Top 10 Public High Schools in Missouri

Direct Answer

The Best Overall public high school in Missouri is Ladue Horton Watkins High School in the affluent St. Louis suburb of Ladue, a tuition-free public school that posts among the state's highest test scores, a graduation rate above 95%, and a deep AP catalog that sends graduates to schools like Washington University, Mizzou, and selective out-of-state colleges.

The Best Value pick is Marquette High School in Chesterfield, a free Rockwood district school whose 3,000+ students enjoy A-rated academics, a vast AP slate, and strong outcomes at zero tuition — elite results at the scale of a small private at no cost. This list is built for Missouri families and students weighing where to enroll, covering the whole state from St.

Louis and Kansas City to mid-Missouri. Every pick below uses real, publicly reported data from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, U.S. News, and Niche.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each school against the priorities Missouri families actually raise — strong academics, real college outcomes, safety, and whether a student will thrive — using published figures from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), U.S. News & World Report, Niche, GreatSchools, College Board, and NCES.

The weighting:

• Academic performance (test scores, proficiency) — 25%
• College and post-grad outcomes — 20%
• Value and cost — 15%
• Teachers and resources — 15%
• Environment and safety — 15%
• Extracurriculars and fit — 10%

A school that posts strong test scores but graduates few students, or offers great sports but thin academics, drops fast. The winners balance all six.

1. Ladue Horton Watkins High School (St. Louis) 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families in the St. Louis area wanting top-tier academics and outcomes

Ladue Horton Watkins High School, the lone high school of the affluent Ladue School District in St. Louis County, is the strongest traditional public high school in Missouri. It enrolls roughly 1,400 students and consistently ranks at the top of state and national lists.

The school posts proficiency rates well above the Missouri average and a graduation rate above 95%, with average ACT scores commonly in the 25–28 range against a state average near 20. Its catalog runs to a deep slate of AP courses across STEM and humanities, and its facilities and per-pupil funding rank among the state's highest.

Graduates matriculate to Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Missouri, and selective national universities in large numbers.

Pros:

• Among the highest test scores and proficiency in the state
• Graduation rate above 95% with a deep AP catalog
• Elite per-pupil funding and modern facilities
• Strong matriculation to WashU, Mizzou, and national schools

Cons:

• Ladue housing is among the most expensive in the metro
• Small single high school limits course-section variety

Verdict: The best public high school in Missouri — top academics, outcomes, and resources at zero tuition.

2. Clayton High School (Clayton)

Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Inner-ring St. Louis families wanting elite academics in a walkable setting

Clayton High School, the only high school of the School District of Clayton in St. Louis County, is a perennial top-three Missouri school. It enrolls roughly 900 students and posts proficiency and ACT scores among the highest in the state, with averages often in the 25–28 ACT range.

Its graduation rate sits above 95%, and the school offers an extensive AP program alongside strong arts and journalism. Clayton's compact, walkable district concentrates resources, and per-pupil spending ranks near the top statewide. Graduates head to Washington University, the University of Missouri, and selective out-of-state colleges.

The school's small size supports close teacher-student relationships.

Pros:

• Top-tier proficiency and ACT scores statewide
• Graduation rate above 95%
• Deep AP, arts, and journalism programs
• Small size and high funding support close mentoring

Cons:

• High cost of living in the Clayton zone
• Limited course sections due to small enrollment

Verdict: An elite, intimate public school — among the very best academics in Missouri.

3. Marquette High School (Chesterfield) 💎 BEST VALUE

Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: West St. Louis County families wanting elite outcomes at scale, free

Marquette High School, in the large Rockwood School District in Chesterfield, is the best value in Missouri — private-caliber academics at the scale of a small college, at zero tuition. It enrolls roughly 3,000 students, posts proficiency rates well above state averages, and reports a graduation rate above 95%.

The sheer size supports a massive AP catalog, deep electives, and competitive programs across nearly every sport and activity. Average ACT scores land in the mid-20s, and graduates flow to Mizzou, Washington University, and selective out-of-state schools. Few schools nationwide combine this breadth of offerings with strong outcomes at no cost.

Pros:

• Massive AP catalog and electives from a 3,000-student scale
• Graduation rate above 95% with above-average proficiency
• Deep athletics and activities across every interest
• Elite breadth of opportunity at zero tuition

Cons:

• Very large size can feel impersonal for some students
• Competitive environment raises academic pressure

Verdict: The best value in Missouri — the breadth of a private at the scale of a small college, free.

4. Kirkwood High School (Kirkwood)

Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting a tradition-rich, high-performing community school

Kirkwood High School, the flagship of the Kirkwood School District in St. Louis County, blends strong academics with a deep community tradition. It enrolls roughly 1,800 students, posts proficiency above state averages, and reports a graduation rate above 90%.

The school offers a robust AP program and is well known for its performing arts, journalism, and athletics, with average ACT scores in the low-to-mid 20s. Kirkwood's engaged community and stable funding support strong facilities and teacher retention. Graduates head to the University of Missouri, Mizzou's honors programs, and a range of selective schools.

