For the 2025-26 school year, there are 7 public high schools serving 2,261 students in Pettis County, MO.
The top ranked public high schools in Pettis County, MO are Northwest High School, E W Thompson and Smith-cotton High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pettis County, MO public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the Missouri public high school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 51% statewide average). High schools in Pettis County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Missouri public high schools.
Pettis County, MO public high school have a Graduation Rate of 91%, which is more than the Missouri average of 89%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Smith-cotton High School, with 94% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Missouri or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public high school average of 30% (majority Black).
Best Public High Schools in Pettis County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Northwest High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
16215 Hwy H
Hughesville, MO 65334
(660) 827-0774
Hughesville, MO 65334
(660) 827-0774
Gr: 7-12 | 165 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #22.
E W Thompson
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1520 Thompson Blvd
Sedalia, MO 65301
(660) 530-5575
Sedalia, MO 65301
(660) 530-5575
Gr: K-12 | 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #33.
Smith-cotton High School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2010 Tiger Pride Boulevard
Sedalia, MO 65301
(660) 851-5300
Sedalia, MO 65301
(660) 851-5300
Gr: 9-12 | 1,535 student Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #44.
Green Ridge High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
401 W Pettis St
Green Ridge, MO 65332
(660) 527-3315
Green Ridge, MO 65332
(660) 527-3315
Gr: 7-12 | 183 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #55.
Smithton High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
505 S Myrtle
Smithton, MO 65350
(660) 343-5318
Smithton, MO 65350
(660) 343-5318
Gr: 7-12 | 223 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
Rank: #66.
La Monte High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
301 S Washington
La Monte, MO 65337
(660) 347-5439
La Monte, MO 65337
(660) 347-5439
Gr: 7-12 | 139 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Pettis County 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
County Juvenile Center (Closed 2005)
Alternative School
312 E Broadway
Sedalia, MO 65301
(660) 827-1062
Sedalia, MO 65301
(660) 827-1062
Gr: 6-12
E W Thompson (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
1520 Thompson Boulevard
Sedalia, MO 65301
(660) 530-5575
Sedalia, MO 65301
(660) 530-5575
Gr: Inquire with school | 18 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
505 S. Myrtle
Smithton, MO 65350
(660) 343-5316
Smithton, MO 65350
(660) 343-5316
Gr: 5-8 | 177 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Pettis County, MO?
The top ranked public high schools in Pettis County, MO include Northwest High School, E W Thompson and Smith-cotton High School.
How many public high schools are located in Pettis County?
7 public high schools are located in Pettis County.
What is the racial composition of students in Pettis County?
Pettis County public high schools minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public high schools average of 30% (majority Black).
Which public high schools in Pettis County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Pettis County include: Smithton High School vs. Green Ridge High School, La Monte High School vs. Northwest High School, Smithton High School vs. Smith-cotton High School
Recent Articles

10 Advantages of Public Education in 2025
Explore 10 key benefits of public education in 2025, with fresh statistics, expert insights, and real-world examples for parents and educators.

COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on U.S. 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (2025)
Explore how COVID-19 continues to affect U.S. public schools in 2025: learning losses, enrollment shifts, mental health, and recovery strategies.