Education

You will discover a myriad of educational opportunities in St. Joseph. A child can enroll in kindergarten and complete education through college and never leave St. Joseph.

Nearly 90% of the area's adult population has a high school education or better, compared to approximately 75% nationally. As a result of a community-wide partnership, St. Joseph's high school drop out rate is the lowest in the state at approximately 12%. Furthermore, close to 22% of St. Joseph workers have earned a bachelors' degree, as compared to about 20% nationally.

Visit the New Resident section of our Web site for school address and telephone information.

PRIMARY/SECONDARY EDUCATION
The St. Joseph Public School District has a mission of quality education for more than 12,000 students enrolled in three high schools, four middle schools and eighteen elementary schools. The St. Joseph School District is AAA District Accredited and offers a staff with nearly 60 percent of the teachers holding master’s degrees. The system is proud of its teacher-pupil ratio of 1 to 24 and equally proud to have the strongest and most sophisticated technology program in the state with a fiber-optic network running through each school in the district. The district’s broad and demanding curriculum features advanced placement, honors level classes, dual credit courses, and articulated classes that help develop award-winning students.

Residents may choose from a number of quality parochial/private grade schools and high schools. The city's four-year Catholic high school, Bishop LeBlond, offers a teacher-pupil ratio of 1 to 14. The St. Joseph Catholic Education Committee, St. Joseph Christian School and Children First School can provide you with information about parochial education opportunities in St. Joseph.

UNDERGRADUATE/GRADUATE EDUCATION

Missouri Western State University

Missouri Western State University occupies a 744-acre campus on the east side of St. Joseph. Missouri Western is a four-year, state-supported institution providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and newer career-oriented degree seeking programs. MWSU is authorized under Missouri statutes to offer one-year certificates, two-year associate degrees, and four-year baccalaureate programs and was received University status in 2005. In addition, the University offers some paraprofessional transfer programs, continuing education courses, workshops, seminars and programs suited to the needs of the community. Missouri Western approaches its third decade with an enrollment of more than 5,100 students, over 190 faculty, and with contemporary and recreational facilities complemented by a beautifully landscaped campus.

Established by an act of the General Assembly in 1965, the University has its roots in the eighth oldest junior college in the nation. St. Joseph Junior College, when it was established in 1915, was a liberal arts institution for area students usually preparing to transfer to a four-year university.

Today, Missouri Western State University enjoys an expanded enrollment and the strong support from the local community. MWSU continues to serve both the needs of traditional students who enter upon their graduation from high school, and of older students who are seeking the opportunity to continue their education or develop their talents.

This mix of the student body – persons with experience in the world of work, and young men and women entering directly from high school – provides an exciting and dynamic learning environment. It affords all Missouri Western State University students the opportunity to learn from one another. It brings life to the classroom and challenge to the faculty. Above all, it provides the student with a special experience intended to expand horizons and provide rich career opportunities.

Northwest Missouri State University
Northwest Missouri State University, located approximately 45 miles north of St. Joseph in Maryville, is a four-year regional university offering bachelors, masters and specialist in education degrees as well as one- and two-year certificate programs. With an enrollment of 6,200, Northwest has distinguished itself among American universities in at least three areas: electronic campus; Culture of Quality; and outstanding athletic programs.

In 1987, Northwest installed the first comprehensive electronic campus in the nation by equipping every residence hall room and faculty office with a networked computer workstation. Today, Northwest students have continuous seven-day-a-week access to the Internet, e-mail, the library, over 200 databases, and 100 instructional videos--all from the convenience of their residence hall rooms. Additionally, a University operated cable television network allows students to schedule educational programs on their TV as well as watch favorite TV shows. Twenty-seven specialized computer laboratories supplement this system.

A Culture of Quality program also was launched in 1987. Today, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award criteria is used as a conceptual framework for discussing quality and as a template for planning and agenda setting. The faculty continues to push the frontier when it comes to innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Over the last two years, the University has received numerous awards and recognition for its quality efforts, including the National Association of College and University Business Officers First Place Award and the prestigious Missouri Quality Award.

Northwest's athletic teams continue to win honors on the field or court and in the classroom. Most recently, the Bearcats won back-to-back NCAA Division II National Football Championships (1998 and 1999) while placing the largest number of players on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll. In 1997-98 Northwest was honored as the best overall athletic program in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association.    

Benedictine College
Benedictine College, 20 miles southwest of St. Joseph in Atchison, Kansas is a four-year residential, Catholic, coeducational college that provides an outstanding liberal arts education for students of all backgrounds and faiths. A unique aspect of Benedictine College is the opportunity for all students to collaborate with their professors on significant research projects. Benedictine's ethnically diverse undergraduate student population of more than 1,200 students including students from 30 states and 13 foreign countries. Benedictine offers numerous undergraduate majors; an executive master’s in business administration and a master’s in educational administration.

TECHNICAL EDUCATION
To ensure a well-trained workforce that meets the needs of local employers, continuing education and customized training is available through Hillyard Technical Center, Vatterott College and Missouri Western State College. Business skills and vocational techniques are offered and a complete program of continuing education are offered as well.

Hillyard Technical Center
Hillyard Technical Center is a public school that meets both industrial and individual needs in areas such as architecture, computers, business technology, and medical technology. Enrollment: 529 daytime, 1,500 evening.

Vatterott College
Vatterott College is a private career college that offers diploma and degree programs in Cosmetology, Manicuring and Sculptured Nails, Cosmetology Instructor Training, Business, Medical, Computer Technology, Computer Aided Drafting, Computer Programming and Distance Education (via internet delivery). Vatterott also offers customized training to area employers to enhance their employees skills and production. Courses begin frequently throughout the year and are offered during day and evening hours. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology. Enrollment: 929.