Ruskin High School is divided into four Small Learning Communities: Arts & Communication, Business & Finance, Engineering & Technology, and Health & Human Services. Small learning communities (SLCs) provide teachers the opportunity to collaborate across subject areas, increasing rigor and relevance of curricula. In addition, SLC’s facilitate strong relationships among students, staff, and teachers. While SLC’s will provide students with the academic background to pursue any college or career path, each SLC is focused on specific career clusters.

Students often refer to Small Learning Communities as "houses." Each of these houses is aligned to the Missouri Career Clusters and contains both core and elective content. Students are encouraged to select a pathway within their house during their 10th grade year. These include:

Arts & Communication House:

• Visual Arts Pathway
• Theater Arts Pathway
• Music Pathway
• Communications Pathway

Business & Finance House:

• Business & Finance Pathway

Engineering & Technology House:

• Engineering Pathway
• Technical Pathway

Health & Human Services House:

• Pre-Law and Law Enforcement Pathway
• Culinary Arts/Hospitality/Tourism Pathway
• Medical Sciences Pathway
• Education and Child Development Pathway