Carter County Schools & Education
Carter County, Missouri
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
55/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
92.9%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
92.9%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 91.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,913
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,334
School Score
55/100
Higher = better
State avg 43/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#17
of 115 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Carter County
School Verdict
Carter County performs at an average level with a school score of 55/100 and a solid graduation rate of 92.9%.
Funding Context
At $6,913 per pupil, Carter County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Carter County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 29% above the Missouri average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 1.6 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 9% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Carter County, Missouri
Five Schools Serving Two Primary Districts
Carter County's education landscape is streamlined into two school districts serving 1,168 total students. The system consists of two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. This concentrated infrastructure focuses on providing core educational services to a 100% rural student population.
High Graduation Rates and Strong Results
Carter County boasts a 92.9% graduation rate, outperforming both the state average of 91.3% and the national average of 87%. The county invests $6,913 per pupil, which exceeds the Missouri state average of $6,334. These investments yield a school score of 54.9, placing it ahead of the state's median performance.
East Carter and Van Buren Districts
The East Carter Co. R-II district is the largest in the county, educating 652 students across three schools. Van Buren R-I serves the remaining 516 students in two schools. Neither district hosts charter schools, maintaining a traditional public school focus for the community.
Small Schools in a Purely Rural Locale
All five schools in the county are classified as rural, creating a consistent and quiet learning environment. The average school size is 234 students, with East Carter Co. R-II Elementary being the largest at 327 students. This scale ensures that students and teachers maintain close, multi-year relationships.
Find Home in the Ozarks
With graduation rates exceeding state levels, Carter County is an excellent choice for families prioritizing academic success. Homes in the Van Buren or East Carter districts offer proximity to well-regarded rural schools. The area's high educational performance makes it a standout choice for residential investment.
School Overview
Total Schools
5
in Carter County
Total Enrollment
1,168
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Carter County
EAST CARTER CO. R-II
VAN BUREN R-I
5 Public Schools in Carter County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EAST CARTER CO. R-II ELEM. | EAST CARTER CO. R-II | PK–5 | Primary | 327 |
| VAN BUREN ELEM. | VAN BUREN R-I | PK–6 | Primary | 291 |
| VAN BUREN HIGH | VAN BUREN R-I | 7–12 | High | 225 |
| EAST CARTER CO. R-II HIGH | EAST CARTER CO. R-II | 9–12 | High | 184 |
| EAST CARTER CO. R-II MIDDLE | EAST CARTER CO. R-II | 6–8 | Middle | 141 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,913
State avg $6,334
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Carter County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Carter County?
How much does Carter County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Carter County, Missouri — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Carter County, Missouri?
Carter County's education landscape is streamlined into two school districts serving 1,168 total students. The system consists of two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. This concentrated infrastructure focuses on providing core educational services to a 100% rural student population.
How do schools in Carter County perform academically?
Carter County boasts a 92.9% graduation rate, outperforming both the state average of 91.3% and the national average of 87%. The county invests $6,913 per pupil, which exceeds the Missouri state average of $6,334. These investments yield a school score of 54.9, placing it ahead of the state's median performance.
What are the major school districts in Carter County, Missouri?
The East Carter Co. R-II district is the largest in the county, educating 652 students across three schools. Van Buren R-I serves the remaining 516 students in two schools. Neither district hosts charter schools, maintaining a traditional public school focus for the community.
What is the school experience like in Carter County?
All five schools in the county are classified as rural, creating a consistent and quiet learning environment. The average school size is 234 students, with East Carter Co. R-II Elementary being the largest at 327 students. This scale ensures that students and teachers maintain close, multi-year relationships.
How can I find homes near good schools in Carter County, Missouri?
With graduation rates exceeding state levels, Carter County is an excellent choice for families prioritizing academic success. Homes in the Van Buren or East Carter districts offer proximity to well-regarded rural schools. The area's high educational performance makes it a standout choice for residential investment.
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.