Smith-Cotton High School is a public high school in Sedalia, Missouri, in the United States. The school serves students in grades 9–12 in the Sedalia 200 School District. The current principal is Wade Norton. Athletic teams are known as the Tigers, and the school colors are black and gold.
Serving 1,551 students in grades 9-12, Smith-cotton High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 41% (which is higher than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 57% (which is higher than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Missouri state average of 33% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,551 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 34%
- Graduation Rate: 94% (Top 20% in MO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 41% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 57% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Smith-cotton High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Missouri for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Smith-cotton High School's student population of 1,551 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 92 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,551 students
Total Classroom Teachers
92 teachers
Year Founded
1925
School Rankings
Smith-cotton High School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,076 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Smith-cotton High School is 0.52, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.52. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#622 out of 2076 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
21%
9%
Black
3%
15%
White
66%
67%
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
94%
90%
Eligible for Free Lunch
51%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smith-cotton High School's ranking?
Smith-cotton High School is ranked #622 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Missouri.
What schools are Smith-cotton High School often compared to?
Smith-cotton High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like David H. Hickman High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
41% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 57% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
What is the graduation rate of Smith-cotton High School?
The graduation rate of Smith-cotton High School is 94%, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 90%.
How many students attend Smith-cotton High School?
1,551 students attend Smith-cotton High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Smith-cotton High School students are White, 21% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Black, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Smith-cotton High School?
Smith-cotton High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does Smith-cotton High School offer ?
Smith-cotton High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Smith-cotton High School part of?
Smith-cotton High School is part of Sedalia 200 School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I Graduated in 1966 This was a very good school as they go. Plenty to learn good location and subject matter, music, art, sports, and places of academia present throughout year.
Review Smith-cotton High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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