Building Your Workforce
Quality schools attract quality employees. In Southern Boone County, excellent education is a competitive advantage—helping you recruit talent and build your future workforce through top-ranked schools that outperform state averages, eight nearby colleges and universities, and direct education-industry partnerships.
How Southern Boone County builds your workforce:
- Attract and retain quality employees who want excellent schools for their children
- Tap into a pipeline of skilled workers through vocational training and higher education partnerships
- Build custom workforce development programs with nearby colleges and technical schools
Access ongoing education for your team through adult learning opportunities
By The Numbers
Southern Boone County R-I School District
The Southern Boone County R-I School District, headquartered in Ashland, serves the area with four schools and 2,006 students (2024-25). This isn’t just a good school district—it’s one of Missouri’s best.
➨ District Achievements
- Ranked in the top 20% of all Missouri school districts (#110 out of 555)
- 95% graduation rate, consistently outperforming the 90% state average
- Graduation rates have climbed from 90-94% over the past five years, showing continuous improvement
- Southern Boone High School ranks #368 out of 2,084 Missouri schools, placing it in the top 20% statewide
➨ Academic Excellence
- Math proficiency: 47% (vs. 39% Missouri average)
- Reading proficiency: 48% (vs. 43% Missouri average)
- 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio ensures personalized attention
- 18% AP participation rate at Southern Boone High School
➨ Beyond the Classroom
- Competitive athletics programs, including the 2022 state baseball championship
- Arts and extracurricular activities
- College and career readiness programs
Note: There are no private school options in the immediate area, but the excellence of the public school system means families have access to outstanding education without additional tuition costs.
What This Means for Your Business
When employees know their children will receive a top-tier education, they’re more likely to choose your company—and stay. The district’s strong academic performance and dedicated teachers (99% licensed) create an environment where students thrive.
Higher Education Access
Your Workforce Pipeline
One of Southern Boone County’s most compelling advantages for business is immediate access to eight higher education institutions—all within 25 minutes. This isn’t just convenient for your employees pursuing degrees; it’s a strategic asset for workforce development, recruitment, and ongoing training.
Colleges & Universities Within 25 Minutes
Ranken Technical College
Southern Boone County’s newest educational asset. Opened in January 2024, Ranken brings vocational excellence directly to mid-Missouri with programs in Carpentry & Building Construction Technology, Industrial Maintenance Technology, and Fabrication & Welding.
University of Missouri-Columbia
Missouri’s flagship research university and the state’s 4th largest, just 15 minutes away. Access to cutting-edge research, top talent, and partnership opportunities.
Stephens College
Private college in Columbia offering specialized programs in arts, communications, and professional studies.
Columbia College
Community college with diverse program offerings and adult education focus.
Lincoln University
Located in Jefferson City (16 minutes), offering business, education, and professional programs.
William Woods University
Located in Fulton, known for equestrian studies and professional programs.
Moberly Area Community College
Comprehensive community college with workforce training focus. Also offers a satellite location in Columbia.
Westminster College
Private liberal arts college in Fulton with strong programs in humanities, sciences, and professional studies.
Workforce Training & Development
Southern Boone County’s proximity to multiple training institutions means you can build the workforce you need, trained the way you need them.
Work Force Development OpportunitiesBefore & After School Programs
Quality childcare matters to working parents—and to the businesses that employ them. Southern Boone County families have access to licensed childcare through the Southern Boone Area YMCA’s Child Development Center and Y-Club programs.
View Additional Child Care Providers In the AreaPartner With SBEDC on Education & Workforce Development
The Southern Boone Economic Development Council works with businesses to connect you with the right educational partners for your workforce needs and facilitate partnerships between your business and local educational institutions.
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