Photo: Drowzy at English Wikipedia · Public domainCape Girardeau’s public schools score below 64% of Missouri districts on tests and graduation
The grade covers the public school district serving Cape Girardeau, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. In Cape Girardeau, 34% of tested students are proficient in math, below the Missouri average (39%). Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Missouri, not nationally.
From Missouri state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Cape Girardeau’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 628 Missouri towns with household incomes within a quarter of Cape Girardeau’s, its schools beat 28%, lower than their 36% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 39% of tested students were proficient in reading and 34% in math, against 43% and 39% statewide; 100% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
85% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 89% across Missouri. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $12,839 per student, against $14,569 across Missouri (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Five elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 7 the district’s path is Central JR. High, then Central High. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School (private), Lynwood Christian Academy (private), Eagle Ridge Christian School (private), St. Mary Cathedral School (private) and Lynwood Christian Academy (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Cape Girardeau’s grade
C+: better than 36% of Missouri school districts, #189 of 247 Missouri towns. Both inputs trail the Missouri average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Cape Girardeau, with each school’s own grade.
5th grade in Cape Girardeau · depends on your address
Central Middle
Grades 5–6 · 623 students · 13:1 students per teacher
Jefferson Elem.
Grades PK–5 · 494 students · 11:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Cape Girardeau
Central Middle
Grades 5–6 · 623 students · 13:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Cape Girardeau
Central JR. High
Grades 7–8 · 633 students · 12:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Cape Girardeau
Central JR. High
Grades 7–8 · 633 students · 12:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Cape Girardeau
Central High
Grades 9–12 · 1,278 students · 14:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Cape Girardeau
Central High
Grades 9–12 · 1,278 students · 14:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Cape Girardeau
Central High
Grades 9–12 · 1,278 students · 14:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Cape Girardeau
Central High
Grades 9–12 · 1,278 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Cape Girardeau’s public schools are run by Cape Girardeau 63 School District. Parts of Cape Girardeau (8% and 4% of its land) are served by Jackson R-II and Scott City R-I instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Below the state in reading
Cape Girardeau vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Missouri towns that share Cape Girardeau’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau | C+ | Cape Girardeau 63 |
| Jackson | A− | Jackson R-II |
| Scott City | B− | Scott City R-I |
Every school in Cape Girardeau
14 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Missouri’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 1 public program with fewer than 25 students (Cape Girardeau Car Tech CTR.).
Questions about Cape Girardeau’s schools
Are Cape Girardeau’s schools good?
On Missouri’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Cape Girardeau children attend score below 64% of Missouri’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C+ Schools grade, #189 of 247 Missouri towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 28%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Cape Girardeau in?
Cape Girardeau 63 School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 4,310 students in 8 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Cape Girardeau are served by Jackson R-II and Scott City R-I.
Where do Cape Girardeau kids go to high school?
Central High, with 1,278 students; its own test results earn a B.
What is Cape Girardeau’s graduation rate?
85% of the class of 2023 in Cape Girardeau 63 School District graduated in four years, against 89% across Missouri.
How much does Cape Girardeau spend per student?
$12,839 in Cape Girardeau 63 School District (FY2024), against $14,569 across Missouri. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Cape Girardeau?
Yes: St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 464 students), Lynwood Christian Academy (religious, grades PK–8, 219 students), Eagle Ridge Christian School (religious, grades PK–12, 201 students), St. Mary Cathedral School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 111 students) and Lynwood Christian Academy (religious, grades K–8, 98 students).
Parents talk
What Cape Girardeau families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Cape Girardeau → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Missouri. Stars are from neighbors.