Is Poplar Bluff High a good school?

Poplar Bluff High ranks 147 th of 378 Missouri high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Poplar Bluff High?

In the 2023-24 school year, 1,459 students attended Poplar Bluff High.

What is the racial makeup of Poplar Bluff High?

Students at Poplar Bluff High are 77% White, 11% African American, 7% Two or more races, 3% Hispanic.

What schools feed into Poplar Bluff High?

Poplar Bluff High is fed by the following schools: Elementary : Eugene Field Elementary Elementary : Lake Road Elementary Elementary : Oak Grove Elementary Elementary : O'Neal Elementary Elementary : Poplar Bluff Kindergarten Center Middle : Poplar Bluff Junior High Middle : Poplar Bluff Middle School

Poplar Bluff High

Summary:

Poplar Bluff High is a public high school located in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, serving grades 9-12 with a total enrollment of 1,504 students. The school's performance has been inconsistent, with its statewide ranking and rating fluctuating over the years, ranging from 147th out of 378 Missouri high schools in 2023-2024 to as low as 344th out of 460 in 2018-2019.

Poplar Bluff High's student subgroups have seen varying levels of performance, with the school's African American students ranking higher (2nd quartile) than its White students (3rd quartile) in recent years. However, the school's special education and disabled student populations have consistently ranked in the bottom quartile compared to other Missouri high schools. In contrast, the school's low socioeconomic status students have performed relatively well, ranking in the top half of Missouri high schools. The school's four-year graduation rate has fluctuated, ranging from 86.1% in 2023-2024 to 92.4% in 2022-2023, while its dropout rate has varied from 1.9% in 2022-2023 to 3.4% in 2023-2024.

Compared to nearby schools, such as East Carter County R-II High, which consistently outperforms Poplar Bluff High across various metrics, the school's performance is generally in the middle to lower range. Poplar Bluff High serves a relatively high percentage of students from low-income families, which may contribute to the school's academic challenges. By addressing these issues and learning from the successes of higher-performing schools in the region, Poplar Bluff R-I has the potential to improve student outcomes and better serve the Poplar Bluff community.

Detail:

Public 9-12

3209 Oak Grove Road
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901-3346

(573) 785-6471

District: Poplar Bluff R-I

SchoolDigger Rank:
147^th of 378 Missouri High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $10,582

Feeder schools for Poplar Bluff High:

Elementary:	Eugene Field Elementary
	Lake Road Elementary
	Oak Grove Elementary
	O'Neal Elementary
	More...
	Poplar Bluff Kindergarten Center
Middle:	Poplar Bluff Junior High
	Poplar Bluff Middle School

Student/teacher ratio: 16.0

Number of students: 1,459

Racial breakdown:

White:

77.2%

African American:

11.4%

Two or more races:

6.7%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 56.9%

See top rated Missouri high schools

Compare Poplar Bluff High to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Poplar Bluff High ranks better than 61.1% of high schools in Missouri. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 50.38. (See more...)

The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Poplar Bluff High 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 (77.2%), African American (11.4%), two or more races (6.7%). (See more...)

Compare Details 56.9% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Poplar Bluff High is 16. (See more...)

Compare Poplar Bluff High employs 91.1 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Poplar Bluff High is $10,582.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Poplar Bluff High:

SchoolDigger ranks Poplar Bluff High 147^th of 378 Missouri public high schools. (See Poplar Bluff High in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Special Education students:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

African American students:

White students:

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Rank History for Poplar Bluff High

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Rank History for all students at Poplar Bluff High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MO State Percentile
2006	45.29	329^th	534	38.4%
2007	45.58	318^th	538	40.9%
2008	47.09	315^th	539	41.6%
2009	30.20	398^th	507	21.5%
2010	48.23	274^th	516	46.9%
2011	33.81	404^th	528	23.5%
2012	44.77	317^th	522	39.3%
2013	46.72	283^rd	523	45.9%
2014	51.25	234^th	521	55.1%
2015	44.53	287^th	504	43.1%
2016	56.02	153^rd	401	61.8%
2017	63.78	140^th	404	65.3%
2018	38.83	287^th	468	38.7%
2019	30.43	344^th	460	25.2%
2021	38.27	217^th	358	39.4%
2022	42.47	184^th	361	49.0%
2023	40.95	186^th	352	47.2%
2024	50.38	147^th	378	61.1%

