Francis Howell High School is a four-year public high school located in St. Charles, Missouri. Approximately 1800 students from Defiance, Foristell, New Melle, O'Fallon, Saint Peters, Saint Charles, Weldon Spring, and Wentzville attend school at Howell. It is in the Francis Howell School District.
Serving 1,843 students in grades 9-12, Francis Howell High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 63% (which is higher than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 78% (which is higher than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Missouri state average of 33% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,843 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 21%
- Graduation Rate: 97% (Top 5% in MO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 63% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 78% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: 59% (Top 10%)
- Attendance Zone: Francis Howell High serves the west part of Saint Charles, MO, covering an approximate area of 123.6 square miles. Families in this zone can typically expect a drive of 10 to 15 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 7.2 miles to the edge of the attendance area and a maximum distance of 13.9 miles to the furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Francis Howell High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Missouri for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Francis Howell High School's student population of 1,843 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 92 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,843 students
Total Classroom Teachers
92 teachers
Year Founded
1915
School Calendar
Average Class Size
25 students
School Motto
Empowering students for lifelong success.
School Rankings
Francis Howell High School ranks within the top 5% of all 2,076 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Francis Howell High School is 0.37, which is less 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
#66 out of 2076 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
78%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
59%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
5%
2%
Hispanic
5%
9%
Black
7%
15%
White
79%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
97%
90%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)18.2%
20.5%
Eligible for Free Lunch
6%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Viking, Victor The Viking
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Francis Howell High School's ranking?
Francis Howell High School is ranked #66 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Missouri.
What schools are Francis Howell High School often compared to?
Francis Howell High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Francis Howell Central High School, Ft. Zumwalt West High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
63% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 78% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
What is the graduation rate of Francis Howell High School?
The graduation rate of Francis Howell High School is 97%, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 90%.
How many students attend Francis Howell High School?
1,843 students attend Francis Howell High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
79% of Francis Howell High School students are White, 7% of students are Black, 5% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Hispanic, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Francis Howell High School?
Francis Howell High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does Francis Howell High School offer ?
Francis Howell High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Francis Howell High School part of?
Francis Howell High School is part of Francis Howell R-III School District.
School Reviews
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