Average
#1507 of 2,216 schools in MO
Poplar Bluff High
High School · POPLAR BLUFF R-I
3209 Oak Grove Road, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Enrollment
1,459
Student-Teacher
16:1
Score
5.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,459
Student-Teacher
16:1
Score
5.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Poplar Bluff
#10 of 11
public schools
Missouri high schools
#374 of 532
In district
#8 of 9
POPLAR BLUFF R-I
Academic growth
9.4 / 10
Exceptional
About Poplar Bluff High
Poplar Bluff High serves 1,459 students in grades 9-12 in this Butler County community, offering a comprehensive high school experience with a student-teacher ratio of 16.0:1 and 91 full-time equivalent teachers. The school ranks in the 46th percentile statewide, placing #1,198 out of 2,234 Missouri high schools, with room for academic growth as it works to strengthen student achievement. Academic performance shows 45% of students reaching proficiency or above in English Language Arts/Reading, while 43% achieve proficiency in mathematics across grade levels.
With its substantial enrollment, the school provides the scale to offer diverse programming while maintaining reasonably sized classes for individual attention. The school serves a working-class community where the median household income is $47,157 and median home values average $133,700. About 15% of local residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, while 21.5% of families experience poverty, reflecting the economic challenges many students face.
Despite these circumstances, Poplar Bluff High continues focusing on student development and preparing graduates for their next steps. Located on Oak Grove Road in this remote town setting, Poplar Bluff High anchors the educational landscape of a tight-knit community where students and families value local connections and hometown pride.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Poplar Bluff High — Students at Poplar Bluff High score 44% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
56.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MO EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from MO state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.4/10.
How Poplar Bluff High Compares
See how Poplar Bluff High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 26% (2019) to 43% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 46% (2019) to 45% (2022).
Location
3209 Oak Grove Road, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Poplar Bluff High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. W. E. SEARS YOUTH CTR. (rated 8.1/10, 5.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is TWIN RIVERS HIGH (rated 6.3/10, 14.0 miles away, in nearby Broseley), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, NEELYVILLE HIGH (rated 5.5/10, 16.2 miles away, in nearby Neelyville), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Poplar Bluff, see our Poplar Bluff schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 13.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| OAK GROVE ELEM. Poplar Bluff | 0.2 mi | 5.9 |
| WESTWOOD BAPTIST ACADEMY Poplar Bluff | 0.6 mi | 4.8 |
| POPLAR BLUFF EARLY CHILDHOOD C Poplar Bluff | 1.7 mi | 5.9 |
| POPLAR BLUFF KINDERGARTEN CTR. Poplar Bluff | 1.7 mi | 6.5 |
| O'NEAL ELEM. Poplar Bluff | 1.9 mi | 8.5 |
| SHADY GROVE SCHOOL Poplar Bluff | 1.9 mi | 6.7 |
| POPLAR BLUFF MIDDLE SCHOOL Poplar Bluff | 2.7 mi | 6.6 |
| FIRST BAPTIST SCHOOL Poplar Bluff | 3.1 mi | 6.9 |
| POPLAR BLUFF JR. HIGH Poplar Bluff | 3.2 mi | 6.6 |
| SACRED HEART SCHOOL Poplar Bluff | 3.7 mi | 6.7 |
| EUGENE FIELD ELEM. Poplar Bluff | 4.5 mi | 6.0 |
| SIERRA-OSAGE TREATMENT CTR. Poplar Bluff | 5.6 mi | — |
| W. E. SEARS YOUTH CTR. Poplar Bluff | 5.8 mi | 8.1 |
| LAKE ROAD ELEM. Poplar Bluff | 6.6 mi | 4.6 |
| HILLVIEW ELEM. Harviell | 10.0 mi | 6.4 |
| WILLIAMSVILLE ELEM. Williamsville | 13.8 mi | 5.4 |
| NEELYVILLE ELEM. Neelyville | 16.2 mi | 5.3 |
| NEELYVILLE HIGH Neelyville | 16.2 mi | 5.5 |
| TWIN RIVERS HIGH Broseley | 14.0 mi | 6.3 |
| FISK ELEMENTARY Fisk | 13.3 mi | 4.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 63901 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$49,979
Median Home Value
$143,200
Median Rent
$785/mo
Population
34,920
College Educated
16.4%
Homeownership
62.4%
Avg Commute
18.4 min
Poverty Rate
19.9%
Median Age
37.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Poplar Bluff High has a median household income of $49,979. It is a community where 16% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $143,200, with a median rent of $785/month. The area has a poverty rate of 19.9%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 18 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| GLENDALE HIGH Springfield, MO | 5.6 |
| SECKMAN SR. HIGH Imperial, MO | 5.6 |
| STALEY HIGH Kansas City, MO | 5.6 |
| BRANSON HIGH Branson, MO | 5.5 |
| HAZELWOOD WEST HIGH Hazelwood, MO | 5.5 |
| WEBB CITY HIGH Webb City, MO | 5.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Poplar Bluff High
What grades does Poplar Bluff High serve?
Poplar Bluff High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Poplar Bluff High?
Poplar Bluff High has an enrollment of approximately 1,459 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Poplar Bluff High?
The student-teacher ratio at Poplar Bluff High is 16:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Poplar Bluff High rank in MO?
Poplar Bluff High is ranked #1507 out of 2,216 schools in MO.
What is Poplar Bluff High's MySchoolScout rating?
Poplar Bluff High has a composite rating of 5.6 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Poplar Bluff High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Poplar Bluff High has 30.3% math proficiency and 44.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Poplar Bluff High a charter school?
No, Poplar Bluff High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Poplar Bluff High a Title I school?
No, Poplar Bluff High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Poplar Bluff High?
56.9% of students at Poplar Bluff High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,459
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 91
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 56.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Town
- County
- Butler County
- Phone
- (573) 785-6471
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
POPLAR BLUFF R-I- District Enrollment
- 5,074
- Schools in District
- 10
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,411
- District Rank
- #8 of 9
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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