Cole County Schools & Education
Cole County, Missouri
School Score
9/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
74.8%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
74.8%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 91.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,019
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,334
School Score
9/100
Higher = better
State avg 43/100
State School Rank
#115
of 115 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Cole County, Missouri
The Educational Hub of the State Capital
Cole County supports a large student population of 10,510 across 28 public schools and five districts. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring 14 elementary schools, nine high schools, and specialized facilities including four alternative and one special education school.
Investment and Performance Challenges
The county reports a graduation rate of 74.8%, which trails the Missouri state average of 91.3%. Per-pupil spending stands at $6,019, below both the state benchmark of $6,334 and the national average of $13,000.
Jefferson City District Dominates the Region
The Jefferson City school district is the largest by far, serving 8,683 students across 18 schools. No charter schools operate in the county, meaning traditional districts manage 100% of the public school enrollment.
An Urban and Rural Mix
Cole County offers a blend of 16 city schools and 11 rural schools, reflecting the geography of the state capital. Capital City High is the largest school with 1,404 students, contributing to a county-wide average school size of 457.
Find Your Place in Cole County
From the urban center of Jefferson City to quiet rural outskirts, this county offers diverse educational environments for every family. Consider the wide variety of specialized school programs when choosing your next neighborhood.
School Overview
Total Schools
28
in Cole County
Total Enrollment
10,510
students
School Districts
5
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
5 School Districts in Cole County
JEFFERSON CITY
BLAIR OAKS R-II
COLE CO. R-I
COLE CO. R-V
MO VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION PROGRAM
28 Public Schools in Cole County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAPITAL CITY HIGH SCHOOL | JEFFERSON CITY | 9–12 | High | 1,404 |
| JEFFERSON CITY HIGH | JEFFERSON CITY | 9–12 | High | 1,296 |
| LEWIS AND CLARK MIDDLE | JEFFERSON CITY | 6–8 | Middle | 1,005 |
| THOMAS JEFFERSON MIDDLE | JEFFERSON CITY | 6–8 | Middle | 957 |
| PIONEER TRAIL ELEMENTARY | JEFFERSON CITY | KG–5 | Primary | 477 |
| BLAIR OAKS HIGH | BLAIR OAKS R-II | 9–12 | High | 457 |
| CLARENCE LAWSON ELEM. | JEFFERSON CITY | KG–5 | Primary | 419 |
| BELAIR ELEM. | JEFFERSON CITY | KG–5 | Primary | 377 |
| EUGENE ELEM. | COLE CO. R-V | PK–6 | Primary | 334 |
| MOREAU HEIGHTS ELEM. | JEFFERSON CITY | KG–5 | Primary | 328 |
| CEDAR HILL ELEM. | JEFFERSON CITY | KG–5 | Primary | 324 |
| COLE CO. R-I ELEM. | COLE CO. R-I | PK–6 | Primary | 320 |
| SOUTH ELEM. | JEFFERSON CITY | KG–5 | Primary | 312 |
| WEST ELEM. | JEFFERSON CITY | KG–5 | Primary | 307 |
| RUSSELLVILLE HIGH | COLE CO. R-I | 7–12 | High | 306 |
| EAST ELEM. | JEFFERSON CITY | KG–5 | Primary | 305 |
| EUGENE HIGH | COLE CO. R-V | 7–12 | High | 287 |
| THORPE J. GORDON ELEM. | JEFFERSON CITY | KG–5 | Primary | 281 |
| BLAIR OAKS MIDDLE SCHOOL | BLAIR OAKS R-II | 6–8 | Middle | 264 |
| BLAIR OAKS INTERMEDIATE | BLAIR OAKS R-II | 3–5 | Primary | 255 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,019
State avg $6,334
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Cole County, Missouri — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Cole County, Missouri?
Cole County supports a large student population of 10,510 across 28 public schools and five districts. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring 14 elementary schools, nine high schools, and specialized facilities including four alternative and one special education school.
How do schools in Cole County perform academically?
The county reports a graduation rate of 74.8%, which trails the Missouri state average of 91.3%. Per-pupil spending stands at $6,019, below both the state benchmark of $6,334 and the national average of $13,000.
What are the major school districts in Cole County, Missouri?
The Jefferson City school district is the largest by far, serving 8,683 students across 18 schools. No charter schools operate in the county, meaning traditional districts manage 100% of the public school enrollment.
What is the school experience like in Cole County?
Cole County offers a blend of 16 city schools and 11 rural schools, reflecting the geography of the state capital. Capital City High is the largest school with 1,404 students, contributing to a county-wide average school size of 457.
How can I find homes near good schools in Cole County, Missouri?
From the urban center of Jefferson City to quiet rural outskirts, this county offers diverse educational environments for every family. Consider the wide variety of specialized school programs when choosing your next neighborhood.
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.