Although planning for construction at South High began in 1957 with the purchase of land at the corner of 83rd and Sterling, the bond election for construction was not held until January of 1960. Raytown voters heartily approved the construction of the school, and the school opened for 9th and 10th graders in September of 1961. During the next two years, 20 rooms of the school were still used for elementary classrooms for south side students as the district struggled to keep up with growth. With the completion of the building in 1963, Raytown South became a 10th-12th grade high school. The first graduating class at Raytown South was the Class of 1964. Well-known for its academics and extra-curricular success, South High enjoys a strong alumni support base.
Mission Statement:
Educate Independent Thinkers
Empower Productive Citizens
Inspire Life Long Learners
Dennis Helsel, Blue Ridge Elementary art teacher, was named the Raytown School District Teacher of the Year for the 2019-2020 school year. Helsel, is a 14 year educator with degrees from the University of Central Missouri (UCM) and the University of Missouri – Kansas City.
On March 25, middle school students from around the District will participate in a middle school STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) event for western Missouri at the University of Central Missouri (UCM) in Warrensburg where Raytown School District Director of Instructional Technology Melissa Tebbenkamp will serve as the keynote speaker.
Recently band, choir, and orchestra students from Raytown High School participated in the District Music Contest. Students who earned an exemplary (I) rating will represent Raytown High School at the State Solo and Ensemble Music Contest on April 25.
On March, 27, 2019 Raytown High School will host a Hate Has No Home Here, Community Holocaust Remembrance event at 6 p.m. in the Raytown High School Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.
