Fort Osage High vs Smith-Cotton High School
A head-to-head comparison of two high schools in Missouri, United States, 103 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Fort Osage High
Independence · Public high · Grades 9–12
1,545 students
Smith-Cotton High School
Sedalia · Public high · Grades 9–12
1,551 students
| Measure | Fort Osage High Independence, Missouri | Smith-Cotton High School Sedalia, Missouri |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 45 Lower 50% | 48 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #316 of 497 | #290 of 497 |
| National rank | #9640 of 16,910 | #9069 of 16,910 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | High | High |
| Year range | Grades 9–12 | Grades 9–12 |
| Students | 1,545 | 1,551 |
| Enrollment | 1,545 | 1,551 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 42.9% | 59.6% |
| Students per teacher | 17.8 | 17.0 |
| Reading proficiency | 53% | 61% |
| Math proficiency | 31% | 38% |
| city | Independence | Sedalia |
| state | Missouri | Missouri |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Smith-Cotton High School scores higher on the Success Index (US) (47.5 vs 45.2).
- •Smith-Cotton High School does better on math proficiency (38% vs 31%).
- •Smith-Cotton High School does better on reading proficiency (61% vs 53%).
- •Fort Osage High does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (42.9% vs 59.6%).
- •Smith-Cotton High School does better on students per teacher (17.0 vs 17.8).
- •Smith-Cotton High School is the larger school with 1,551 students compared with 1,545.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Osage High better than Smith-Cotton High School?
On the Success Index (US), Smith-Cotton High School ranks higher (47.5 vs 45.2 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Fort Osage High and Smith-Cotton High School?
About 103 km in a straight line, between Independence and Sedalia in Missouri.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Fort Osage High: 1,545. Smith-Cotton High School: 1,551. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Fort Osage High and Smith-Cotton High School rank in Missouri?
Fort Osage High is 316th of 497 and Smith-Cotton High School is 290th of 497 among high schools in Missouri on the 2025 Success Index (US).