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K-12 PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Springfield five-county metro area is home to 26 school districts, including Springfield Public Schools—the largest fully accredited district in Missouri.

From elementary through high school, our award-winning educational systems work to meet the needs of every student through efficient and effective use of resources, student preparation and teacher support. Springfield alone has invested more than $278 million since 2000 to improve its facilities with the renovation of all five high schools, construction of three new schools and expansion or remodeling of other schools. Our public school teachers have an average of 12 years of experience and 63% have pursued advanced degrees to stay at the forefront of education. Our school systems are constantly developing innovative new programs, such as the A+ program, to address the needs of a diverse student population.

Whether you live in Springfield or one of our surrounding communities, you’ll find some of the best academic programs, educational opportunities, resources, and school districts in the nation right here.

RECOGNITION AND HONORS

In Springfield, all five public high schools are Missouri A+ schools, and the district produces an average ACT score that ranks above the state and national averages.

Three schools in the region (Bolivar High School, Nixa High School and Spokane High School) were awarded the 2013 National Blue Ribbon for academic achievement by the U.S. Department of Education.

Springfield’s Central High School received the gold (2012) and silver (2013) medals in U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools rankings.

INNOVATIVE LEARNING PROGRAMS

Traditional learning models go a long way, but not every student learns the same way. To meet the needs of all students, Springfield Public Schools and the Springfield community have been innovators in developing and implementing one-of-a-kind, specialized learning programs. Here’s just a sampling of the innovative models offered by the Springfield Public Schools and other community organizations.

Opened in August 2014, this unique school provides classrooms for 50 eighth-graders in the heart of Mercy Hospital. As part of the Springfield Public Schools “choice” program, the academy gives students early and unprecedented access to all aspects of the health sciences, a great opportunity for students to engage with hands-on learning.


The Discovery Center in downtown Springfield, in collaboration with Springfield Public Schools, provides dedicated class space for 40 fifth-grade students in its 60,000-square-foot science center. Nearly all of the center’s hands-on exhibits will support the science-, technology-, engineering- and math-oriented curriculum.

Designed for academically gifted students in elementary and middle school, grades 1–8, The Phelps Center provides academic challenge and rigor and addresses the social and emotional needs of gifted students.

Offering Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma programs, area IB schools provide a challenging curriculum designed to help students succeed in the global community.

This inquiry-based learning experience—in partnership with Bass Pro Shops—allows fifth graders to explore a comprehensive standard curriculum through the context of nature and conservation.

Greater Ozarks Centers for Advanced Professional Studies (GO CAPS) is an educational program that immerses high school students in professional environments through an engaging curriculum driven by industry leaders and delivered by industry experts. GO CAPS combines hands-on career experiences in a classroom setting at facilities of partnering employers. Five course strands are currently offered through GO CAPS—Engineering & Manufacturing, Medicine & Health Care, IT & Software Solutions, Business & Entrepreneurship and Teacher Education. The program provides real-world professional skills and resources through a year-long curriculum and has an enrollment of up to 300 students across 25 partnering school districts throughout the region.

A hands-on, project- and problem-based learning program, Project Lead the Way is designed to increase high school student interest and achievement in math, science, technology and engineering.

This career-oriented curriculum encourages underperforming students to stay in school, while allowing them to pursue education and career goals and gain work experience and income. Providing opportunity and resources to help all children succeed.


Providing leadership, citizenship and character development, JROTC promotes confidence, esteem, discipline and teamwork skills in high school students through incorporation of activities such as rifle and drill training.

Springfield’s innovative school-as-community-center concept offers support, learning and recreational opportunities for students and their families day and night. Its unique continuous learning calendar gives students opportunities to sharpen their skills or explore new subjects during intersession courses.

Click the map for links to each county’s public school districts.

Springfield Public School Districts

Barry County Public School Districts

Christian County Public School Districts

Dade County Public School Districts

Dallas County Public School Districts

Greene County Public School Districts

Lawrence County Public School Districts

Polk County School Districts

Stone County Public School Districts

Taney County Public School Districts

Webster County School Districts