An Overview of Major Schools in the Area

Hey there parents! Happy almost fall…. In a world adjusting to a new normal and for families looking to move and find a new home, school, and education plan the options can be daunting. Holt Homes Group would like to help streamline information for those asking which of the major school districts is right for my kiddo/kiddos. All statistics and data have been gathered from U.S. News & World Report. 

1. Nixa R-II- Nixa ranks 24th overall statewide when considering graduation rates, college readiness, and student-teacher ratio. Math and reading proficiency rate 6th in Missouri and the graduation rate is 91%. Nixa Public Schools is the only district in the city of Nixa. 

Additional Info: 

-There are four elementary schools, a K-6 STEAM school, two intermediate schools, a junior high school, a high school, an early childhood program (housed in two schools), and an alternative high school, (S.C.O.R.E.).

-Nixa has a Partnership with Missouri State for Leadership Cohort through Nixa-U

-K-6 implementation of a new Learning Management System called Canvas. Beginning of 7-12 implementation professional learning. 

-Offers a variety of programs to further education such as; 

-Character Education

-Parents as Teachers

-Wellness Program (SHAC)

-English as a Second Language (ESL) 

-Gifted Education (ALERT)

-Volunteer Program

-XLT (eXtended Learning Time)

Find out more about Ozark Schools here:

https://www.nixapublicschools.net/

2. Ozark R-VI- Ozark offers a variety of AP course work and boasts a 96% graduation rate. The student-teacher ratio is a very desirable 16:1. Ozark also ranks inside the state’s top 15% for math and reading proficiency as well as overall ranking statewide. Ozark R-VI services the city of Ozark southeast of Springfield. 

Additional Info:

-The Curriculum – Assessment – Instruction CSIP is based on the district mission, beliefs, and instructional compass. Curriculum, instruction, and assessment is aligned to state standards, community values, and the Board of Education’s vision for the Ozark R-VI School District. The instructional compass represents the means by which the District reaches the Board mission and beliefs. Here are the goals based on this concept:

-Goal 1: Student Performance Develop and enhance quality educational/instructional programs to improve performance and enable students to meet their personal, academic and career goals. 

-Goal 2: Highly Qualified Staff Recruit, attract, develop and retain highly qualified staff to carry out the Local Education Agency (LEA) mission, goals and objectives. 

-Goal 3: Facilities & Operations Provide and maintain appropriate support services with functional and safe facilities. 

-Goal 4: Instructional Resources Provide and maintain appropriate instructional resources. 

-Goal 5: Parent & Community Involvement Promote, facilitate and enhance parent, student and community involvement in the LEA/District educational programs. 

-Goal 6: Governance Govern the Ozark R-VI School District in an efficient and effective manner providing leadership and representation to benefit the students, staff and patrons of the district. 

Find out more about Ozark Schools here:

https://www.ozarktigers.org/Page/1

3. Republic R-III- Republic schools offers a low student-teacher ratio of 17:1. The district also ranks inside the top third for college readiness, math and reading proficiency, and college curriculum breadth. Graduation rate is 93%. 

Additional Info:

-RSD has 8 educational buildings: 1 Early Childhood Center, 5 elementary schools, 1 middle school and 1 high school.

-The GO CAPs program provides students with the opportunity to actually attend “school” courses at places of business in the healthcare, business, IT or engineering/manufacturing field. They are fully immersed into professional cultures, solving real world problems, using industry standard tools, monitored by actual employers, all while receiving high school and college credit. 

-RSD provides Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses for middle school and high school students. These hands-on courses focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

-Partnerships with local higher education institutions like Ozarks Technical Community College, Drury and Missouri State University allow Republic students the opportunity to obtain credits (both at RHS or on the institution campus) that can be used at both RHS and at a college or university.

Find out more about Republic Schools here:

https://www.republicschools.org/Page/1

4. Central High (Springfield R-XII-Central)- Central high school features an International Baccalaureate program which boosts it to the top 7% of schools in Missouri for college readiness and top 3% for college curriculum breadth. Additionally the student-teacher ratio is very low at 12:1. Central High services a corridor between Commercial St. and Chestnut Expressway. 

Additional Info: 

-The International Baccalaureate program begins in Middle School and continues through High school and consists of the IB Middle Years Programme, The Career-related Program (CP), and International Baccalaureate Organization(IBO).

-The IB Middle Years Programme: The International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) is an educational framework that encourages students aged 11 to 16 to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. At a time when students are establishing their identity and building self-esteem, the MYP is uniquely designed to offer a well rounded education and help students achieve success in school and in life.

-The Career-related Program (CP): The Career-related Program (CP) core is designed to create a bridge that connects each student’s chosen DP courses and career-related study. It includes approaches to learning, community and service, language development and a reflective project.  CP students must test in at least 2 DP courses. The DP courses chosen should be relevant to the student’s career-related study but the choice is ultimately the student’s. CP students must take the career-related study prepares students for higher education, an internship or apprenticeship, or a position in a designated field of interest.

-International Baccalaureate Organization(IBO): Central High school has been authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) to offer the Diploma Program since 1998. The program offers a rigorous, pre-university curriculum for juniors and seniors.  Students at Central High School take a specific plan of honors courses during the freshman and sophomore years to prepare for and meet prerequisites of the Diploma Program. To earn the IB Diploma, a prestigious international certification, a student must take courses and pass assessments in six IB subject areas and successfully complete all requirements of the Diploma Program core.

Find out more about Central Schools here:

https://www.sps.org/central

5. Kickapoo High (Springfield R-XII-Kickapoo)- Kickapoo has a 95% graduation rate and a reading proficiency of 70%. College readiness, math and reading proficiency all rank in the top half for the state. Kickapoo services the southwestern portion of Springfield. Kickapoo High School is the largest of five high schools in the city and receives middle school students from Carver Middle School, Cherokee Middle School, and Pershing Middle School. Kickapoo makes extensive use of business leaders and community volunteers to enhance the quality of education.

Additional Info:

-Four-year public high school

-Fully Accredited

-81.8% of graduates enroll in full-time, post-secondary education (4-year – 51.8% / 2-year – 23.6%/Tech – 6.4 %) 

-Offers Honors and Advanced Placement courses

-A Life Skills Curriculum and Functional Skills Curriculum for special-needs students

-Dual Credit program coordinated with a private college, a community college, and a state university

-PLTW (Project Lead The Way) Computer Science, Engineering and Biomedical programs with -Dual Credit potential

-A Japanese language program

-Student intervention program to support academic success

-A+ Program

-Kickapoo U – College and Career Readiness Program with a final Capstone Project and Internship opportunity

-GO CAPS – a year-long real-world professional experience at partner businesses across the Ozarks

Find out more about Kickapoo Schools here:

https://www.sps.org/kickapoo

Find out more stats and look up academic information here: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools

If you are looking for additional resources for tutoring, childcare, homeschooling, etc…We have a great network of professionals to connect you with. Please reach out to Holt Homes Group via email at jendaviskw@gmail.com. Happy 2020/2021 School Year!!