Pulaski County Schools & Education

Pulaski County, Missouri

School Score

37/100

Higher = better

Rating

Below Average

Graduation Rate

90.1%

National avg 87.5%

Education Statistics

Graduation Rate

90.1%

National avg 87.5%

State avg 91.3%

Per-Pupil Spending

$6,230

National avg $13,239

State avg $6,334

School Score

37/100

Higher = better

State avg 43/100

State School Rank

#84

of 115 counties (1 = best)

Education Overview

About Schools in Pulaski County, Missouri

Serving nearly 9,000 students in central Missouri

Pulaski County operates 22 public schools that serve a total of 8,904 students across six districts. The infrastructure includes 10 elementary schools and six high schools, creating a strong pipeline for student development. Three additional 'other' schools provide specialized educational opportunities for the region.

Reliable outcomes and steady school funding

The county reports a 90.1% graduation rate, significantly exceeding the national average of 87%. Per-pupil spending is $6,230, sitting just below the state average of $6,334 but reflecting efficient resource management. With a school score of 51.9, the county performs near the state median for academic quality.

Waynesville R-VI defines the regional system

Waynesville R-VI is the dominant district, managing 11 schools and 6,155 students, which is more than half of the county's total enrollment. Dixon R-I and Laquey R-V serve smaller student bodies of roughly 800 to 900 each. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the county's options, as there are no charter schools.

A mix of town and rural campuses

The county is evenly split between 11 rural schools and 11 town-based schools, offering varied environments for families. The average school size is 424 students, though Waynesville Sr. High is notably large with ,1704 students. Smaller elementary schools like those in Dixon provide a more intimate community feel.

Find a home in the Waynesville heartland

Families moving to Pulaski County often gravitate toward the Waynesville R-VI district for its diverse school levels and strong graduation rates. The area offers a perfect balance of rural scenery and town amenities near major school campuses. Choosing a home here means accessing a school system that consistently outperforms national graduation benchmarks.

School Overview

Total Schools

22

in Pulaski County

Total Enrollment

8,904

students

School Districts

6

districts

Charter Schools

0

0% of total

School Type Breakdown

Elementary10
Middle3
High6
Other3

6 School Districts in Pulaski County

WAYNESVILLE R-VI

11 schools
6,155 students

DIXON R-I

3 schools
898 students

LAQUEY R-V

3 schools
788 students

CROCKER R-II

2 schools
564 students

RICHLAND R-IV

2 schools
461 students

SWEDEBORG R-III

1 school
38 students

22 Public Schools in Pulaski County

WAYNESVILLE SR. HIGH

WAYNESVILLE R-VI

9–12High1,704 students
FREEDOM ELEM.

WAYNESVILLE R-VI

KG–5Primary961 students
WAYNESVILLE EAST ELEM.

WAYNESVILLE R-VI

KG–5Primary929 students
WAYNESVILLE MIDDLE

WAYNESVILLE R-VI

7–8Middle865 students
6TH GRADE CENTER

WAYNESVILLE R-VI

6Middle450 students
DIXON ELEM.

DIXON R-I

PK–5Primary394 students
PARTRIDGE ELEM.

WAYNESVILLE R-VI

KG–5Primary352 students
LAQUEY R-V HIGH

LAQUEY R-V

7–12High312 students
WOOD ELEM.

WAYNESVILLE R-VI

KG–5Primary309 students
LAQUEY R-V ELEM.

LAQUEY R-V

PK–6Primary303 students
CROCKER HIGH

CROCKER R-II

6–12High299 students
WILLIAMS EARLY CHILDHOOD CTR

WAYNESVILLE R-VI

PKOther296 students
DIXON HIGH

DIXON R-I

9–12High277 students
CROCKER ELEM.

CROCKER R-II

PK–5Primary265 students
RICHLAND ELEM.

RICHLAND R-IV

PK–6Primary257 students
THAYER ELEM.

WAYNESVILLE R-VI

KG–5Primary249 students
DIXON MIDDLE

DIXON R-I

6–8Middle227 students
RICHLAND HIGH

RICHLAND R-IV

7–12High204 students
Missouri Digital Academy

LAQUEY R-V

KG–12Other173 students
Parker Educational Center

WAYNESVILLE R-VI

PKOther40 students

Educational Attainment

Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure

$6,230

State avg $6,334

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Frequently Asked Questions

Schools in Pulaski County, Missouri — FAQ

What does the school system look like in Pulaski County, Missouri?

Pulaski County operates 22 public schools that serve a total of 8,904 students across six districts. The infrastructure includes 10 elementary schools and six high schools, creating a strong pipeline for student development. Three additional 'other' schools provide specialized educational opportunities for the region.

How do schools in Pulaski County perform academically?

The county reports a 90.1% graduation rate, significantly exceeding the national average of 87%. Per-pupil spending is $6,230, sitting just below the state average of $6,334 but reflecting efficient resource management. With a school score of 51.9, the county performs near the state median for academic quality.

What are the major school districts in Pulaski County, Missouri?

Waynesville R-VI is the dominant district, managing 11 schools and 6,155 students, which is more than half of the county's total enrollment. Dixon R-I and Laquey R-V serve smaller student bodies of roughly 800 to 900 each. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the county's options, as there are no charter schools.

What is the school experience like in Pulaski County?

The county is evenly split between 11 rural schools and 11 town-based schools, offering varied environments for families. The average school size is 424 students, though Waynesville Sr. High is notably large with ,1704 students. Smaller elementary schools like those in Dixon provide a more intimate community feel.

How can I find homes near good schools in Pulaski County, Missouri?

Families moving to Pulaski County often gravitate toward the Waynesville R-VI district for its diverse school levels and strong graduation rates. The area offers a perfect balance of rural scenery and town amenities near major school campuses. Choosing a home here means accessing a school system that consistently outperforms national graduation benchmarks.

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.