From an early age, kids are introduced to the elementary school system and eventually to the joy of college graduation. Between those moments, children are challenged to study and learn as they progress through education. While some schools offer abundant educational resources, others lack minimal educational funds, affecting how students learn.
Academic benchmarks like standardized tests in elementary schools and graduation rates show how well students do in school.
Missouri’s educational system is no different. They have outstanding schools with academic benchmarks that rank highest in the nation. They also have schools that rank last in standard scores and graduation rates. First, we will look at Missouri's worst academic elementary schools. From there, we will look at middle school and high school graduation rates. And then, we'll explore what colleges suffer from the worst graduation rates.
The Worst Elementary Schools in Missouri Based on Standardized Scores
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Every year, Missouri releases the standardized scores of elementary schools in their state. Students from 3rd grade to 8th grade take these tests to assess how much they have learned in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
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This test is known as the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP). Elementary school students must take this test because the assessments yield information on academic achievement at the student, class, school, district, and state levels. This information is used to diagnose individual student strengths and weaknesses. Based on these scores, you can determine Missouri's worst elementary schools.
Glasgow Elementary
Located in St Louis, Missouri, Glasgow Elementary scored particularly low when measuring academic performance, with an average standard score of 3.9. Glasgow Elementary has 267 students and a student ratio of 15:1.
Cole Elementary
Cole Elementary is another elementary school that has the lowest average standard score of 2.6. Cole Elementary has 313 students and a student ratio of 11:1.
Danforth Elementary
Located in Riverview Gardens, Missouri, Danforth Elementary is another elementary school that has the lowest average standard score of 3.0. Cole Elementary has 258 students and a student ratio of 17:1.
The Worst Middle Schools in Missouri Based on Standardized Scores
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Middle school is a pivotal part of a child's emotional and educational growth. Choosing the right middle school can have a profound impact on a child's future.
Middle school students also take the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP). It's an assessment that determines how much they know about a particular part of education. Based on these scores, you can evaluate Missouri's worst middle schools.
Yeatman-Liddell Middle School
Located in St Louis, Missouri, Yeatman-Liddell Middle School scored particularly low when measuring academic performance, with an average standard score of 2. Yeatman-Liddell Middle School has 397 students and a student ratio of 19:1.
Hogan Preparatory Academy Middle
Hogan Preparatory Academy Middle School is another middle school with the lowest average standard score of 2.2. Located in the heart of Kansas City, Hogan Preparatory Academy Middle has 450 students and a student ratio of 13:1.
R. G. Central Middle
R.G. Central Middle School is another school in St. Louis, Missouri that suffers from low academic performance. This middle school has the lowest average standard score of 2.8. R.G. Central Middle School has 448 students and a student ratio of 20:1.
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The Worst High Schools in Missouri Based on Graduation Rates
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While elementary school has standardized tests as educational benchmarks, high schools consider graduation an academic achievement, with students receiving diplomas.
However, not all schools are awarded this honor. Some students don’t pass their classes for various reasons. It could be a lack of grades, poor attendance, or disciplinary dismissal from the school. When looking at the lowest graduation rates at high schools in Missouri, these schools rank at the worst.
Beaumont Cte High School
Beaumont Cte High School has one of Missouri's worst high school graduation rates. The graduation rate is between 25% to 29%. This is much lower than the national average of 85%.
Roosevelt High School
When measuring academic performance, Roosevelt High School had a low graduation rate. For instance, Metro High School, also located in St. Louis, had a graduation rate of 95%. However, Roosevelt High School had a graduation rate of 55% to 59%.
Notable Roosevelt High School Alumni
Roosevelt High has produced some notable alumni over the years, including:
- Rudy Bukich, former NFL quarterback
- Dick Hantak, former referee in the NFL
- Johnny Sturm, former first baseman for the New York Yankees
- James T. Conway, 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps
- Dick Ault, Olympic hurdler
- Harry Babbitt, Big Band-era singer
Vashon High School
Vashon High School is another school that has one of the lowest graduation rates in Missouri. With more than 577 students, Vashon High School’s graduation rate is between 60% and 64%.
Notable Vashon High Alumni
For being one of the worst schools in Missouri, Vashon High has a fairly long notable alumni list. Names on this list include:
- Mac Cody, former wide receiver with the Arizona Cardinals
- Donny Hathaway, singer and songwriter
- Henry Armstrong, world champion boxer
- Leon Spinks, professional boxer known for beating Muhammad Ali
- Maxine Waters, U.S. Representative
- Grant Green, jazz guitarist
- Devon Alexander, world champion boxer
- Michael Spinks, Olympic and professional boxer
- Oliver Lee Jackson, artist and educator
The Worst Colleges in Missouri Based On Graduation Rates
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When it comes to the colleges in Missouri, students should know what schools offer the best graduation rate. It can have a profound impact on if students should attend them. When looking at the lowest graduation rates at colleges in Missouri, these schools rank the worst.
Harris Stowe State University
Harris Stowe State University has one of the lowest graduation rates at 7.9%. With a total enrollment of 1,390, Harris Stowe State University has a much lower graduation rate than other universities in the state, such as the University of Missouri, which boasts a graduation rate of 62.7%.
Colleges, like high schools, have a similar educational benchmark. They both look at graduation rates as a sign of students completing the academic requirements to receive a degree.
Harris Stowe State University
Despite being arguably the worst college in Missouri, Harris Stowe does have some notable alumni. They include:
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- DJ Tab, hip-hop producer
- Cori Bush, U.S. Representative
- John Burton, first African-American mayor in Michigan
- Julius Hunter, retired television anchorman
- Kimberly Gardner, former circuit attorney for St. Louis, Missouri
- David S. Cunningham, Jr., former city councilman for Los Angeles
East Central College
Located in Union, Missouri, East Central College is another school with one of the lowest graduation rates at 18%. They have a total enrollment of over 4,000.
Notable East Central College Alumni
East Central College boasts several notable alumni. These are:
- Steve Tappmeyer, former coach of the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats
- Jack Wagner, actor
- Omir Santos, former catcher who played with multiple different MLB teams during his career
- Tom Henke, former relief pitcher with the MLB
- John Griesheimer, former Missouri State representative and senator
National American University Independence
With a graduation rate of 10%, National American Independence University is among the lowest graduation rates in the state. While they are known for their online programs, they are considered the worst university for student completion rates.
Choosing the Right Educational System Matters
When you understand the worst schools in Missouri, you know what educational gaps are missing at these schools. It gives you a better understanding of what schools to send your child to. It also gives you a better chance to follow up with these schools and ask why these educational metrics are low and how they are improving their educational systems.
As a parent, becoming aware of what schools lack the academic support can make a huge difference in where you send your child to school. It can also help people become aware of the financial and academic resources that these schools need that their district may not provide. Either way, it shows the educational gap in Missouri. It presents a glimpse into the educational challenges in Missouri.
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