Clay County Schools & Education
Clay County, Missouri
School Score
58/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
96.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
96.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 91.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,414
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,334
School Score
58/100
Higher = better
State avg 43/100
State School Rank
#11
of 115 counties (1 = best)
Explore Clay County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Clay County, Missouri
A Massive Education Hub with Eighty Schools
Clay County is a major educational center in Missouri, featuring 80 public schools and serving 41,675 students. The extensive network includes 44 elementary, 13 middle, and 16 high schools, plus several specialized alternative programs. This infrastructure supports six districts that range from urban centers to rural towns.
Leading the State in Graduation Success
Clay County's 96.0% graduation rate is among the highest in Missouri, far surpassing the 91.3% state average and 87% national average. The county spends $6,414 per student, aligning with the state's average investment while delivering an impressive school score of 55.4. This high performance indicates an exceptionally effective educational environment.
North Kansas City and Liberty Giants
North Kansas City 74 is the county’s largest district, managing 34 schools and over 20,500 students. Liberty 53 is also a major player with 20 schools and 12,367 students, together making up the bulk of the county's enrollment. Despite the large student population, the county does not currently have any charter schools.
From City Centers to Suburban Campuses
Clay County offers unmatched diversity in locales, with 30 city schools, 27 suburban schools, 14 in towns, and 9 in rural areas. The average school size is 556, but Liberty North High School is a standout with 2,326 students. This variety ensures every family can find a school environment that fits their specific needs.
Discover Homes Near Top-Performing Schools
With a 96% graduation rate, Clay County is one of the premier destinations for families in the Kansas City region. Homes in Liberty or the North Kansas City district offer access to some of the state's most successful public schools. The sheer variety and quality of schools make this county a powerhouse for residential real estate.
School Overview
Total Schools
80
in Clay County
Total Enrollment
41,675
students
School Districts
6
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
6 School Districts in Clay County
NORTH KANSAS CITY 74
LIBERTY 53
KEARNEY R-I
EXCELSIOR SPRINGS 40
SMITHVILLE R-II
MISSOURI CITY 56
80 Public Schools in Clay County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LIBERTY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL | LIBERTY 53 | 9–12 | High | 2,326 |
| LIBERTY HIGH | LIBERTY 53 | 9–12 | High | 1,997 |
| STALEY HIGH | NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 9–12 | High | 1,897 |
| OAK PARK HIGH | NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 9–12 | High | 1,756 |
| NORTH KANSAS CITY HIGH | NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 9–12 | High | 1,640 |
| WINNETONKA HIGH | NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 9–12 | High | 1,284 |
| NEW MARK MIDDLE | NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 7–8 | Middle | 1,005 |
| GATEWAY 6TH GRADE CENTER | NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 6 | Middle | 923 |
| SMITHVILLE HIGH | SMITHVILLE R-II | 9–12 | High | 906 |
| SHOAL CREEK ELEM. | LIBERTY 53 | KG–5 | Primary | 883 |
| ANTIOCH MIDDLE | NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 7–8 | Middle | 865 |
| KEARNEY HIGH | KEARNEY R-I | 10–12 | High | 824 |
| SOUTH VALLEY MIDDLE | LIBERTY 53 | 6–8 | Middle | 791 |
| EXCELSIOR SPRINGS HIGH | EXCELSIOR SPRINGS 40 | 9–12 | High | 787 |
| HERITAGE MIDDLE SCHOOL | LIBERTY 53 | 6–8 | Middle | 777 |
| BELL PRAIRIE ELEMENTARY | NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | PK–5 | Primary | 712 |
| NORTHGATE MIDDLE | NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 7–8 | Middle | 689 |
| NORTHVIEW ELEMENTARY | NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | KG–5 | Primary | 654 |
| DISCOVERY MIDDLE SCHOOL | LIBERTY 53 | 6–8 | Middle | 653 |
| LIBERTY MIDDLE SCHOOL | LIBERTY 53 | 6–8 | Middle | 638 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,414
State avg $6,334
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Clay County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
Search on Zillow →Find a Tutor in Clay County
Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.
Find a Tutor →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Clay County, Missouri — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Clay County, Missouri?
Clay County is a major educational center in Missouri, featuring 80 public schools and serving 41,675 students. The extensive network includes 44 elementary, 13 middle, and 16 high schools, plus several specialized alternative programs. This infrastructure supports six districts that range from urban centers to rural towns.
How do schools in Clay County perform academically?
Clay County's 96.0% graduation rate is among the highest in Missouri, far surpassing the 91.3% state average and 87% national average. The county spends $6,414 per student, aligning with the state's average investment while delivering an impressive school score of 55.4. This high performance indicates an exceptionally effective educational environment.
What are the major school districts in Clay County, Missouri?
North Kansas City 74 is the county’s largest district, managing 34 schools and over 20,500 students. Liberty 53 is also a major player with 20 schools and 12,367 students, together making up the bulk of the county's enrollment. Despite the large student population, the county does not currently have any charter schools.
What is the school experience like in Clay County?
Clay County offers unmatched diversity in locales, with 30 city schools, 27 suburban schools, 14 in towns, and 9 in rural areas. The average school size is 556, but Liberty North High School is a standout with 2,326 students. This variety ensures every family can find a school environment that fits their specific needs.
How can I find homes near good schools in Clay County, Missouri?
With a 96% graduation rate, Clay County is one of the premier destinations for families in the Kansas City region. Homes in Liberty or the North Kansas City district offer access to some of the state's most successful public schools. The sheer variety and quality of schools make this county a powerhouse for residential real estate.
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.