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About

The Francis Howell School District is the top-rated school district in St. Charles County and 13th in the state, as ranked by Niche.com. Encompassing more than 150 square miles in the southeast corner of St. Charles County, the District empowers students to be lifelong learners prepared for the future.

Quality Academics

Francis Howell boasts five National Blue Ribbon schools and two National Schools of Character – a testament to the District’s high expectations regarding academic excellence, character and good citizenship.

Dedicated Teachers and Staff

One of the largest employers in the region with 23 school campuses, 17,000 students and 2,200 employees, the District invests in teachers and support staff. Eighty-six percent of teachers hold advanced degrees and the average teacher salary at FHSD is $10,000+ higher than the state average.

Fiscally Conservative

In 2020, voters in the Francis Howell School District passed Missouri’s largest bond issue ($244M) to fund critical facility needs across the District. A fiscally conservative organization, Francis Howell has the lowest tax rate of all five school districts in St. Charles County and the second lowest amount of spending per student.

Our Mission

Empowering students to be lifelong learners prepared for the future. Learn more about how we bring this mission to life through the District’s Strategic Plan.

Awards and Accreditation

Fully accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)

5 National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence (Becky-David Elementary, Daniel Boone Elementary, Warren Elementary, Francis Howell High School, Francis Howell Middle School)

2 National Schools of Character (Francis Howell Middle and Independence Elementary)

Standard and Poor’s financial rating of AA+, which puts FHSD in the top 10% of school districts

Outstanding Students - 900 AP Scholars, 33 National Merit Finalists and 12 perfect ACT scores in just the last several years

Top High Schools - All three high schools rank in the top 4% in Missouri (US News and World Report, 2021)

Best School District in St. Charles County - FHSD ranks highest in St. Charles County and 13th in the state (Niche, 2023)

Lowest Tax Rate - FHSD has the lowest blended tax rate out of all five school districts in St. Charles County and the second lowest amount of spending per student (DESE, 2021)

FHSD History

The Francis Howell School District was founded in 1915 and has since grown to be one of the largest and top-ranked districts in Missouri.

Our History Photo Gallery

Printable Documents:

Fast Facts

Points of Distinction