Jefferson High School

Q: Is Jefferson High School a good school?

Jefferson High School ranks 77 th of 378 Missouri high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Summary:

Jefferson High School is a public high school located in Festus, Missouri, serving grades 9-12 with a total enrollment of 318 students. The school is part of the Jefferson County R-VII school district, which is ranked 41 out of 386 districts in Missouri and is rated 4 out of 5 stars by SchoolDigger.

Jefferson High School consistently performs above the state average in end-of-course assessments for Algebra I, Biology I, and English I, with 59.6% proficiency in Algebra I compared to the state average of 41.5%. However, the school's performance in Algebra II has been lower than the state average, with only 42.8% proficiency in 2023-2024 compared to the state's 57.5%. The school has maintained an impressive 100% four-year graduation rate for the past two school years, significantly higher than the state average. Despite this, the school's chronic absenteeism rate has been relatively high, ranging from 14.0% to 18.8% over the past few years, which is higher than the state average.

The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch at Jefferson High School has been relatively low, ranging from 14.11% to 20.44% over the past few years, compared to some nearby schools like Seckman Senior High and Hillsboro High. Additionally, Jefferson High School's spending per student has been relatively high, ranging from $11,936 to $12,981 over the past few years, which is higher than the spending at some nearby schools.

Detail:

Public 9-12

7 Blue Jay Way
Festus, MO 63028-6227

(636) 933-6900

District: Jefferson County R-Vii

SchoolDigger Rank:
77^th of 378 Missouri High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $12,036

Feeder schools for Jefferson High School:

Elementary:	Plattin Primary
	Telegraph Intermediate
Middle:	Danby-Rush Tower Middle

Student/teacher ratio: 14.5

Number of students: 323

Racial breakdown:

White:

94.1%

African American:

1.9%

Hispanic:

1.9%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 20.7%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details Jefferson High School ranks better than 79.6% of high schools in Missouri. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 66.08. (See more...)

The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Jefferson High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.

The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (94.1%), African American (1.9%), Hispanic (1.9%). (See more...)

Compare Details 20.7% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Jefferson High School is 14.5. (See more...)

Compare Jefferson High School employs 22.1 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Jefferson High School is $12,036.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Jefferson High School:

SchoolDigger ranks Jefferson High School 77^th of 378 Missouri public high schools. (See Jefferson High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

White students:

Jefferson County R-Vii:

SchoolDigger ranks Jefferson County R-Vii 41^st of 386 Missouri school districts. (See district ranking list.)

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Rank History for Jefferson High School

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Rank History for all students at Jefferson High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MO State Percentile
2011	72.15	62^nd	528	88.3%
2012	55.86	198^th	522	62.1%
2013	58.95	150^th	523	71.3%
2014	55.06	207^th	521	60.3%
2015	43.80	291^st	504	42.3%
2016	75.45	45^th	401	88.8%
2017	69.20	102^nd	404	74.8%
2018	63.64	107^th	468	77.1%
2019	59.31	130^th	460	71.7%
2021	64.59	81^st	358	77.4%
2022	62.29	82^nd	361	77.3%
2023	55.43	104^th	352	70.5%
2024	66.08	77^th	378	79.6%

See the entire list of Missouri High School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Jefferson High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MO State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	53.55	138^th	382	63.9%
2019	48.03	171^st	368	53.5%

See the entire list of Best Missouri High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Jefferson High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MO State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2018	71.88	15^th	100	85.0%

See the entire list of Best Missouri High Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for White students at Jefferson High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MO State Percentile
2018	59.16	125^th	440	71.6%
2019	53.77	145^th	430	66.3%
2021	59.71	75^th	309	75.7%
2022	62.32	64^th	310	79.4%
2023	50.58	95^th	302	68.5%
2024	62.84	71^st	321	77.9%

See the entire list of Best Missouri High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

