Top 10 Best High Schools in St. Charles County, MO [Ultimate Guide]

A Parent’s Guide to the Top Schools in St. Charles County

If you’re on the hunt for a top-notch high school for your kiddo in St. Charles County, you’ve come to the right place. We understand that finding the perfect school can be a daunting task—we’ve got you covered.

We put together a list of the top 10 high schools for all of St. Charles county to explain what they all have to offer.

Here’s the quick list if you’re looking for the fast rundown of our top high schools:

1. Francis Howell High School

2. Fort Zumwalt West High School

3. Francis Howell Central High School

4. Liberty High School

5. Timberland High School

6. Francis Howell North High School

7. Fort Zumwalt North High School

8. Fort Zumwalt South High School

9. Holt High School

10. Fort Zumwalt East High School

1. Francis Howell High School

Located in Defiance, Francis Howell High School is known for its strong academics and outstanding athletic programs.

With a variety of AP courses and a focus on college readiness, Francis Howell will make sure your student is well-prepared for their future.

Just this year, they announced that 5 students within FH were finalists for the national merit scholarship. They also have an art program that has received plenty of awards.

Plus, their Vikings have a reputation for being fierce on the playing field!

2. Fort Zumwalt West High School

Fort Zumwalt West, also called West High School, is in the middle of O’Fallon. Its known for its well-rounded education that emphasizes both academics and extracurricular activities.

With a diverse range of clubs and sports, your teen will have plenty of opportunities to explore their interests and develop leadership skills.

Fort Zumwalt’s Project Lead the Way program (PLTW) offers students hands-on experience in 3 major STEM fields:

• Engineering
• Biomedical
• Computer Science

Fort Zumwalt even has an app you can download to see what’s new across the entire district. It’s excellent if you want a heads up for everything going on at school. Go Jaguars!

3. Francis Howell Central High School

Francis Howell Central is located just next to Old Town in Cottleville. They pride themselves on fostering a positive learning environment and promoting student success.

Francis Howell Central’s comprehensive course offerings and robust fine arts program make this school a standout choice for creative minds.

They have a variety of options for college prep, advanced credit, vocational courses, and a special education program. And don’t forget about their competitive Spartans when it comes to sports.

4. Liberty High School

Liberty High is one of 4 schools in the Wentzville R-IV school system. It’s the 2nd newest school in the district, opened in 2008. If you’re wondering what the newest is, it’s North Point high which just opened in 2021.

Wentzville R-IV is a rapidly growing school district, and it’s one of the reasons so many people are moving to Wentzville these days.

Liberty is located on Sommers Road in Lake St. Louis just south of the lake and right next to the Shoppes at Hawk Ridge. Liberty offers a tight-knit, supportive atmosphere for students.

Their impressive curriculum will set your kiddo up for a great college career, featuring AP and dual credit courses and hands-on learning for a lot of their courses.

They reported that their class of 2022 graduated with a total of $5.8 million worth of scholarships for college which is remarkable!

Liberty offers a comprehensive academic program, including a Capstone Research course that allows students to dive deep into a subject they’re passionate about.

Plus, with so many options for sports and clubs, it’s easy for kids to get involved when they come to Liberty.

5. Timberland High School

Another top school within Wentzville R-IV. Timberland is a phenomenal choice for students in the Wentzville area.

At Timberland, you can expect a well-rounded education that balances rigorous academics with engaging extracurriculars. This school boasts an exceptional music program and a strong commitment to community service.

Wentzville schools are also known for being part of the St. Charles County CAPS program, which allows students to get into the real world. It’s a phenomenal way for teens to get professional experience in 3 major fields:

1. Healthcare
2. Global Business
3. Technology and creative media

They focus on exposing students to professional culture, problem solving, and technology. It’s also great experience to add to the college resume.

They have a great debate team and an award-winning football team too! Let’s hear it for the Timberland Wolves!

6. Francis Howell North High School

Located in the middle of St. Charles, Francis Howell North offers an inclusive environment where students can excel academically and personally.

They offer a wide range of courses, dedicated teachers, and a strong focus on technology.

Francis Howell North is known for its award-winning journalism program and a highly competitive speech and debate team.

There’s no doubt your kid will be well-prepared for the future here. And when it comes to athletics, their Knights are always ready to bring home a win.

7. Fort Zumwalt North High School

Fort Zumwalt North, aka North high school, is in the northern part of O’Fallon. They are known for their strong commitment to academic excellence and extracurricular opportunities.

Ft. Zumwalt North has a strong sense of community. Their Panther pride makes it a welcoming place for students to learn and grow.

The Fort Zumwalt district also features the A+ Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance for students attending 2-year Missouri community colleges or vocational schools.

8. Fort Zumwalt South High School

Just a few miles south of Ft. Zumwalt North, Ft. Zumwalt South is in St. Peters. This school boasts a strong academic program and a variety of clubs and activities to keep students engaged.

From their competitive Bulldogs sports teams to their highly-regarded theater program, there’s something for everyone at Fort Zumwalt South.

9. Holt High School

Holt is one of the oldest high schools in the state of Missouri, and it’s just steps away from Wentzville’s historic district.

Holt High is all about academic achievement and personal growth. With a strong focus on STEM and a wide range of AP courses, your student will be well-prepared for college and beyond.

They also have a thriving arts program, including an outstanding music department that has earned top honors at competitions.

And with an array of clubs, activities, and sports, the Holt Indians always have something exciting happening on campus.

10. Fort Zumwalt East High School

Rounding out our list at number 10 is Fort Zumwalt East, located in St. Peters. This school is dedicated to providing a well-rounded education, offering a variety of academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs to cater to every student’s interests.

The Fort Zumwalt East Lions take pride in their strong sense of community and commitment to excellence.

Choosing the right school

Each of these schools offers a unique blend of academics, extracurriculars, and community spirit, making them all fantastic options for your student.

So schedule some school tours, talk to teachers and administrators, and most importantly, listen to your gut on what feels right.

If you’re moving to St. Charles county and want some support with the home search, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We love helping our clients on the journey.

At Gateway Realty Group, all of us are here to share our local real estate expertise to make your life easy during the buying or selling process.