Parents & Students

Cultivating Success through College and Career Readiness

We grow talent by cultivating student abilities and interests into high-value careers through education and training. Providing opportunities for personal and professional prosperity is our end goal.

AP. CTE. College. Career. Bachelor’s Degree. Associate’s Degree. Immediately working. Gap year. Options are endless for students and parents planning for the future. Our tiered approach to student and parent empowerment harnesses career exposure, exploration and experience to produce students equipped with the technical and soft skills needed for college and career success, no matter their chosen path.

FACTS & DATA:

40

different industry-recognized certifications are offered by Rutherford County Schools

16

career and technical education pathways are available in Rutherford County High Schools

100%

of 8th-graders take the YouScience skills assessment to help them plan for college and career

900

industry certifications were awarded to RCS students during the 2020-2021 school year.

CAREER EXPOSURE IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Business, education and community partnerships provide career exposure through classroom and real-world experiences. Fifth-grade students across the county practice professional skills through our regional Amazing Shake Competition. Their mastery of soft skills is displayed through tasks such as interviews, networking, presentations and communication.

Students learn about the technical aspects of work through the If I had a Hammer Construction program, career day guest speakers and classroom career exploration projects.

CAREER EXPLORATION IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Middle schoolers explore careers through classroom curriculum, field trips and specialized career pathway fairs. Eighth-graders use YouScience, an aptitude and interest tool that matches them with professions based on their individual results.

Parents and students are encouraged to use YouScience results when selecting preview classes during their Career Pathway Fair. Career Pathway Fairs showcase high school CTE students, CTE teachers and CTE professionals. Students should combine YouScience results, career pathway fair information and approved assessments to pick high school classes with direction from their guidance counselors and parents.

CAREER EXPERIENCE IN HIGH SCHOOL

High schoolers are encouraged to participate in career and technical education classes along with Early Post Secondary Opportunities such as advanced placement (AP) classes, dual-enrollment and industry certifications.

Junior and senior students can participate in work-based learning, the student job fair, ACT Workkeys and the Work Ethic Distinction, which provide direct connections to local employers and real-world professions. Seniors may also round out soft skills through Youth Leadership Rutherford, a personal development program designed to enhance leadership skills in high school seniors while promoting community awareness and civic engagement.

Get Plugged Into Our Programs

Learn more about specialty K-12 programs and see how your student can get involved.

See Programs in Action

If I Had A Hammer Program in Hobgood Elementary

Employer Viewpoint on The Amazing Shake 2020 - Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce

High School Job Fair with Rutherford County Schools

Award Winning Schools.
Award Winning Students.

Murfreesboro City and Rutherford County Schools champion student success by focusing on academic achievement and hands-on learning opportunities.

Murfreesboro City Schools

As a prekindergarten through sixth-grade district, MCS focuses on meeting the needs of the whole child through investment in integrated programs such as Leader In Me, STEAM, Farm to School and If I Had A Hammer. MCS was one of the first districts to earn a STEM designation from the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network and currently maintains five STEM-designated schools. MCS has been named an Exemplary District with multiple Reward Schools by the Tennessee Department of Education and regularly earns National Blue Ribbon designations.

Rutherford County Schools

Rutherford County Schools (RCS), the fourth largest school district in the state, consistently ranks among the best school districts in Tennessee. RCS believes collaboration between parents, the community and the school system is vital to student success. Their investment in YouScience, Career and Technical Education, and Early-Post Secondary Opportunities provides access to career planning opportunities across the district. Their innovative magnet schools earn top rankings across the state and country. RCS also offers a virtual school and International Baccalaureate program, allowing students to excel in ways that best suit their strengths.

Murfreesboro City Schools

As a prekindergarten through sixth-grade district, MCS focuses on meeting the needs of the whole child through investment in integrated programs such as Leader In Me, STEAM, Farm to School and If I Had A Hammer. MCS was one of the first districts to earn a STEM designation from the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network and currently maintains five STEM-designated schools. MCS has been named an Exemplary District with multiple Reward Schools by the Tennessee Department of Education and regularly earns National Blue Ribbon designations.

Rutherford County Schools

Rutherford County Schools (RCS), the fourth largest school district in the state, consistently ranks among the best school districts in Tennessee. RCS believes collaboration between parents, the community and the school system is vital to student success. Their investment in YouScience, Career and Technical Education, and Early-Post Secondary Opportunities provides access to career planning opportunities across the district. Their innovative magnet schools earn top rankings across the state and country. RCS also offers a virtual school and International Baccalaureate program, allowing students to excel in ways that best suit their strengths.

Finding Success After High School

Honing talent doesn't end in high school. By utilizing YouScience results, early-post secondary opportunities, in-demand jobs data, and state-funded scholarships, students can gain additional certifications or degrees that set them up for a good quality of life. If you’re wondering whether it pays to continue your education, take a look at data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) below.

U.S. Median Weekly Earnings by Educational Attainment for Workers Over 25

Level of EducationWeekly IncomeUnemployment Rate:
High School Diploma:$7933.7%
Associates Degree or Certification:$9152.7%
Bachelor’s Degree:$1,4382.2%

5 In-demand Industries to You Should Know

Rutherford County Colleges and Universities

Higher education institutions in Rutherford County offer programs aligned with local in-demand jobs. Try pairing their available programs with jobs from our in-demand industries to plan potential career pathways.

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

Motlow Community College

Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT)

State-Funded Scholarships

Tennessee Promise provides two years of tuition-free education at a community or technical college in Tennessee. The HOPE Lottery Scholarship awards financial aid to eligible college students after graduating from high school in Tennessee.

Career Assistance

Find additional tools to help you navigate the job planning and search landscape under our Jobseeker section.