See the entire list of Missouri High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Poplar Bluff High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MO State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	36.81	19^th	34	44.1%

See the entire list of Best Missouri High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Poplar Bluff High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MO State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	16.20	122^nd	127	3.9%
2024	20.10	121^st	135	10.4%

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

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Poplar Bluff High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MO State Percentile
2018	39.34	240^th	382	37.2%
2019	31.30	278^th	368	24.5%
2021	50.14	103^rd	255	59.6%
2022	62.60	72^nd	250	71.2%
2023	49.50	109^th	268	59.3%
2024	60.38	78^th	274	71.5%

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

Rank History for Disabled students at Poplar Bluff High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MO State Percentile
2018	18.44	84^th	95	11.6%
2021	12.15	122^nd	129	5.4%
2022	26.04	91^st	111	18.0%

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

Rank History for African American students at Poplar Bluff High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MO State Percentile
2018	20.08	100^th	111	9.9%
2021	35.09	62^nd	96	35.4%
2022	55.40	39^th	105	62.9%
2023	55.04	29^th	99	70.7%
2024	38.24	65^th	105	38.1%

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

Rank History for White students at Poplar Bluff High

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	MO State Percentile
2018	40.68	246^th	440	44.1%
2019	31.03	310^th	430	27.9%
2021	25.81	234^th	309	24.3%
2022	32.29	201^st	310	35.2%
2023	29.13	210^th	302	30.5%
2024	43.80	134^th	321	58.3%

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 Poplar Bluff High

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1991	0	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	1387	1387
1992	1241	119	5	3	3	n/a	n/a	0	1371
1993	1282	110	7	2	1	n/a	n/a	0	1402
1994	1314	134	6	2	1	n/a	n/a	0	1457
1995	1224	148	2	6	4	n/a	n/a	0	1384
1996	1224	148	2	6	4	n/a	n/a	0	1384
1997	1244	137	7	11	1	n/a	n/a	0	1400
1998	1214	135	8	10	1	n/a	n/a	0	1368
1999	1229	135	4	12	2	n/a	n/a	0	1382
2000	1217	143	4	17	3	n/a	n/a	0	1384
2001	1189	160	5	16	3	n/a	n/a	0	1373
2002	1201	124	10	13	4	n/a	n/a	0	1352
2003	1201	124	10	13	4	n/a	n/a	0	1352
2004	1140	135	9	13	5	n/a	n/a	0	1302
2005	1128	130	17	14	10	n/a	n/a	0	1299
2006	1092	125	14	15	8	n/a	n/a	0	1254
2007	1115	133	15	18	8	n/a	n/a	0	1289
2008	1119	137	14	24	10	n/a	n/a	0	1304
2009	1098	144	11	15	11	n/a	n/a	0	1279
2010	1121	152	14	24	10	n/a	n/a	0	1321
2011	1157	157	14	28	7	0	5	0	1368
2012	1158	152	18	30	5	0	5	0	1368
2013	1158	145	20	27	4	0	5	0	1359
2014	1141	146	20	35	3	0	4	0	1349
2015	1234	136	19	37	4	0	7	0	1437
2016	1248	161	15	37	5	0	13	0	1479
2017	1266	183	15	37	8	0	22	0	1531
2018	1211	179	6	32	9	0	21	0	1458
2019	1219	163	6	26	7	0	30	0	1451
2020	1213	181	7	34	10	0	28	0	1473
2021	1211	180	6	39	9	0	40	0	1485
2022	1224	174	6	41	9	0	63	0	1517
2023	1183	172	5	50	8	1	85	0	1504
2024	1126	166	11	50	6	2	98	0	1459

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 Poplar Bluff High

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1991	1387	71.0	19.5	n/a
1992	1371	66.3	20.6	17.6
1993	1402	60.4	23.2	18
1994	1457	60.3	24.2	39.2
1995	1384	69.7	19.9	26.7
1996	1384	69.7	19.9	26.7
1997	1400	69.2	20.2	24.5
1998	1368	70.6	19.4	26.2
1999	1382	73.0	18.9	21.7
2000	1384	72.1	19.2	25.8
2001	1373	72.8	18.9	34.5
2002	1352	69.7	19.4	37.1
2003	1352	69.7	19.4	37.1
2004	1302	67.8	19.2	38.8
2005	1299	63.1	20.6	37.8
2006	1254	65.2	19.2	37.4
2007	1289	63.7	20.2	42.7
2008	1304	67.8	19.2	42.1
2009	1279	69.1	18.5	46
2010	1321	71.8	18.3	45.2
2011	1368	71.5	19.1	45.5
2012	1368	71.1	19.2	46.3
2013	1359	73.1	18.5	48.1
2014	1349	70.6	19.0	49.4
2015	1437	72.0	19.9	55.2
2016	1479	75.0	19.7	50.1
2017	1531	76.7	19.9	58.6
2018	1458	79.7	18.2	59.1
2019	1451	79.9	18.1	57.8
2020	1473	81.6	18.0	57.6
2021	1485	85.7	17.3	60.8
2022	1517	90.1	16.8	54
2023	1504	89.6	16.7	56.1
2024	1459	91.1	16.0	56.9

