Serving 1,535 students in grades 9-12, Smith-cotton High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 35% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 57% (which is higher than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Missouri state average of 32% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,535 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 34%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 50% in MO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 35% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 57% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Smith-cotton High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Missouri for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Smith-cotton High School's student population of 1,535 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 88 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,535 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
88 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Smith-cotton High School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,084 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Smith-cotton High School is 0.52, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.51. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#719 out of 2084 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
38%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
21%
8%
Black
3%
15%
White
66%
68%
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
91%
90%
Eligible for Free Lunch
52%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smith-cotton High School's ranking?
Smith-cotton High School is ranked #719 out of 2,084 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Missouri.
What schools are Smith-cotton High School often compared to?
Smith-cotton High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like David H. Hickman High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% MO state average), while 57% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
What is the graduation rate of Smith-cotton High School?
The graduation rate of Smith-cotton High School is 91%, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 90%.
How many students attend Smith-cotton High School?
1,535 students attend Smith-cotton High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Smith-cotton High School students are White, 21% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Black, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Smith-cotton High School?
Smith-cotton High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does Smith-cotton High School offer ?
Smith-cotton High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Smith-cotton High School part of?
Smith-cotton High School is part of Sedalia 200 School District.
School Reviews
5 1/6/2024
I Graduated in 1976 and loved playing football! Great coaches!Learned a lot from them! Are my grades not great? But my fault! Ended up in a Trade school and had a thirty-five-year career? Retire and have a great life! Also met my best friend and wife at SmithCotton
5 11/22/2010
I Graduated in 1966 This was a very good school as they go. Plenty to learn good location and subject matter, music, art, sports, and places of academia present throughout year.
Review Smith-cotton High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.
