Bates County Schools & Education
Bates County, Missouri
School Score
44/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
92.2%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
92.2%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 91.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,167
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,334
School Score
44/100
Higher = better
State avg 43/100
State School Rank
#52
of 115 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Bates County, Missouri
Diverse District Options in Bates County
Bates County supports 2,527 students across 15 public schools, managed by seven distinct school districts. The county features seven elementary schools and seven high schools, providing localized secondary education to many small towns. One specialized facility completes the county's diverse educational landscape.
High Graduation Standards and Efficient Spending
Bates County produces a strong 92.2% graduation rate, easily beating the national average of 87%. This performance is achieved with $6,167 in per-pupil spending, which is slightly below the Missouri state average. The county's overall school score of 52.9 is slightly higher than the state's average score of 52.8.
Butler and Adrian Lead Enrollment
The Butler R-V district is the largest, enrolling 997 students across three schools. Adrian R-III follows closely, serving 730 students in its two-school system. These districts operate without competition from charter schools, ensuring a stable and consistent public school environment.
Deeply Rural with Small Student Bodies
The vast majority of schools in Bates County—12 out of 15—are in rural settings, with only three located in towns. Schools are intimate, with an average size of just 181 students per building. Butler High is the largest school with 504 students, while the Ballard R-II district serves as few as 104 students total.
A Rural Haven for Quality Education
Bates County is perfect for families seeking a rural lifestyle without compromising on graduation success. The Butler and Adrian districts offer the most robust local school cultures and facilities. Finding a home here means joining a community where schools are the central focus of town life.
School Overview
Total Schools
15
in Bates County
Total Enrollment
2,527
students
School Districts
7
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
7 School Districts in Bates County
BUTLER R-V
ADRIAN R-III
RICH HILL R-IV
MIAMI R-I
HUME R-VIII
BALLARD R-II
HUDSON R-IX
15 Public Schools in Bates County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUTLER HIGH | BUTLER R-V | 6–12 | High | 504 |
| BUTLER ELEM. | BUTLER R-V | KG–5 | Primary | 420 |
| ADRIAN SR. HIGH | ADRIAN R-III | 6–12 | High | 417 |
| ADRIAN ELEM. | ADRIAN R-III | PK–5 | Primary | 313 |
| RICH HILL HIGH | RICH HILL R-IV | 6–12 | High | 185 |
| RICH HILL ELEM. | RICH HILL R-IV | PK–5 | Primary | 173 |
| MIAMI ELEM. | MIAMI R-I | PK–6 | Primary | 95 |
| MIAMI HIGH | MIAMI R-I | 7–12 | High | 81 |
| BUTLER EARLY CHILDHOOD | BUTLER R-V | PK | Other | 73 |
| HUME HIGH | HUME R-VIII | 7–12 | High | 58 |
| BALLARD ELEM. | BALLARD R-II | KG–6 | Primary | 54 |
| HUME ELEM. | HUME R-VIII | PK–6 | Primary | 54 |
| BALLARD HIGH | BALLARD R-II | 7–12 | High | 50 |
| HUDSON ELEM. | HUDSON R-IX | PK–8 | Primary | 50 |
| RICH HILL YOUTH DEV. CTR. | DIVISION OF YOUTH SERVICE | 6–12 | High | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,167
State avg $6,334
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Bates County, Missouri — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Bates County, Missouri?
Bates County supports 2,527 students across 15 public schools, managed by seven distinct school districts. The county features seven elementary schools and seven high schools, providing localized secondary education to many small towns. One specialized facility completes the county's diverse educational landscape.
How do schools in Bates County perform academically?
Bates County produces a strong 92.2% graduation rate, easily beating the national average of 87%. This performance is achieved with $6,167 in per-pupil spending, which is slightly below the Missouri state average. The county's overall school score of 52.9 is slightly higher than the state's average score of 52.8.
What are the major school districts in Bates County, Missouri?
The Butler R-V district is the largest, enrolling 997 students across three schools. Adrian R-III follows closely, serving 730 students in its two-school system. These districts operate without competition from charter schools, ensuring a stable and consistent public school environment.
What is the school experience like in Bates County?
The vast majority of schools in Bates County—12 out of 15—are in rural settings, with only three located in towns. Schools are intimate, with an average size of just 181 students per building. Butler High is the largest school with 504 students, while the Ballard R-II district serves as few as 104 students total.
How can I find homes near good schools in Bates County, Missouri?
Bates County is perfect for families seeking a rural lifestyle without compromising on graduation success. The Butler and Adrian districts offer the most robust local school cultures and facilities. Finding a home here means joining a community where schools are the central focus of town life.
Counties with Similar School Profile
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.