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 Poplar Bluff High

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1991	1387	71.0	19.5	n/a
1992	1371	66.3	20.6	17.6
1993	1402	60.4	23.2	18
1994	1457	60.3	24.2	39.2
1995	1384	69.7	19.9	26.7
1996	1384	69.7	19.9	26.7
1997	1400	69.2	20.2	24.5
1998	1368	70.6	19.4	26.2
1999	1382	73.0	18.9	21.7
2000	1384	72.1	19.2	25.8
2001	1373	72.8	18.9	34.5
2002	1352	69.7	19.4	37.1
2003	1352	69.7	19.4	37.1
2004	1302	67.8	19.2	38.8
2005	1299	63.1	20.6	37.8
2006	1254	65.2	19.2	37.4
2007	1289	63.7	20.2	42.7
2008	1304	67.8	19.2	42.1
2009	1279	69.1	18.5	46
2010	1321	71.8	18.3	45.2
2011	1368	71.5	19.1	45.5
2012	1368	71.1	19.2	46.3
2013	1359	73.1	18.5	48.1
2014	1349	70.6	19.0	49.4
2015	1437	72.0	19.9	55.2
2016	1479	75.0	19.7	50.1
2017	1531	76.7	19.9	58.6
2018	1458	79.7	18.2	59.1
2019	1451	79.9	18.1	57.8
2020	1473	81.6	18.0	57.6
2021	1485	85.7	17.3	60.8
2022	1517	90.1	16.8	54
2023	1504	89.6	16.7	56.1
2024	1459	91.1	16.0	56.9

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 Poplar Bluff High

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$816 (9.2%)	$8,072 (90.8%)	$8,888
2020	$1,541 (17.0%)	$7,498 (82.9%)	$9,040
2021	$1,549 (15.4%)	$8,510 (84.6%)	$10,059
2022	$1,751 (16.5%)	$8,830 (83.4%)	$10,582

Data source: Missouri Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Poplar Bluff High

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 344^th of 460 High schools	Ranks 186^th of 352 High schools	21.9%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
End of Course Algebra I (Poplar Bluff High)	25.2	32.2	7%
End of Course Algebra I (Poplar Bluff R-I)	32.5	38.6	6.1%
End of Course Algebra I (Missouri)	45.3	41.5	3.8%
End of Course Biology I (Poplar Bluff High)	34.8	34.6	0.2%
End of Course Biology I (Poplar Bluff R-I)	34.8	34.6	0.2%
End of Course Biology I (Missouri)	39.2	38.5	0.7%
End of Course English II (Poplar Bluff High)	46.3	47.6	1.3%
End of Course English II (Poplar Bluff R-I)	46.3	47.6	1.3%
End of Course English II (Missouri)	59	54.4	4.6%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	1451	1504	3.7%
African American	163	172	5.5%
American Indian	7	8	14.3%
Asian	6	5	16.7%
Hispanic	26	50	92.3%
Pacific Islander	0	1
White	1219	1183	3%
Two or More Races	30	85	183.3%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	57.8%	56.1%	1.7%

