Lafayette High School is a high school in St. Joseph, Missouri. It was established in 1917, and at the time was the third high school in the city. As of 2017 it has an enrollment of some 800 students.
Serving 644 students in grades 9-12, Lafayette High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 10-14% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is higher than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is equal to the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Missouri state average of 33% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 644 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 36%
- Graduation Rate: 72% (Btm 50% in MO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Lafayette High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Missouri for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Lafayette High School's student population of 644 students has declined by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 53 teachers has grown by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
644 students
Total Classroom Teachers
53 teachers
Year Founded
1917
Colors
Green, Grey
School Calendar
School Rankings
Lafayette High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,076 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Lafayette High School is 0.56, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.52. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1287 out of 2076 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
11%
9%
Black
9%
15%
White
64%
67%
Hawaiian
2%
1%
Two or more races
13%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
72%
90%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (19-20)
9%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: The Fighting Irish
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lafayette High School's ranking?
Lafayette High School is ranked #1287 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Missouri.
What schools are Lafayette High School often compared to?
Lafayette High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Central High School, Benton High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
What is the graduation rate of Lafayette High School?
The graduation rate of Lafayette High School is 72%, which is lower than the Missouri state average of 90%.
How many students attend Lafayette High School?
644 students attend Lafayette High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
64% of Lafayette High School students are White, 13% of students are Two or more races, 11% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Black, 2% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lafayette High School?
Lafayette High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is equal to the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does Lafayette High School offer ?
Lafayette High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Lafayette High School part of?
Lafayette High School is part of St. Joseph School District.
School Reviews
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