2023 Best High Schools in the Columbia, MO Area

• Columbia, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  48 reviews

Parent: We started going to CIS in JK. At first, I have to admit, I was a little skeptical when my parents voiced for their grandchild to attend the school. After being there for 2 years, I truly can’t see us anywhere us. I love the smaller class sizes. I love how all the staff really get to know each and every kid. There academics program and the standard they hold the kids to is top notch. I also love how supportive and patient they are with the kids in helping them learn. We LOVE CIS!... Read 48 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 400

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Columbia School District, MO•

• PK, 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  429 reviews

Junior: Rock Bridge is an extremely accepting school. There are clubs for every kind of belief and hobby, including: poetry, LGBTQ, democrats, republicans, Christians, and even a D&D club! The councilors and teachers have always been an open ear to me. Each student is treated with kindness and respect when regarding their needs, no matter how small. Our motto is: “freedom with responsibility”, meaning that as long as we are smart with our time and studies, we get an entire 1.5 hour period of free time called an AUT. Rock Bridge has helped me to become confident in myself and my capability to manage my time. I would recommend this school to anyone who feels ready to take charge of their grades and make life long connections.... Read 429 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,971

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Columbia, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  38 reviews

Parent: We love this school! Our kids are thriving in the small class environment where they get the required attention to grow both academically and in developing positive character traits. We are so glad we made this choice. The teachers are awesome, the environment is so positive and loving, like a healthy family environment. It is not one of those tiny private schools where they have no students or activities, they have a great sports program and plenty of fine arts opportunities. Plus the high school is also able to take advantage of the Career Center in Columbia as well. It is the best of both worlds! Even though our kids are 5 school years apart, they attend the same building from Pre-K to 12th grade. This was a nice bonus for us as well. If you're looking for a great school with top notch academics to send your kids to, definitely check this out!... Read 38 reviews

• grade A

• Students 419

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Columbia School District, MO•

• PK, 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  502 reviews

Sophomore: I'm a sophomore here at Hickman. One thing I like about Hickman is how warm and friendly the staff here are. A lot of the teachers I've had have been phenomenal. However, the students here can be very disruptive and rude, to both teachers and peers. Though there are some very nice students. Another thing I like about Hickman is how unique our mascot, the Kewpie, is, people here like to embrace its uniqueness. Another aspect that I like about Hickman is how historical the school is, and how people here like to embrace the historical side of HHS, keeping artifacts sprinkled throughout the school. The fine arts community here is big, yet everyone is really nice (especially in the theatre community). A complaint I have is the sanitary factor of the bathrooms. They can be very dirty and people vandalize on the stalls (but that's a already well known fact). The events are okay, but the events (specifically dances) can get very wild. Overall, my experience here has been above average.... Read 502 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,920

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Columbia, MO•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  37 reviews

Senior: I have really enjoyed my experience at Father Tolton, because of the people who are around me. The staff is very welcoming and helpful, and the community that the students build is like no other school. Everyone is always willing to lend a helping hand, and this school has brought me closer with my friends and in my faith. One thing that I would like to see changed is the number of whole school activities we do. I think we should be doing whole school activites a lot more often, so we can strengthen our school's community, and have the students build better friendships.... Read 37 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 325

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Columbia, MO•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  26 reviews

Alum: I attended Heritage Academy from 2008 to 2012 (8th grade to graduation), and looking back at my time there it has been one of the best decisions my parents ever made to have me go there. Heritage was a challenging yet fun atmosphere where I was blessed by having amazing teachers throughout my time there who taught a Christian worldview through every subject. My time at Heritage also served to prepare me for a rigorous college experience. Currently working at my Alma mater at Central Methodist University, I see a lot of freshmen who enter their first year and have a tough time transitioning to the college setting. When I first came to CMU, it just felt like another semester because I was prepared for what a classwork felt like and what was expected of me. This is what makes Heritage unique. It's essentially a college liberal arts education and puts students in a position to succeed at a high level after high school. I wouldn't trade my experience there for anything.... Read 26 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 117

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Boonville R-I School District, MO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  29 reviews

Senior: It was a great experience! I didn't get as involved as I should have and regreted it my senior year. It was a great school with a great atmosphere. I felt very safe and supported.... Read 29 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 544

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Jefferson City, MO•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  141 reviews