Pros:

• Proficiency above state averages with a 90%+ graduation rate
• Robust AP catalog and renowned performing arts
• Strong community engagement and teacher retention
• Competitive athletics with deep tradition

Cons:

• Kirkwood housing costs above the metro average
• Large enrollment in core classes at peak demand

Verdict: A tradition-rich, high-performing community school — strong academics with deep extracurriculars.

5. Lafayette High School (Wildwood)

Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Far-west St. Louis County families wanting a large, high-achieving school

Lafayette High School, also in the Rockwood School District in Wildwood, is a large, high-achieving comprehensive school and a sibling standout to Marquette. It enrolls roughly 2,200 students, posts proficiency above state averages, and reports a graduation rate above 95%.

The school offers a broad AP slate, strong STEM and career-technical pathways, and deep activities, with ACT averages in the mid-20s. Lafayette's suburban Rockwood setting brings strong funding and modern facilities. Graduates matriculate to Mizzou, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and selective out-of-state colleges.

Pros:

• Graduation rate above 95% with above-average proficiency
• Broad AP and STEM/career-technical pathways
• Mid-20s ACT averages
• Well-funded Rockwood district facilities

Cons:

• Large size can limit individual attention
• Far-west commute for some district families

Verdict: A large, high-achieving Rockwood school — broad offerings and strong outcomes in west county.

6. Parkway West High School (Ballwin)

Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: West-county families wanting strong academics in the Parkway district

Parkway West High School, in the well-regarded Parkway School District in Ballwin, is one of the metro's most consistent academic performers. It enrolls roughly 1,500 students, posts proficiency above state averages, and reports a graduation rate above 90%. The school offers a strong AP program and is known for its competitive academic teams, robotics, and athletics, with ACT averages in the low-to-mid 20s.

Parkway's stable funding and experienced faculty support strong college preparation. Graduates head to Mizzou, Missouri S&T, and a range of selective schools, with strong STEM placement.

Pros:

• Proficiency above state averages with a 90%+ graduation rate
• Strong AP catalog and competitive academic teams
• Well-funded, stable Parkway district
• Strong STEM and college placement

Cons:

• Smaller AP enrollment than the largest Rockwood schools
• West-county housing costs above average

Verdict: A consistent academic standout in the Parkway district — strong prep with a STEM edge.

7. Rockwood Summit High School (Fenton)

Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: South-county families wanting a strong, community-rooted Rockwood school

Rockwood Summit High School, another Rockwood School District school in Fenton, anchors strong academics in south St. Louis County. It enrolls roughly 1,200 students, posts proficiency above state averages, and reports a graduation rate above 90%.

The school offers a solid AP and dual-credit program, with ACT averages in the low-to-mid 20s. Rockwood Summit benefits from the district's strong funding and a tight, community-rooted culture, and its athletics and activities are competitive. Graduates flow to Mizzou, Missouri S&T, and area colleges, with strong career-technical pathways for those headed straight to work or trade programs.

Pros:

• Proficiency above state averages with a 90%+ graduation rate
• Solid AP and dual-credit offerings
• Strong Rockwood funding and facilities
• Tight, community-rooted culture

Cons:

• Smaller AP catalog than Marquette or Lafayette
• Fewer specialized magnet-style programs

Verdict: A strong, community-focused Rockwood school — solid academics in a tight-knit setting.

8. Liberty High School (Liberty)

Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Northland Kansas City families wanting a large, high-performing school

Liberty High School, in the growing Liberty Public Schools district in the Kansas City Northland, is one of the strongest public high schools in the KC metro. It enrolls roughly 1,800 students, posts proficiency above state averages, and reports a graduation rate above 90%.

The school offers a broad AP and dual-credit program and is known for strong athletics, band, and academic teams, with ACT averages in the low-20s. Liberty's fast-growing, well-supported district invests in modern facilities. Graduates head to the University of Missouri, the University of Kansas, and area colleges, with strong career-technical options.

Pros:

• Proficiency above state averages with a 90%+ graduation rate
• Broad AP and dual-credit pathways
• Strong athletics, band, and academic teams
• Well-funded, fast-growing Northland district

Cons:

• Rapid growth crowds some grade levels
• ACT averages trail top St. Louis schools

Verdict: The premier Northland Kansas City public school — large, well-funded, and well-rounded.

9. Lee's Summit West High School (Lee's Summit)

Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: South Kansas City suburban families wanting a strong comprehensive school

Lee's Summit West High School, in the well-regarded Lee's Summit R-7 School District southeast of Kansas City, is a leading public high school in the KC suburbs. It enrolls roughly 1,800 students, posts proficiency above state averages, and reports a graduation rate above 90%.

The school offers a strong AP slate, robust dual-credit options, and deep athletics and activities, with ACT averages in the low-20s. Lee's Summit R-7's strong funding and reputation support college preparation across a wide student body. Graduates matriculate to Mizzou, the University of Kansas, and a range of selective and regional schools.

