Best Buchanan County Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 12 public high schools serving 3,689 students in Buchanan County, MO.
The top-ranked public high schools in Buchanan County, MO are Mid-buchanan Sr. High School, Dekalb Jr.-sr. High School and Lafayette High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Buchanan County, MO public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 20% (versus the Missouri public high school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 51% statewide average). High schools in Buchanan County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Missouri public high schools.
Buchanan County, MO public high school have a Graduation Rate of 77%, which is less than the Missouri average of 89%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Mid-buchanan Sr. High School, with ≥90% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Missouri or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public high school average of 31% (majority Black).

Best Public High Schools in Buchanan County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mid-buchanan Sr. High School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
3221 Se State Rte H
Faucett, MO 64448
(816) 238-1646
Gr: 7-12 | 415 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #22.
Dekalb Jr.-sr. High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
702 Main St
De Kalb, MO 64440
(816) 685-3211
Gr: 7-12 | 120 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #33.
Lafayette High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
412 Highland Ave
Saint Joseph, MO 64505
(816) 671-4220
Gr: 9-12 | 644 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #44.
Central High School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2602 Edmond
Saint Joseph, MO 64501
(816) 671-4080
Gr: 9-12 | 1,733 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #55.
Benton High School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
5655 S Fourth
Saint Joseph, MO 64504
(816) 671-4030
Gr: 9-12 | 682 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #66.
Helen M Davis School
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2900 Scott St
Saint Joseph, MO 64507
(816) 387-2986
Gr: K-12 | 43 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: n/an/a
Alt. Resource Center
3510 Frederick Ave
Saint Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 387-2320
Gr: K-12
Rank: n/an/a
Buchanan Co. Academy
4720 Green Acres
Saint Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 387-2320
Gr: K-12
Rank: n/an/a
Hillyard Technical Center
Vocational School
3434 Faraon
Saint Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 671-4170
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
5910 Mitchell Ave
Saint Joseph, MO 64507
(816) 390-9801
Gr: 6-12 | 17 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: n/an/a
Western Recept/diag Corr Centr
Alternative School
3401 Faraon St
Saint Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 387-2158
Gr: 7-12
Rank: n/an/a
Western Region Treatment Centr
Alternative School
3401 Faraon St
Saint Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 387-2158
Gr: 7-12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in Buchanan County, MO?
The top-ranked public high schools in Buchanan County, MO include Mid-buchanan Sr. High School, Dekalb Jr.-sr. High School and Lafayette High School.
How many public high schools are located in Buchanan County?
12 public high schools are located in Buchanan County.
What is the racial composition of students in Buchanan County?
Buchanan County public high schools minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public high schools average of 31% (majority Black).
Which public high schools in Buchanan County are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.