Freshman: Helias is an amazing school, they encourage students to participate in activities and still continue their education. When I first started at Helias I was nervous (i had been home schooled before then), however once I got to meet my teachers and peers at the annual frosh camp day I was more at ease. There were so many clubs I could sign up for and I did. The main thing I kept hearing was to "sign up for anything and everything that might possibly interest you, it will help." This statement couldn't be more true. "Now what about the academics" you ask? They are amazing! Helias just got a new science wing and it's awesome. They offer so many classes that, at least for me sound so amazing. Helias, with their new science wing has so many lab classes which I know my siblings (they went somewhere else for high school) didn't have offered to them. They also have religion classes which did help broaden my mind some. Helias is a great school and has a lot to offer their students.... Read 141 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 680

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Jefferson City, MO•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  14 reviews

Senior: One of the most outstanding aspects of Calvary Lutheran High School is the atmosphere. Everyone is so welcoming and inviting. Calvary is a place where high school is truly what you make of it. The acedemics challenge even the best students, and there are tons of opportunities to be involved in sports, clubs, and school activities. I have loved attending there these past 3 years, and I can't wait to step and set the tone my senior year.... Read 14 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 131

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Jefferson City School District, MO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  295 reviews

Senior: During my four years at Jefferson City High School the experience has been revere. There are various clubs and activities that allows each student to be more involved and enjoy their time in high school. Academically and non-academically, Jefferson City High School produces high quality students who can work through adversity and show great character in their communities. I have enjoyed the support system that is established through teachers' eagerness to help students before, during, or after school and student's ability to trust their teachers. The downside to Jefferson City High School is favoritism. Favoritism towards male sports rather than women sports, the reduced attention and funding to multi-cultural clubs over other clubs, and the punishment of some students differ based on their skin color or involvement in the school. However, the issue of sports and activities over education has improved over the past few years. Overall, Jefferson City High School is an excellent school.... Read 295 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,543

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• South Callaway County R-II School District, MO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  20 reviews

Senior: I loved being in band at my school and going to the competitions for it. I made a lot of my friends through the band class provided at my school. I also enjoyed being in theatre for all four years of my high school career. The theatre at my school is like a family, and I'm happy to be apart of it. I also really like all the teachers and faculty at my high school. They are always so nice and supportive. They really want to see you succeed.... Read 20 reviews

• grade B

• Students 239

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Moniteau County R-I School District, MO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  88 reviews

Sophomore: Overall Cal High is a very great school, with lots of opportunities and activities! The students are inclusive and you really feel like you're part of the school from the get-go, the campus is really nice. However, it doesn't deserve 5 stars because there are still lots of bullies, racists, etc. at this school, which is toxic. This school has also been on the news multiple times for not-so-positive reasons, but I still enjoy my time as a student here!... Read 88 reviews

• grade B

• Students 424

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Blair Oaks R-II School District, MO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  55 reviews

Senior: My experience at Blair Oaks has been nothing but exceptional. The family feel and culture makes coming to school everyday easy. Not only are we strong in academics, but the strength we have in athletics as well really boosts us to the next level. I am so blessed to be able to be a part of this school district!... Read 55 reviews

• grade B

• Students 465

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Jefferson City, MO•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  7 reviews

Middle School Student: The teachers are so nice! My classmates can be jerks at times, and some stuff is difficult, but I would say the school is pretty good, though the teachers sometimes forget that the school is interdenominational and mention decision theology. :)... Read 7 reviews

• grade B

• Students 131

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Columbia School District, MO•

• PK, 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  104 reviews

Sophomore: I think that overall it is a great school. But, I also think some things could change. One of those is discipline. There is some punishment, iss and such, but there is little to no lasting. The students I feel don't have a fear of getting in trouble, they want to test the administrators. Like a game. This isn't fun as a student because the teachers are more focused on being an interferer than an actual teacher. There aren't many fights like the city says there are, but overall there needs to be something lasting that makes them feel intimidated to stop otherwise they never will and will continue. There needs to be less leniency on the punishment especially when it comes to interactions with teachers. If a kid yells at and hit a teacher, they need to know that the can't do that. I've have many times where students will be "play wrestling" and teacher doesn't do anything, I thought that we had a no-play fight rule. I think that is the only issue with the school. Otherwise it is amazing!... Read 104 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,608

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Hallsville R-IV School District, MO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.39 out of 5  44 reviews

