Photo: AbeEzekowitz · CC BY-SA 3.0Joplin’s public schools score below 72% of Missouri districts on tests and graduation
Reading proficiency in Joplin’s districts is 35%, below the Missouri average (43%). The grade covers the public school district serving Joplin, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. 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.
Joplin’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 589 Missouri towns with household incomes within a quarter of Joplin’s, its schools beat 23%, lower than their 28% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 35% 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
83% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 89% across Missouri. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $11,195 per student, against $14,569 across Missouri (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Nine elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 6 the district’s path is North Middle, then Joplin High. Enrollment is up 8% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
College Heights Christian School (private), Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School (private), St. Marys Catholic Elementary School (private), Martin Luther School (private), McAuley Catholic High School (private) and St. Peters Middle School (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 Joplin’s grade
C: better than 28% of Missouri school districts, #199 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 Joplin, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Joplin · depends on your address
Irving Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 434 students · 11:1 students per teacher
Joplin Early Childhood CTR.
Grades PK · 311 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Royal Heights Elem.
Grades PK–5 · 277 students · 14:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Joplin
North Middle
Grades 6–8 · 549 students · 12:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Joplin
North Middle
Grades 6–8 · 549 students · 12:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Joplin
North Middle
Grades 6–8 · 549 students · 12:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Joplin
Joplin High
Grades 9–12 · 2,288 students · 18:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Joplin
Joplin High
Grades 9–12 · 2,288 students · 18:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Joplin
Joplin High
Grades 9–12 · 2,288 students · 18:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Joplin
Joplin High
Grades 9–12 · 2,288 students · 18:1 students per teacher
Joplin’s public schools are run by Joplin School District, which also serves Cliff Village, Dennis Acres, Duenweg and Duquesne and others. Parts of Joplin (10% and 3% of its land) are served by Webb City R-VII and Carl Junction 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.
Well below the state in reading
Joplin vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Missouri towns that share Joplin’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Joplin | C | Joplin |
| Leawood | — | Joplin |
| Duquesne | C | Joplin |
| Webb City | A | Webb City R-VII |
| Duenweg | C | Joplin |
| Grand Falls Plaza | — | Joplin |
| Redings Mill | — | Joplin |
| Loma Linda | B+ | Seneca R-VII |
| Airport Drive | — | Carl Junction R-I PK–12 · Webb City R-VII PK–12 |
| Saginaw | — | Joplin |
6 of the 9 neighbors share Joplin with Joplin, so their letters differ mainly through other districts.
Every school in Joplin
18 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: 2 public programs with fewer than 25 students (College View School and Franklin Technology CTR.).
Questions about Joplin’s schools
Are Joplin’s schools good?
On Missouri’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Joplin children attend score below 72% of Missouri’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C Schools grade, #199 of 247 Missouri towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 23%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Joplin in?
Joplin School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 7,873 students in 15 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Joplin are served by Webb City R-VII and Carl Junction R-I.
Where do Joplin kids go to high school?
Joplin High, with 2,288 students; its own test results earn a B−.
What is Joplin’s graduation rate?
83% of the class of 2023 in Joplin School District graduated in four years, against 89% across Missouri.
How much does Joplin spend per student?
$11,195 in Joplin School District (FY2024), against $14,569 across Missouri. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Joplin?
Yes: College Heights Christian School (religious, grades PK–12, 614 students), Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School (nonsectarian, grades PK–12, 313 students), St. Marys Catholic Elementary School (Catholic, grades PK–5, 141 students), Martin Luther School (religious, grades PK–7, 80 students), McAuley Catholic High School (Catholic, grades 9–12, 56 students) and St. Peters Middle School (Catholic, grades 6–8, 53 students).
Parents talk
What Joplin families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Joplin → 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.