High Schools in Springfield Missouri: A Complete Guide
- Adina Tocai
- Mar 12
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 4

What Are the Best High Schools in Springfield, Missouri?
Springfield, MO, has several top-rated high schools. Notable institutions include Kickapoo, Glendale, and Central High Schools. These schools serve grades 9-12 and are part of the Springfield R-XII School District.
List of High Schools in Springfield, MO
Springfield offers a range of high schools with strong academic and extracurricular programs:
Kickapoo High School – 3710 S Jefferson Ave
Glendale High School – 2727 S Ingram Mill Rd
Central High School – 423 E Central St
Parkview High School – 516 W Meadowmere St
Hillcrest High School – 3319 N Grant Ave
Study Alternative High School – 2343 W Olive St
Each school provides core subjects, AP and honors courses, and extracurricular activities, including athletics and fine arts.
How Does the Springfield R-XII School District Support High Schools?
The district offers funding, curriculum development, and student support services. Schools focus on college and career readiness, advanced placement courses, and technical education programs.
What Extracurricular Activities Are Available?
Springfield high schools offer:
Sports (football, basketball, soccer, track & field)
Fine arts (band, orchestra, theater, visual arts)
Clubs & Organizations (debate, robotics, student government, National Honor Society)
Comparison Table of High Schools in Springfield, MO
School Name | Location | Notable Programs |
Kickapoo High | 3710 S Jefferson Ave | AP, STEM, Athletics |
Glendale High | 2727 S Ingram Mill Rd | Honors, Fine Arts, Athletics |
Central High | 423 E Central St | IB Program, STEM, Music |
Parkview High | 516 W Meadowmere St | Advanced Academics, Athletics |
Hillcrest High | 3319 N Grant Ave | Career Readiness, Arts, Clubs |
Study Alternative | 2343 W Olive St | Personalized Learning, Small Class Sizes |
Final Words
Springfield, MO, has several well-regarded high schools under the R-XII School District. These schools provide strong academic programs and extracurricular activities to prepare students for college and careers.
People Also Ask (PAA)
What is the largest high school in Springfield, MO?
Kickapoo High School has one of the largest student enrollments.
Are there private high schools in Springfield, MO?
Yes, options include Springfield Catholic High School and New Covenant Academy.
What are the best-rated high schools in Springfield, MO?
Glendale and Central High Schools often receive top ratings.
Do Springfield high schools offer advanced placement programs?
Yes, many schools provide AP, honors, and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.
How do I enroll my child in a Springfield high school?
Visit the Springfield R-XII School District website for enrollment details.
High Schools in Springfield, Missouri: A Comprehensive Guide
Springfield, Missouri, offers a diverse range of high schools, including public, private, and specialized programs, catering to varied academic and extracurricular interests. Below is a detailed overview of key institutions, their unique offerings, and academic performance metrics.
1. Public High Schools (Springfield Public Schools)
Springfield Public Schools (SPS) operates five public high schools, recognized for their academic rigor and innovative programs. SPS is Missouri’s largest school district, with a 93.6% graduation rate and significant investments in facilities ($168+ million) .
Featured Schools
Central High School
Ranked 72nd in Missouri with a 96% graduation rate and a 37.3 college readiness score (highest in SPS) .
Offers Missouri’s only K–12 International Baccalaureate (IB) program, emphasizing global citizenship and advanced coursework .
Diverse extracurriculars include award-winning music ensembles and STEM electives .
Kickapoo High School
Known for STEM programs and AP courses (3.6 college readiness score) .
Strong athletics (basketball, soccer) and fine arts, with state-recognized theater and music programs .
Glendale High School
Boasts a 5.6 college readiness score and extensive AP/honors courses in science and languages .
Emphasizes career counseling and community service initiatives .
Parkview High School
Features small class sizes and the IB program, alongside AVID (college prep for underrepresented students) .
Notable for arts and music, with award-winning band performances .
Hillcrest High School
Prioritizes inclusivity with clubs celebrating cultural diversity and a 88% graduation rate .
Strong focus on critical thinking through AP courses in math and science .
2. Private & Specialized Schools
Springfield Catholic High School
A faith-based institution with a 100% college acceptance rate and $10.5 million in scholarships awarded to the 2022 class .
Offers shadow visits and emphasizes spiritual and academic growth .
Greenwood Laboratory School
Affiliated with Missouri State University, providing a 17:1 student-teacher ratio and project-based learning .
Springfield Virtual School
Flexible online learning with AP courses and hybrid extracurricular activities (e.g., sports partnerships) .
Missouri Options Program
Alternative pathway for students needing non-traditional education, combining work experience and online coursework .
3. Academic Excellence & Programs
A+ Schools: All five SPS high schools are Missouri A+ certified, offering tuition assistance for graduates attending in-state colleges .
Innovative Programs:
Health Sciences Academy @ Mercy: Hands-on medical training for eighth-graders .
GO CAPS: Career-focused courses in engineering, healthcare, and IT, partnering with local industries .
Project Lead the Way: STEM curriculum integrating real-world problem-solving .
4. Rankings & Performance
Top-Ranked Schools:
Nixa High (27th in Missouri) and Ozark High (37th) lead in AP participation (15–23%) .
Central High earned U.S. News & World Report’s gold and silver medals for academic excellence .
Demographics: SPS reflects growing diversity, with 75.3% White, 7.9% Black, and 6.8% Hispanic students .
5. Community & Resources
Teacher Expertise: 63% of SPS teachers hold advanced degrees, with an average of 12 years’ experience .
Safety Initiatives: Secure vestibules and updated facilities prioritize student safety .
Key Considerations for Families
College Prep: Central and Glendale High offer dual enrollment and dedicated counseling .
Extracurriculars: Kickapoo and Parkview excel in athletics and arts, respectively .
Specialized Needs: Explore the Phelps Center for gifted education or Missouri Options for alternative pathways .
For enrollment details or school zone maps, visit Springfield Public Schools or review rankings on GreatSchools .
Note: Data reflects 2024–2025 academic year.
Looking for Assisted Living in Springfield, MO?
If you or a loved one need compassionate senior care in Springfield, MO, Close to Paradise Assisted Living offers 24/7 support, medication management, memory care, and home-style meals in a comfortable environment.
📍 Visit us at: 3824 E Farm Rd 156, Springfield, MO
🌐 Learn more: Close to Paradise Assisted Living
📞 Call us today: (417) 522-9234
You May Also Like: A Brief History of Springfield, MO
Springfield, MO, is home to a variety of outstanding high schools, each offering its own unique strengths and opportunities for students. From the rigorous academics at Kickapoo High to the personalized learning experiences at Parkview High, students in Springfield have access to top-notch educational institutions that prepare them for college, career, and beyond. Whether you're looking for a traditional high school experience or an alternative learning path, Springfield has a school that fits your child's needs.
FAQs
Which Springfield high school offers the best college preparation programs? Springfield Central High and Glendale High School offer excellent college prep programs, including advanced coursework, dual enrollment, and dedicated college counselors.
Are there sports programs available at Springfield high schools? Yes, many high schools like Kickapoo and Parkview have well-established athletic programs, including basketball, football, and track.
Does Springfield offer any specialized high school programs? Yes, Parkview High offers the IB (International Baccalaureate) program, and Springfield Virtual School provides flexible online learning options.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio in Springfield high schools? The student-to-teacher ratio varies, but most schools maintain a ratio that ensures personalized attention for students, especially in advanced courses.
Komentar