Senior: The teachers and community really boost Hallsville High School to make it the good education system it is. The biggest downfall is the lack of diversity and class options. However the classes that students are able to take are taught by very knowledgeable and helpful teachers that enjoy being around the students. Our football team is the most funded sports program, which is expected; however, the other sports and their facilities could use a lot more care and attention.... Read 44 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 407

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Fayette R-III School District, MO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 2.92 out of 5  38 reviews

Sophomore: Fayette high school has a wide range of students. From short to tall, athletic to intelligent. More importantly, Fayette allows a solid understanding of education. While it may not be in the best location Fayette still allows many opportunities to find a great job. Overall, Fayette is a great highschool!... Read 38 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 186

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• New Bloomfield R-III School District, MO•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  37 reviews

Senior: My experience here was pretty good. Even though I didn't have the greatest experience with friends, I still found out who is and isn't my real friends. This also made me discover who I am as a person and what I am worth. My favorite things about this school are the sports programs and the teachers. Our boys teams aren't the greatest right now, but we do have a great softball , golf, track and cross country team. For example, last year our softball team were district champions and 3rd in the state. I've always had really nice teachers that always help me when I don't understand, which is one reason as to why I have good grades. Some things that I would change is getting better lunches, (so we aren't still hungry after we eat) and administration allowing students to do more activities during things like homecoming/spirit week, assemblies and competitions to improve future students experiences here.... Read 37 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 346

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Prairie Home R-V School District, MO•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.3 out of 5  27 reviews

Senior: All around my experience at Prairie Home High School has been amazing. The school and students welcomed me with open arms. Teachers and peers push each other to be better learners and leaders of the future.... Read 27 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 81

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• New Franklin R-I School District, MO•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  6 reviews

Senior: Through my middle and high school career my experience has overall been great. Since the school is so small, New Franklin has a great one on one learning system. New Franklin's academics are excellent , the teacher's are very: adaptable, ambitious, and passionate towards each and every student. The teacher are very great at making sure we know what we will need to know to advance in further careers. They are great at letting us know what is needed for college The diversity in our school is not the best. We do not have many extra classes, all the classes we have are all of the primary classes you need to take to graduate high school. The one thing I would change about New Franklin's school is that the bully issue is very bad. Students don't really get help with the bulling unless it is threatening. New Franklin school is overall great.... Read 6 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 241

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Harrisburg R-VIII School District, MO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  22 reviews

Alum: Very dedicated teachers. Students have the opportunity to participate in multiple student organizations and sports. This school has the mindset that everyone should be involved in some school activities so there is not cutting athletes from teams. The music director is dedicated and enthusiastic. This school operates on a limited budget. It would be nice to see more electives and increased use of technology with more devices available to students and teachers.... Read 22 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 170

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Southern Boone County R-I School District, MO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  50 reviews

Senior: Southern Boone has a great atmosphere that is largely accredited to their caring teachers and caring nature of the students that attend there. The teachers always help struggling students and want to see every student succeed. There is also active faculty and student members in the school community that advocate for mental health awareness and "Zero Tolerance for Bullying" movement. As it is a small town there is some inevitable drama in faculty relations sometimes, but usually it is a very professional place to learn. Also they lack in diversity, but that is more to do with the demographic of the district (rural).... Read 50 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 499

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Cole County R-I School District, MO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  22 reviews

Senior: I have enjoyed my 4 years at Russellville High School. Russellville is a small, tight-knit community and very proud of its heritage. Everybody knows everybody and everyone gets along. My main extra-curricular activity has been sports. The school, community and parents have always been supportive of athletics in the school. The administration and teaching staff have been exceptional. I am proud to say that I am a Russellville Indian!... Read 22 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 193

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Osage County R-III School District, MO•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  101 reviews

Senior: This school is a great school for wanting to feel safe and secure. If you want to feel the support of a small local town this is the school for you! The best part of this school is the community. Rather people know you or not they will always come through to help you for anything and everything. The school has a zero tolerance for any bulling and I know every school is like this but this school goes above and beyond to make sure every kid is okay and feels safe... Read 101 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 519

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• North Callaway County R-I School District, MO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  58 reviews

Niche User: Outstanding camaraderie, great friendships, amazing teachers and staff. All extra-curricular activities are welcomed, including Quidditch!... Read 58 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 357

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1