discussions about voting, how to contact elected officials, and ways to become more involved in civil discourse. “There’s definitely been inspiration throughout the community to take action,” Martinez says.

Art for Social Change

Crossroads College Preparatory School

Fine arts department chair Christa Denney has always been passionate about helping students find their voice. With that in mind, she started this club as an outlet for students to share their emotions about contemporary issues through art. “It gives the kids an opportunity to see how visual language can help start a conversation,” Denney says, “and create critical thinking amongst themselves and their peers.”

World Foods

Notre Dame High School

Taught by Patricia Donjon, a faculty member in the Family & Consumer Science Department, this course introduces students to various cultures and traditions. Students prepare dishes from such countries as China, France, Mexico, and Vietnam. Students also pair up and select a country they’re interested in, then showcase their findings and a recipe to the class. “This year, we actually had a student whose father lives in Haiti,” Donjon recalls. “And so I said, ‘I think it would be great if you did a unit on Haitian food,’ and it was just unbelievable.” 

Scrabble & Tea Club

Westminster Christian Academy

After school, students can gather for a low-key afternoon of Scrabble, tea, English biscuits, and conversation. “It’s a community,” a participating sophomore says of the tight-knit group. “It’s a great way to relax and have fun.” In addition to the camaraderie, the club can also help break down language barriers: Together, with world languages teacher Peter Barrs helping coordinate the club, they learn new words while playing Scrabble.

Club Happy

St. Joseph’s Academy

For junior Aubrey Roux, Club Happy resonated with its mission and the sentiment implied in the club’s name: The club hosts informative discussions about mental health and provides sensory activities, such as playing with slime and coloring. The idea is to create a space for students to have fun and learn how to manage stress while encouraging a positive mindset. “Once I joined, I really loved the atmosphere,” says Roux, who plans to become co-president of Club Happy this fall.