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Enrollment information for Jefferson High School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
2010	74	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	74
2011	148	1	2	1	0	0	0	152
2012	233	2	3	1	1	0	1	241
2013	290	1	3	1	2	0	6	303
2014	291	2	5	1	1	0	5	305
2015	297	5	1	0	2	0	3	308
2016	279	4	1	3	1	0	4	292
2017	264	6	3	3	0	0	3	279
2018	270	8	1	4	0	0	5	288
2019	290	5	3	4	1	0	7	310
2020	294	5	2	6	1	0	8	316
2021	298	5	2	8	1	0	5	319
2022	297	7	3	9	1	0	9	326
2023	294	6	2	9	1	0	6	318
2024	304	6	1	6	0	0	6	323

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Jefferson High School

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2010	74	11.0	6.7	24.3
2011	152	14.8	10.2	28.3
2012	241	20.2	11.9	27
2013	303	22.0	13.7	27.1
2014	305	22.4	13.5	31.1
2015	308	23.0	13.3	28.6
2016	292	22.0	13.2	29.5
2017	279	22.1	12.6	21.9
2018	288	22.9	12.5	19.4
2019	310	22.2	13.9	20
2020	316	22.2	14.2	21.5
2021	319	22.2	14.3	14.1
2022	326	22.1	14.6	14.7
2023	318	22.1	14.3	20.4
2024	323	22.1	14.5	20.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Jefferson High School

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2010	74	11.0	6.7	24.3
2011	152	14.8	10.2	28.3
2012	241	20.2	11.9	27
2013	303	22.0	13.7	27.1
2014	305	22.4	13.5	31.1
2015	308	23.0	13.3	28.6
2016	292	22.0	13.2	29.5
2017	279	22.1	12.6	21.9
2018	288	22.9	12.5	19.4
2019	310	22.2	13.9	20
2020	316	22.2	14.2	21.5
2021	319	22.2	14.3	14.1
2022	326	22.1	14.6	14.7
2023	318	22.1	14.3	20.4
2024	323	22.1	14.5	20.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Jefferson High School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$236 (1.8%)	$12,745 (98.2%)	$12,981
2020	$425 (3.5%)	$11,672 (96.5%)	$12,097
2021	$662 (5.5%)	$11,274 (94.5%)	$11,936
2022	$509 (4.2%)	$11,527 (95.8%)	$12,036

Data source: Missouri Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Jefferson High School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 130^th of 460 High schools	Ranks 104^th of 352 High schools	1.3%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
End of Course Algebra I (Jefferson High School)	67.9	61.9	6%
End of Course Algebra I (Jefferson County R-Vii)	67.9	67.8	0.1%
End of Course Algebra I (Missouri)	45.3	41.5	3.8%
End of Course Biology I (Jefferson High School)	37	38.1	1.1%
End of Course Biology I (Jefferson County R-Vii)	37	38.1	1.1%
End of Course Biology I (Missouri)	39.2	38.5	0.7%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	310	318	2.6%
African American	5	6	20%
American Indian	1	1
Asian	3	2	33.3%
Hispanic	4	9	125%
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	290	294	1.4%
Two or More Races	7	6	14.3%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	20%	20.4%	0.4%

