Buchanan County Schools & Education
Buchanan County, Missouri
School Score
13/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
81.2%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
81.2%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 91.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,963
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,334
School Score
13/100
Higher = better
State avg 43/100
State School Rank
#114
of 115 counties (1 = best)
Explore Buchanan County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Buchanan County, Missouri
The St. Joseph Education Corridor
Buchanan County's educational landscape is comprised of 34 public schools serving 11,954 students within three districts. This system includes 16 elementary schools, 9 high schools, and specialized alternative and special education facilities.
Challenges in Graduation and Funding
The county's graduation rate currently stands at 81.2%, trailing both the Missouri average of 91.3% and the national 87% benchmark. Spending is also leaner than state norms, with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,963 compared to the $6,334 state average.
St. Joseph District Serves the Majority
The St. Joseph school district is the largest by far, overseeing 25 schools and 10,568 students. Central High is the county's flagship school with 1,728 students, while no charter schools are available to local families.
Urban Hub with Rural Pockets
With 25 schools located in city settings and 9 in rural areas, the county feels distinctly urban with an average school size of 412 students. Oak Grove Elementary serves a large primary population of 842 students, making it one of the busiest elementary campuses in the region.
Diverse Housing Near Large Districts
Homebuyers in Buchanan County typically gravitate toward the St. Joseph area for proximity to the county's largest schools. For those seeking a quieter pace, the Mid-Buchanan Co. R-V district offers a smaller rural alternative for families.
School Overview
Total Schools
34
in Buchanan County
Total Enrollment
11,954
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Buchanan County
ST. JOSEPH
MID-BUCHANAN CO. R-V
BUCHANAN CO. R-IV
34 Public Schools in Buchanan County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CENTRAL HIGH | ST. JOSEPH | 9–12 | High | 1,728 |
| OAK GROVE ELEM | ST. JOSEPH | PK–6 | Primary | 842 |
| LAFAYETTE HIGH | ST. JOSEPH | 9–12 | High | 717 |
| BENTON HIGH | ST. JOSEPH | 9–12 | High | 676 |
| CARDEN PARK ELEM | ST. JOSEPH | KG–6 | Primary | 577 |
| BODE MIDDLE | ST. JOSEPH | 7–8 | Middle | 486 |
| LINDBERGH ELEM. | ST. JOSEPH | KG–5 | Primary | 484 |
| TRUMAN MIDDLE | ST. JOSEPH | 7–8 | Middle | 482 |
| SPRING GARDEN MIDDLE | ST. JOSEPH | 6–8 | Middle | 474 |
| MID-BUCHANAN ELEM. | MID-BUCHANAN CO. R-V | PK–6 | Primary | 471 |
| HOSEA ELEM. | ST. JOSEPH | KG–5 | Primary | 438 |
| MID-BUCHANAN SR. HIGH | MID-BUCHANAN CO. R-V | 7–12 | High | 394 |
| ROBIDOUX MIDDLE | ST. JOSEPH | 6–8 | Middle | 390 |
| PARKWAY ELEM. | ST. JOSEPH | KG–6 | Primary | 379 |
| HYDE ELEM. | ST. JOSEPH | KG–5 | Primary | 377 |
| SKAITH ELEM. | ST. JOSEPH | PK–6 | Primary | 367 |
| ELLISON ELEM. | ST. JOSEPH | KG–6 | Primary | 364 |
| COLEMAN ELEM. | ST. JOSEPH | KG–6 | Primary | 349 |
| MARK TWAIN ELEM. | ST. JOSEPH | KG–6 | Primary | 315 |
| PICKETT ELEM. | ST. JOSEPH | PK–6 | Primary | 290 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,963
State avg $6,334
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Buchanan County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
Search on Zillow →Find a Tutor in Buchanan County
Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.
Find a Tutor →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Buchanan County, Missouri — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Buchanan County, Missouri?
Buchanan County's educational landscape is comprised of 34 public schools serving 11,954 students within three districts. This system includes 16 elementary schools, 9 high schools, and specialized alternative and special education facilities.
How do schools in Buchanan County perform academically?
The county's graduation rate currently stands at 81.2%, trailing both the Missouri average of 91.3% and the national 87% benchmark. Spending is also leaner than state norms, with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,963 compared to the $6,334 state average.
What are the major school districts in Buchanan County, Missouri?
The St. Joseph school district is the largest by far, overseeing 25 schools and 10,568 students. Central High is the county's flagship school with 1,728 students, while no charter schools are available to local families.
What is the school experience like in Buchanan County?
With 25 schools located in city settings and 9 in rural areas, the county feels distinctly urban with an average school size of 412 students. Oak Grove Elementary serves a large primary population of 842 students, making it one of the busiest elementary campuses in the region.
How can I find homes near good schools in Buchanan County, Missouri?
Homebuyers in Buchanan County typically gravitate toward the St. Joseph area for proximity to the county's largest schools. For those seeking a quieter pace, the Mid-Buchanan Co. R-V district offers a smaller rural alternative for families.
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.