Adair County Schools & Education
Adair County, Missouri
School Score
54/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
93.5%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
93.5%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 91.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,626
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,334
School Score
54/100
Higher = better
State avg 43/100
State School Rank
#25
of 115 counties (1 = best)
Explore Adair County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Adair County, Missouri
A Small but Specialized Education Network
Adair County maintains a focused education infrastructure with nine public schools serving 2,878 students across three districts. The network includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and four high schools. This compact system ensures that resources are concentrated within a handful of key local institutions.
High Graduation Rates Outpace State Averages
The county boasts an impressive 93.5% graduation rate, significantly exceeding both the Missouri average of 91.3% and the national benchmark of 87%. While per-pupil expenditure of $6,626 is just above the state average, it remains well below the national spending level of $13,000. Despite lower funding relative to the nation, the county achieves a solid school score of 54.6.
Kirksville R-III Leads the County
The Kirksville R-III district serves as the educational hub, enrolling 2,506 students across five schools. Smaller districts like Adair Co. R-I and R-II manage the remaining enrollment with a few hundred students each. Currently, there are no charter schools operating within the county's boundaries.
Rural Roots with Centralized Hubs
Education here is primarily rural, with seven of the nine schools located in rural settings and two in town. The average school size is 360 students, though Kirksville Sr. High is significantly larger with 808 students. In contrast, smaller schools like Adair Co. High serve just 117 students, offering a more intimate learning environment.
Find a Home Near Top-Performing Schools
Families looking for high graduation rates and a close-knit community will find Adair County an attractive option. The strong performance of the Kirksville R-III district makes the surrounding neighborhoods a primary target for homebuyers. Consider how these local educational successes can add long-term value to your property investment.
School Overview
Total Schools
9
in Adair County
Total Enrollment
2,878
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Adair County
KIRKSVILLE R-III
ADAIR CO. R-I
ADAIR CO. R-II
9 Public Schools in Adair County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIRKSVILLE SR. HIGH | KIRKSVILLE R-III | 9–12 | High | 808 |
| KIRKSVILLE PRIMARY | KIRKSVILLE R-III | PK–2 | Primary | 703 |
| RAY MILLER ELEM. | KIRKSVILLE R-III | 3–5 | Primary | 502 |
| WILLIAM MATTHEW MIDDLE SCHOOL | KIRKSVILLE R-III | 6–8 | Middle | 493 |
| ADAIR CO. HIGH | ADAIR CO. R-I | 7–12 | High | 117 |
| ADAIR CO. ELEM. | ADAIR CO. R-I | PK–6 | Primary | 115 |
| ADAIR CO. ELEM. | ADAIR CO. R-II | KG–6 | Primary | 74 |
| ADAIR CO. HIGH | ADAIR CO. R-II | 7–12 | High | 66 |
| KIRKSVILLE AREA TECH. CTR. | KIRKSVILLE R-III | 9–12 | Vocational | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,626
State avg $6,334
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Adair County, Missouri — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Adair County, Missouri?
Adair County maintains a focused education infrastructure with nine public schools serving 2,878 students across three districts. The network includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and four high schools. This compact system ensures that resources are concentrated within a handful of key local institutions.
How do schools in Adair County perform academically?
The county boasts an impressive 93.5% graduation rate, significantly exceeding both the Missouri average of 91.3% and the national benchmark of 87%. While per-pupil expenditure of $6,626 is just above the state average, it remains well below the national spending level of $13,000. Despite lower funding relative to the nation, the county achieves a solid school score of 54.6.
What are the major school districts in Adair County, Missouri?
The Kirksville R-III district serves as the educational hub, enrolling 2,506 students across five schools. Smaller districts like Adair Co. R-I and R-II manage the remaining enrollment with a few hundred students each. Currently, there are no charter schools operating within the county's boundaries.
What is the school experience like in Adair County?
Education here is primarily rural, with seven of the nine schools located in rural settings and two in town. The average school size is 360 students, though Kirksville Sr. High is significantly larger with 808 students. In contrast, smaller schools like Adair Co. High serve just 117 students, offering a more intimate learning environment.
How can I find homes near good schools in Adair County, Missouri?
Families looking for high graduation rates and a close-knit community will find Adair County an attractive option. The strong performance of the Kirksville R-III district makes the surrounding neighborhoods a primary target for homebuyers. Consider how these local educational successes can add long-term value to your property investment.
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Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.