Francis Howell Central High School is the third high school created in the Francis Howell School District. The school is located in Cottleville, Missouri, but a large part of its student population comes from its larger neighbor St. Peters.
Serving 1,741 students in grades 9-12, Francis Howell Central High School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 54% (which is higher than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75% (which is higher than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Missouri state average of 32% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,741 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 20%
- Graduation Rate: 95% (Top 20% in MO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10%
- Math Proficiency: 54% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 75% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 58% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Francis Howell Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Missouri for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Francis Howell Central High School's student population of 1,741 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 92 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,741 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
92 teachers
Year Founded
1997
Colors
Blue, Navy Blue, Silver
School Calendar
School Rankings
Francis Howell Central High School ranks within the top 10% of all 2,076 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Francis Howell Central High School is 0.35, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.51. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#172 out of 2076 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
75%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
58%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
6%
8%
Black
8%
15%
White
80%
68%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
95%
90%
Eligible for Free Lunch
13%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Francis Howell Central High School's ranking?
Francis Howell Central High School is ranked #172 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Missouri.
What schools are Francis Howell Central High School often compared to?
Francis Howell Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Francis Howell High School, Francis Howell North High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 75% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
What is the graduation rate of Francis Howell Central High School?
The graduation rate of Francis Howell Central High School is 95%, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 90%.
How many students attend Francis Howell Central High School?
1,741 students attend Francis Howell Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
80% of Francis Howell Central High School students are White, 8% of students are Black, 6% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Francis Howell Central High School?
Francis Howell Central High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does Francis Howell Central High School offer ?
Francis Howell Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Francis Howell Central High School part of?
Francis Howell Central High School is part of Francis Howell R-III School District.
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