Pros:

• Proficiency above state averages with a 90%+ graduation rate
• Strong AP and dual-credit offerings
• Deep athletics and activities
• Well-regarded, well-funded Lee's Summit district

Cons:

• Large enrollment limits individual attention
• ACT averages below top St. Louis schools

Verdict: A leading suburban Kansas City school — strong academics and broad opportunities.

10. Francis Howell Central High School (Cottleville)

Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: St. Charles County families wanting a strong, growing comprehensive school

Francis Howell Central High School, in the large Francis Howell School District in Cottleville (St. Charles County), rounds out the list as a strong public school in one of Missouri's fastest-growing counties. It enrolls roughly 1,700 students, posts proficiency near or above state averages, and reports a graduation rate above 90%.

The school offers a broad AP and dual-credit program and competitive athletics and activities, with ACT averages in the low-20s. The St. Charles County tax base supports solid facilities, and the school benefits from an engaged community.

Graduates head to Mizzou, Lindenwood University, and area colleges.

Pros:

• Graduation rate above 90% with solid proficiency
• Broad AP and dual-credit pathways
• Competitive athletics and activities
• Well-supported St. Charles County district

Cons:

• Rapid county growth pressures facility capacity
• ACT averages trail top St. Louis County schools

Verdict: A strong, growing St. Charles County school — solid academics and broad opportunity.

Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Choosing a Public High School

• DESE accreditation and proficiency — Check the school's Missouri DESE performance data and state-test proficiency, not just reputation. Strong, measured proficiency reflects real academic results.
• Graduation rate and ACT scores — A graduation rate above 90% and an ACT average above the state norm (~20) signal genuine college readiness.
• AP, IB, and dual credit — Count the actual AP courses and dual-credit partnerships; bigger catalogs (like Marquette's) stretch strong students and cut college costs.
• College matriculation — Ask where graduates enroll. Schools feeding Mizzou, Missouri S&T, Washington University, and selective out-of-state colleges prove their outcomes.
• Teachers and resources — Look at per-pupil funding, student-teacher ratios, and facilities; districts like Ladue, Clayton, and Rockwood invest more per student.
• Environment, safety, and fit — Visit. A school's size, culture, athletics, and arts can matter as much as scores for whether your student thrives.

What matters less than marketing implies: glossy stadiums, single championship seasons, and raw enrollment size. A large school with a low graduation rate serves families worse than a smaller high-proficiency one — weigh measured outcomes over flash.

FAQ

What is the best public high school in Missouri? Ladue Horton Watkins High School in St. Louis County is the best, posting among the state's highest test scores, a graduation rate above 95%, a deep AP catalog, and strong matriculation to WashU, Mizzou, and selective national colleges — all tuition-free.

What is the best-value public high school in Missouri? Marquette High School in Chesterfield is the best value: a free, A-rated Rockwood district school whose 3,000-student scale delivers a massive AP catalog, deep activities, and a 95%+ graduation rate — private-caliber breadth at zero tuition.

Which Missouri high schools have the highest test scores? Ladue and Clayton lead the state, with average ACT scores commonly in the 25–28 range. Marquette, Lafayette, and Kirkwood also post strong above-average proficiency and mid-20s ACT averages.

What is the best public high school in the Kansas City area? Liberty High School in the Northland and Lee's Summit West High School in the southern suburbs are the top KC-metro public schools — both large, well-funded, A-caliber comprehensive schools with strong outcomes.

Are St. Louis County public schools better than the rest of Missouri? Many of the state's highest-performing public schools cluster in St. Louis County (Ladue, Clayton, the Rockwood and Parkway districts), thanks to high per-pupil funding, but strong options also exist in Kansas City (Liberty, Lee's Summit) and St.

Charles County (Francis Howell Central).

How are Missouri public schools rated? The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) evaluates districts through its Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP), measuring proficiency, growth, graduation rate, and college-and-career readiness. U.S. News and Niche add national rankings layered on similar data.

Bottom Line

For Missouri families, Ladue Horton Watkins High School in St. Louis County is the Best Overall public high school — among the highest test scores in the state, a 95%+ graduation rate, a deep AP catalog, and elite college matriculation, all free. Marquette High School in Chesterfield is the Best Value, delivering the breadth of a private at the scale of a small college at zero tuition.

If you need a school in your home region, use the decision tree above to route toward Clayton, Kirkwood, Lafayette, Parkway West, Rockwood Summit, Liberty, Lee's Summit West, or Francis Howell Central. Weigh measured outcomes — proficiency, graduation rates, and ACT scores — over stadiums and reputation, and your student will land in a school that delivers.

Sources

• U.S. News — Best High Schools in Missouri
• Niche — Best Public High Schools in Missouri
• GreatSchools — Missouri school ratings
• Missouri DESE — Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
• College Board — AP and dual-enrollment information
• NCES — National Center for Education Statistics
• Ladue School District
• School District of Clayton
• Rockwood School District
• Parkway School District

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