- SOUTH FORK ELEM. — 8.5 mi · Grades PK–6 · 196 students
- SOUTHERN MO TECH INSTITUTE — 17.6 mi · Grades 9–12
- WEST PLAINS SR. HIGH — 18.0 mi · Grades 9–12 · 1,108 students
- WEST PLAINS MIDDLE — 18.1 mi · Grades 5–8 · 555 students
- WEST PLAINS ELEM. — 18.4 mi · Grades PK–4 · 767 students
| Metric | West Plains R-VII School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 2,698 | 3,544 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 5 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $11,111/yr | $17,619/yr | ↓ 37% below avg |
| District Type | Supervisory Caulfield | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 5/10 — Average | — | Near average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Plains R-VII School District (this district) | 5/10 | 48th | 2,698 |
| Bakersfield R-IV School District | 8/10 | 78th | 397 |
| Gainesville R-V School District | 9/10 | 86th | 654 |
| Dora R-III School District | 6/10 | 59th | 284 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 475 rated districts in MO → 48th percentile → 5/10.
Source: Missouri DESE MAP, MSIP Total, Proficient+Advanced, 2025. Full methodology →
About West Plains R-VII School District
Families in zip code 65626 (Caulfield, Missouri) are assigned to West Plains R-VII School District for public education through 12th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Understanding the 5/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates West Plains R-VII School District 5 out of 10 — average among Missouri public school districts. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Missouri’s MAP (Missouri Assessment Program) assessments (2025 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Missouri is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
West Plains R-VII School District falls near the middle of Missouri on state assessment results, with reading and math proficiency close to the state median. Average-rated districts provide foundational public education, and many families find they deliver solid day-to-day learning — particularly when parents stay engaged. If you're considering this area, look beyond the overall rating: visit schools, talk to current parents, and research the specific school your child would attend. Average districts often have individual schools that significantly outperform the district mean.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 65626
Children in zip code 65626 are assigned to West Plains R-VII School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 65626, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact West Plains R-VII School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Missouri districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Caulfield
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because West Plains R-VII School District serves zip code 65626, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 65626. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Missouri, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support West Plains R-VII School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 65626.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with West Plains R-VII School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 65626 data.