Schools Near Poplar Bluff High

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

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				MAP Mathematics (2024)		MAP Science (2024)	MAP English Language Arts (2024)	MAP Algebra I (2024)	MAP Biology I (2024)	MAP English II (2024)	MAP Algebra II (2024)	MAP Government (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 7th Grade	MAP Mathematics 8th Grade	MAP Science 8th Grade	MAP English Language Arts 7th 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 Government End of Course	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Poplar Bluff High	Public	9-12	3209 Oak Grove Road	Poplar Bluff	63901	Butler County	Poplar Bluff R-I	No	No	No	No	(573) 785-6471	1,459	91	16.0	56.9%	1,126 (77.2%)	166 (11.4%)	50 (3.4%)	11 (0.8%)	6 (0.4%)	2 (0.1%)	98 (6.7%)	50.4	147^th of 378 public high schools	61.1%		40.9	186^th of 352 public high schools	47.2%	39					28.2	40.2	40.2		47.9	$10,582	$1,751	$8,830
Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center	Public	10-12	3203 Oak Grove Rd	Poplar Bluff	63901	Butler County	Poplar Bluff R-I	No	No	No	No	(573) 785-2248	0	13	.0		0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)
Sierra-Osage Treatment Center	Public	5-12	9200 Sierra Osage Circle	Poplar Bluff	63901	Butler County	Division Of Youth Service	No	No	No	No	(573) 840-9717	21	2	10.5	85.7%	16 (76.2%)	4 (19.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (4.8%)								(n/a)
W. E. Sears Youth Center	Public	5-12	9400 Sears Ln	Poplar Bluff	63901	Butler County	Division Of Youth Service	No	No	No	No	(573) 840-9280	61	9	6.7	95.1%	38 (62.3%)	20 (32.8%)	1 (1.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (3.3%)								(n/a)
Twin Rivers High	Public	9-12	9261 Highway 51	Broseley	63932	Butler County	Twin Rivers R-X	No	No	No	No	(573) 328-4730	247	21	11.7	49.4%	232 (93.9%)	1 (0.4%)	10 (4.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	4 (1.6%)	31.3	258^th of 378 public high schools	31.7%					(n/a)					33.2	24.0				$10,897	$1,210	$9,687
Neelyville High	Public	7-12	289 Broadway St	Neelyville	63954	Butler County	Neelyville R-IV	No	No	No	No	(573) 989-3815	278	26	10.6	56.8%	258 (92.8%)	8 (2.9%)	3 (1.1%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	8 (2.9%)	33.9	243^rd of 378 public high schools	35.7%		37.6	208^th of 352 public high schools	40.9%	35		16.0	34.0		24.9	36.9		4.9		$10,465	$1,611	$8,854
Naylor High School	Public	7-12	301 E. Batten	Naylor	63953	Ripley County	Naylor R-II	No	No	No	No	(573) 399-2505	169	17	10.1	67.5%	150 (88.8%)	11 (6.5%)	5 (3.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (1.8%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)	26.8			39.9	27.0					$10,291	$2,255	$8,036
East Carter County R-II High	Public	9-12	24 S Herren Ave	Ellsinore	63937	Carter County	East Carter County R-II	No	No	No	No	(573) 322-5653	184	16	11.7	58.7%	169 (91.8%)	1 (0.5%)	2 (1.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	12 (6.5%)	64.5	83^rd of 378 public high schools	78.0%		39.9	197^th of 352 public high schools	44.0%	114					52.5	39.9				$12,452	$967	$11,485
Puxico High	Public	9-12	481 N Bedford St	Puxico	63960	Stoddard County	Puxico R-VIII	No	No	No	No	(573) 222-3175	209	18	11.6	51.2%	198 (94.7%)	2 (1.0%)	3 (1.4%)	1 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	5 (2.4%)	45.5	178^th of 378 public high schools	52.9%					(n/a)					53.2	21.4				$10,021	$1,068	$8,952
Mingo Puxico Technical High	Public	12	481 N Bedford St	Puxico	63960	Stoddard County	Puxico R-VIII	No	No	No	No	(573) 222-2675	43	1	43.0	93.0%	31 (72.1%)	11 (25.6%)	1 (2.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	4.2	375^th of 378 public high schools	0.8%					(n/a)						4.5	16.7			$42,258	$21	$42,237

Poplar Bluff High

Poplar Bluff High:

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

What do you think?

Rank History for Poplar Bluff High

Rank History for all students at Poplar Bluff High

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Poplar Bluff High

Rank History for Special Education students at Poplar Bluff High

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Poplar Bluff High

Rank History for Disabled students at Poplar Bluff High

Rank History for African American students at Poplar Bluff High

Rank History for White students at Poplar Bluff High

Enrollment information for Poplar Bluff High

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Poplar Bluff High

Student/Teacher Ratio Poplar Bluff High

Per Pupil Expenditures for Poplar Bluff High

Impact of COVID-19 on Poplar Bluff High

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near Poplar Bluff High