Welcome to Joplin Schools

Thank you for your interest in Joplin Schools, where we maintain quality levels of instruction and high student achievement! Located in picturesque and hospitable Joplin, Missouri, the Joplin School District features an early childhood center, thirteen elementary schools, three middle schools, a newly renovated state-of-the-art high school, and a technical center. Serving over 7,000 students, the district is large enough to offer diverse and exciting opportunities for students, yet small enough to share a strong sense of community. Joplin parents, teachers, administrators, the Board of Education, and community members partner together to support Joplin students and to make their success possible.

Schools Under Construction!

Improving and expanding our educational facilities to meet student needs is a priority in the Joplin School District. Thanks to the support of the Joplin community, several important construction projects are now underway, and updates are posted regularly on our website. Current projects include the following:

Elementary Expansions

Eastmorland Elementary School (to be completed in 2008)
McKinley Elementary School (to be completed in 2008)
Stapleton Elementary School (to be completed in 2008)

New Middle Schools
»For detailed information, view the informational sheet about our middle school construction projects. (pdf)

East Middle School – new construction on 20th St. (opens August 2009)
South Middle School – new construction on 50th St. (opens August 2009)
North Middle School – major renovation & expansion (re-opens January 2010)

We're All About the "A" – Academics, Arts, Activities, & Athletics

We are committed to providing a quality educational environment where students can thrive in academics, fine arts, activities and athletics. Our top-notch programs are designed to reinforce and expand classroom learning and to develop our students’ individual talents. Below are some details about Joplin Schools’ wide array of offerings.

Academics

For several consecutive years, the Joplin School District has been among an elite number of Missouri school districts to receive the prestigious Distinction in Performance award given annually by the state of Missouri. Due in part to increased student achievement on state tests and ACT college-entrance exam scores that consistently exceed state and national averages, Joplin is clearly establishing a reputation for academic excellence.

The Joplin School District invites student success through a challenging and well-rounded curriculum delivered by dedicated and highly trained teachers. Students at all levels benefit from Joplin Schools’ exemplary academic programs. We offer:

Gifted Education program for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade.
All-day kindergarten, which provides expanded early literacy opportunities for Joplin kindergartners.
An impressive and comprehensive selection of Advanced Placement (AP) and College Dual Credit courses for Joplin High School students. Courses such as Calculus, Physics, Biology, Literature, and US Government span the four core disciplines while advanced courses in fine arts, computer studies, and foreign language offer students the opportunity to challenge themselves in rigorous elective courses.
An impressive array of vocational education courses such as Automotive Technology, Graphic Design and Printing, Culinary Arts, Welding, Computer Networking, Nursing Options, and Landscaping offered at the Franklin Technology Center, conveniently located adjacent to the Joplin High School campus.
Comprehensive reading programs.
Early Childhood Services. Our Parents as Teachers, Jumpstart, and Early Childhood Preschool programs help get our youngest students’ educational journeys started on the right foot.
Special education programs for students with special needs.
A strong summer school program which offers remedial and enrichment programs that expand student learning opportunities.
A variety of support services that offer intervention for students at all grade levels. Early literacy, corrective reading, transition programs and more help our students succeed and reach graduation.
Impressive technology integration programs. Effective technology integration is a primary focus for Joplin Schools. A leader in technology initiatives, the district offers Internet connected labs in every school building, a 2.5 to 1 student to computer ratio, wireless student and staff services, handheld computers, a state-of-the-art television station, interactive videoconference field trips, online parent communication tools, and other proven technology integration strategies. [return to top]

Arts

Joplin schools offer a strong fine arts program from grades Kindergarten to 12. We are proud to be the only school district in the area to offer orchestra, and our impressive music, art, foreign language, and theater arts programs serve to develop student skill and to cultivate a life-long appreciation of the arts.

Elementary students receive weekly instruction in art and music from district specialists, providing a strong foundation for advanced development. Students interested in playing stringed instruments can begin receiving instruction as early as the 4th grade. Joplin’s three middle schools continue to build upon skills learned at the elementary level by offering 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students opportunities in art, band, choir, and orchestra.

At the high school level, budding artists further enhance their skill with advanced courses in drawing and painting, fibers and metals, three-dimensional design, and Art Portfolio.

Joplin High School musicians participate in band, jazz band, choir, and orchestra, and an array of musical performance groups such as Marching Band, Strolling Strings, Sound Dimension, New Expressions, and Touch of Class offer additional opportunities for students to showcase their musical talents.

Four years of foreign language instruction are offered at Joplin High School in French, Spanish, and German. Students may also earn college credit by completing a foreign language advanced placement course.

Is your student drawn to theater arts? The Joplin High School drama department presents two impressive productions each year – a Broadway play in the fall and a musical in the spring. The musical productions are collaborative efforts between the drama department, vocal music, and orchestra.

Joplin students at all levels have opportunities to attend invitational contests and performances held throughout the region, and Joplin Schools’ fine arts program is fortunate to enjoy support from the local community. [return to top]

Activities & Athletics

Joplin schools boast an extensive range of extra and co-curricular activities and athletics that keep Joplin students involved. With such a wide array of offerings, there is something for everyone.

ACTIVITIES: With a wide variety of clubs and organizations such as Student Council, Debate, FFA, National Honor Society, SkillsUSA, Future Business Leaders of America, yearbook, drama clubs, math clubs, and more, students can further explore their interests and stay engaged in meaningful activity.

ATHLETICS: Joplin is home of the Eagles! Eagle Pride runs deep, and Joplin has a strong tradition of athletics ranging from baseball state championships to a history of football dynasties. Our students enjoy: baseball, basketball, football, soccer, tennis, golf, softball, volleyball, swimming, track, cross country, wrestling, dance, and cheer. [return to top]

Highly Qualified Teachers

All students deserve to be taught by highly qualified teachers, and the Joplin School District is committed to continuously improving instruction to meet the needs of our students. Our district has been awarded the prestigious Commissioner’s Award of Excellence for Professional Development, recognizing the high-quality professional development programs available to Joplin teachers. [return to top]

We are Committed

At Joplin Schools, our goal is to ensure that students obtain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to be productive citizens and lifelong learners. We are extremely proud of our students, teachers, staff, and supportive community. Collectively, we are committed to providing a quality learning environment. Please tour our web site to learn more, and let us know if we can be of service to you or your family. [return to top]

New to Joplin Schools?
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Quick Facts | Enrollment Information (pdf) | District Brochure (pdf)
School Boundary Map | School Info & Websites | Contact Us