Schools Near Jefferson High School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				MAP Mathematics (2024)	MAP Algebra I (2024)	MAP Biology I (2024)	MAP English II (2024)	MAP Algebra II (2024)	MAP English I (2024)	MAP Government (2024)	MAP American History (2024)	MAP Physics (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2022)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	MAP Mathematics 8th Grade	MAP Algebra I End of Course	MAP Biology I End of Course	MAP English II End of Course	MAP Algebra II End of Course	MAP English I End of Course	MAP Government End of Course	MAP American History End of Course	MAP Physics End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Jefferson High School	Public	9-12	7 Blue Jay Way	Festus	63028	Jefferson County	Jefferson County R-Vii	No	No	No	No	(636) 933-6900	323	22	14.5	20.7%	304 (94.1%)	6 (1.9%)	6 (1.9%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (1.9%)	66.1	77^th of 378 public high schools	79.6%		55.4	104^th of 352 public high schools	70.5%	27		59.6	51.5		42.8					$12,036	$509	$11,527
Crystal City High	Public	7-12	1100 Mississippi	Crystal City	63019	Jefferson County	Crystal City 47	No	No	No	No	(636) 937-4411	227	18	12.9	43.2%	198 (87.2%)	14 (6.2%)	11 (4.8%)	3 (1.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.4%)	61	93^rd of 378 public high schools	75.4%		50.1	136^th of 352 public high schools	61.4%	43	16.8	50.0	38.9							$10,035	$1,109	$8,927
Festus Senior High	Public	9-12	501 Westwind Dr	Festus	63028	Jefferson County	Festus R-VI	No	No	No	No	(636) 937-5410	1,023	56	18.1	35.2%	930 (90.9%)	30 (2.9%)	10 (1.0%)	11 (1.1%)	2 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	40 (3.9%)	71.2	53^rd of 378 public high schools	86.0%		78.8	27^th of 352 public high schools	92.3%	26		54.3	57.0	64.2		58.7		57.6	42.0	$10,402	$1,609	$8,793
Herculaneum High	Public	9-12	1 Blackcat Dr	Herculaneum	63048	Jefferson County	Dunklin R-V	No	No	No	No	(636) 479-5200	488	33	14.8	43.4%	442 (90.6%)	12 (2.5%)	15 (3.1%)	4 (0.8%)	2 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	13 (2.7%)	66.4	73^rd of 378 public high schools	80.7%		63.3	75^th of 352 public high schools	78.7%	2		38.5	47.1	60.6						$11,329	$563	$10,766
Desoto Senior High	Public	9-12	815 Amvets Dr	De Soto	63020	Jefferson County	Desoto 73	No	No	No	No	(636) 586-1085	858	53	16.3	38.2%	796 (92.8%)	11 (1.3%)	19 (2.2%)	4 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	27 (3.1%)	75.8	36^th of 378 public high schools	90.5%		71.3	46^th of 352 public high schools	86.9%	10		60.2	54.3			63.9	54.9			$10,461	$2,120	$8,341
New Day - Day Treatment	Public	6-12	5 Merchants Dr	Hillsboro	63050	Jefferson County	Division Of Youth Service	No	No	No	No	(636) 797-5266	24	2	12.0	87.5%	23 (95.8%)	1 (4.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)
Hillsboro Treatment Center	Public	6-12	10434 State Rd Bb	Hillsboro	63050	Jefferson County	Division Of Youth Service	No	No	No	No	(636) 797-9813	0	0			0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Hillsboro High	Public	9-12	123 Leon Hall Pkwy	Hillsboro	63050	Jefferson County	Hillsboro R-III	No	No	No	No	(636) 789-0010	1,124	68	16.5	27.7%	1,068 (95.0%)	4 (0.4%)	26 (2.3%)	3 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	22 (2.0%)	60.5	96^th of 378 public high schools	74.6%		55.9	101^st of 352 public high schools	71.3%	5		17.5	45.8	61.7						$9,781	$512	$9,269
Jefferson College	Public	10-12	1000 Viking Drive	Hillsboro	63050	Jefferson County	Jefferson College	No	No	No	No	(636) 789-3000	0	18	.0		0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Windsor High	Public	9-12	6208 Hwy 61-67	Imperial	63052	Jefferson County	Windsor C-1	No	No	No	No	(636) 464-4429	874	57	15.4	27.1%	784 (89.7%)	15 (1.7%)	45 (5.1%)	3 (0.3%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	26 (3.0%)	59.3	103^rd of 378 public high schools	72.8%		35.6	218^th of 352 public high schools	38.1%	115		21.6	41.5	53.6			46.7			$10,136	$1,318	$8,818

Frequently Asked Questions about Jefferson High School

What schools feed into Jefferson High School?

Jefferson High School is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Plattin Primary
Elementary : Telegraph Intermediate
Middle : Danby-Rush Tower Middle

Is Jefferson High School a good school?

Jefferson High School ranks 77^th of 378 Missouri high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

What is the racial makeup of Jefferson High School?

Students at Jefferson High School are 94% White, 2% African American, 2% Hispanic, 2% Two or more races.

How many students attend Jefferson High School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 323 students attended Jefferson High School.

What district is Jefferson High School in?

Jefferson County R-Vii

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.