Nixa, Missouri, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Nixa High School has been recognized as the top high school in the Springfield metro area for five consecutive years according to U.S. News & World Report. Following Nixa, Willard High School and Ozark High School secured the second and third positions, respectively. The rankings evaluate schools based on academic performance, standardized test scores, and college preparatory offerings. Additionally, Gearl Loden, the Superintendent of Nixa Public Schools, has been nominated for the national Superintendent of the Year award, further highlighting educational excellence in the district.
Nixa, Missouri — Nixa High School has once again claimed the title of the top high school in the Springfield metro area, as confirmed by the latest rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. This marks the fifth consecutive year that Nixa has held this distinction. Following Nixa are Willard High School in second place and Ozark High School in third for the current year’s rankings.
In addition to these top three schools, Central High School, part of Springfield Public Schools, has been recognized as the fourth highest-ranked institution in the area. The rankings evaluate high schools based on various criteria, including standardized test scores, college preparatory offerings, and the overall academic performance of students.
The U.S. News rankings underscore the success of high-performing schools that consistently demonstrate a student proficiency rate above expectations in essential subjects such as reading, math, and science as measured by state-mandated tests. In Missouri, these assessments primarily consist of end-of-course exams, which assess students’ knowledge and skills at specific educational milestones.
Further contributing to these rankings, schools are evaluated based on the percentage of students achieving qualifying scores in higher education-level exams, such as Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. The U.S. News also emphasizes high schools that successfully support historically underrepresented student populations in achieving academic excellence.
This particular ranking covers an array of public high schools across prominent metro areas in Missouri, including Columbia, Springfield, Kansas City, and St. Louis. Out of a total of 359 high schools evaluated in Missouri, Nixa stood out due to its impressive academic performance.
In related news, Gearl Loden, the Superintendent of Nixa Public Schools, has been named a finalist for the prestigious national Superintendent of the Year award by the National Association of School Superintendents. He has been at the helm of Nixa Public Schools since 2018, and under his leadership, the schools have garnered various state and national accolades for academic achievements, including the recognition as National Blue Ribbon Schools.
Loden’s efforts as an educational leader are marked by his experience, as he began his career in public education in 1991. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Mississippi and has made a notable impact as a leadership coach and consultant. He is also the founder of the Loden Leadership and Consulting Group, which focuses on empowering school leaders nationwide.
In addition to his recognition as a finalist for Superintendent of the Year, Loden has developed a bi-weekly leadership newsletter that reaches over 1,400 leaders in education. He is also set to introduce a quarterly online masterclass series designed for superintendents and aspiring leaders to enhance their leadership skills.
Prior to his role in Missouri, Loden was named the Mississippi Superintendent of the Year, and a significant percentage of the state’s sitting superintendents had either been hired or trained by him. Loden’s success has also been shaped by his resilience in overcoming personal challenges, including dyslexia and ADHD, which he credits to the encouragement he received from early mentors in his educational journey. Currently, Loden serves as an adjunct faculty member at Buffalo State University, further contributing to the field of education.
FAQs
What rankings has Nixa High School achieved this year?
Nixa High School has achieved the No. 1 ranking in the Springfield metro area for five consecutive years according to U.S. News & World Report.
Who are the other top-ranking high schools in the Springfield metro area?
The other top-ranking high schools are Willard High School at No. 2, Ozark High School at No. 3, and Central High School at No. 4.
What criteria are used for the U.S. News & World Report rankings?
The rankings are based on standardized test scores, college-preparatory courses, and the overall performance of students in subjects like reading, math, and science on state-mandated tests.
Who is Gearl Loden?
Gearl Loden is the Superintendent of Nixa Public Schools and has been nominated for the national Superintendent of the Year award. He has a successful background in educational leadership and is the founder of the Loden Leadership and Consulting Group.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Nixa High School Ranking | No. 1 in Springfield metro area for five consecutive years |
| Other Rankings | Willard HS (No. 2), Ozark HS (No. 3), Central HS (No. 4) |
| Evaluation Criteria | Standardized test scores, college-preparedness, reading, math, science performance |
| Superintendent Recognition | Gearl Loden nominated for national Superintendent of the Year award |
| Leadership Initiatives | Leadership newsletter and online masterclass series |
| Educational Background | Doctorate in educational leadership, experience back to 1991 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- News Leader: U.S. News & World Report Rankings
- Wikipedia: Nixa, Missouri
- Ozarks First: Nixa High School Rankings
- Google Search: Nixa High School
- KCTV5: Nixa High School News
- Google Scholar: Nixa High School
- CC Headliner: Nixa High School Class of 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nixa High School
- News Leader: Nixa High School Football
- Google News: Nixa High School
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