Photo: Brian Stansberry · CC BY 4.0Charleston’s public schools score below 96% of Missouri districts on tests and graduation
In Charleston, 15% of tested students are proficient in math, below the Missouri average (39%). The grade covers the public school district serving Charleston, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests. 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.
Charleston’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 18% of tested students were proficient in reading and 15% in math, against 43% and 39% statewide; 100% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Spending, and where it came from
The district spent $12,128 per student in FY2024, against $14,569 across Missouri. 29% of its revenue that year was federal (Missouri 11%), in the last year of pandemic relief. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle school
From grade 7 the district’s path is Charleston High. Enrollment is down 13% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
St. Henry Catholic School (private) is 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 Charleston’s grade
D−: better than 4% of Missouri school districts, #240 of 247 Missouri towns. Test scores are below the Missouri average; there is no graduation rate to add.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Charleston, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Charleston
Warren E. Hearnes Elem.
Grades PK–3 · 276 students · 13:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Charleston
Warren E. Hearnes Elem.
Grades PK–3 · 276 students · 13:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Charleston
Warren E. Hearnes Elem.
Grades PK–3 · 276 students · 13:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Charleston
Warren E. Hearnes Elem.
Grades PK–3 · 276 students · 13:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Charleston
Charleston Middle School
Grades 4–6 · 141 students · 10:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Charleston
Charleston Middle School
Grades 4–6 · 141 students · 10:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Charleston
Charleston Middle School
Grades 4–6 · 141 students · 10:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Charleston
Charleston High
Grades 7–12 · 310 students · 11:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Charleston
Charleston High
Grades 7–12 · 310 students · 11:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Charleston
Charleston High
Grades 7–12 · 310 students · 11:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Charleston
Charleston High
Grades 7–12 · 310 students · 11:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Charleston
Charleston High
Grades 7–12 · 310 students · 11:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Charleston
Charleston High
Grades 7–12 · 310 students · 11:1 students per teacher
Charleston’s public schools are run by Charleston R-I School District, which also serves Anniston, Bertrand, Wilson City and Wyatt. 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.
Well below the state in reading
Charleston vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Missouri towns that share Charleston’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | D− | Charleston R-I |
Every school in Charleston
4 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 (Southeast Correctional Center).
Questions about Charleston’s schools
Are Charleston’s schools good?
On Missouri’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Charleston children attend score below 96% of Missouri’s school districts on tests and graduation, a D− Schools grade, #240 of 247 Missouri towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 5%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Charleston in?
Charleston R-I School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 727 students in 3 schools (2024–25).
How much does Charleston spend per student?
$12,128 in Charleston R-I School District (FY2024), against $14,569 across Missouri. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Charleston?
Yes: St. Henry Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 53 students).
Parents talk
What Charleston families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Charleston → 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.