The top reported proficiency rate is 52% in English language arts. The lowest is 38% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Bourbon Middle School
Bourbon Middle School is a regular public school serving grades five through eight in the small rural town of Bourbon, Missouri, part of the Crawford County R-I district. The school sits along or near the Old Highway 66 corridor, the town’s main spine, in a low-density, car-dependent community of about 1,600 residents. The district’s offices are on the same road, and the elementary and high school are nearby.
State assessment results for the most recent testing cycle provide a mixed picture. In math, proficiency rates varied by grade: fifth grade performance was weaker than in sixth and eighth grades. In English language arts, rates climbed from fifth grade through seventh grade, with seventh grade showing the highest share of students meeting the proficient mark; eighth grade results were suppressed, likely due to small group sizes. Science results were available for fifth and eighth grades, with a modest share of students reaching proficiency in both. The school’s combined proficiency across all tested subjects and grades is on the higher end compared to other districts in Crawford County. The school does not serve high school grades, so no graduation rate applies.
The student body is small. A majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting the economic profile of the community. Racially, the student population is predominantly white, with small numbers of students from other backgrounds. Information on students with disabilities and English learners was not included in the available data, so families should ask the school directly about special education and language support services.
No staffing ratios, discipline statistics, attendance rates, or program offerings such as advanced coursework, arts, music, or extracurriculars were provided. The district brief did not identify any recent changes such as bond measures, tax levies, curriculum revisions, or leadership transitions. Parents interested in these aspects will need to seek information through school visits, the school handbook, or direct conversations with administrators.
The town of Bourbon is experiencing a slight population decline. Its economy relies on manufacturing, retail trade, and health care. Housing costs in the area are below the state median, which may make the community relatively affordable. Daily life is car-dependent; the average commute is substantial, and there is no public transit. The town has a Route 66 heritage, hosts an annual car show and barbecue festival, and offers outdoor recreation in the surrounding Ozarks foothills. The library and city hall anchor the civic core.
This is a school for families who want a small, rural setting where the middle school is embedded in a close-knit community. The academic profile shows variability: some grades and subjects are stronger than others, and a parent may want to ask about the school’s approach to supporting students who are below proficient. The lack of program data means families should confirm that specific interests or needs can be met. Given the school’s relative standing in the county, it serves as a solid academic option within its local context, but families accustomed to broader program offerings or higher overall proficiency rates may want to compare with neighboring districts.
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