WEBB CITY R-VII SCHOOL DISTRICT

Accredited for Distinction in Performance by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the district's commitment to education is apparent in every aspect of school life. The dedication of the school board, administration, faculty and staff is matched by the citizens of the district who have approved funding for $19 million in facilities construction since 1992, including three new elementary buildings, improvements and additions to the Carterville Elementary School, Junior High and High School buildings, outstanding technology in all buildings K-12, and a state-of-the-art 1,019 seat performing arts center. Plans are currently in process for a major addition to the new Harry S Truman Elementary School.

With a K-12 enrollment of 3,579, and a student to teacher ratio of 16:1, the environment for strong academics is excellent. Webb City High School is an A+ high school and proud of its strong teams in the Academic Bowl, Debate and Speech. Enrichment programs for gifted students, and programs for special needs students are provided for children of all ages. The quality and success of these programs has led to continual increases in student enrollment during the last decade.

The performing arts are supported in the R-VII District, with outstanding Vocal and Instrumental departments, as well as a strong Drama Department. The 400 member combined Junior High and High School Band is an exciting and stirring sight in local parades and half-time football shows. Webb City High School annually hosts the Southwest Missouri Showcase of Show Choirs competition, which brings over 1,000 students from around Missouri into town for a day. In 2002, the first Annual Webb City High School Jazz Festival was held which featured internationally renowned jazz trumpet artist Maynard Ferguson. Additionally, the Drama Department produces three plays yearly; one of which is directed toward an audience of children.

The sports program in Webb City schools is well rounded, as is evident on the high school campus, which includes an aquatic center, tennis courts, soccer field and baseball/softball fields. Cardinal Stadium is the home of the Fighting Cardinals, Missouri State Football Champions six of the last 12 years. Fans experienced a real workout in 1997 when the Cardinals brought home state championships in football and basketball.

The mission of the Webb City R-VII School District is to prepare today's youth to meet the challenges of tomorrow's world by guiding all students in the acquisition of knowledge and the development of skills that will enable each to become a productive and responsible individual. With unwavering support, the district continues to strive toward effectiveness in meeting that goal.

SOUTHWEST CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Southwest Center for Educational Excellence is an education service organization serving 45 school districts and two colleges in southwest Missouri. The Center impacts more than 48,000+ students and 4,800 educators. The spirit of cooperation lies at the heart of the consortium as members work together to develop services by combining expertise.

The center is a leader in curriculum, having developed Missouri Curriculum Guides in mathematics, communication arts, science, social studies, health/physical education, and fine arts. Adapting these guides locally empowers Missouri districts to meet state requirements. These curricula are now marketed to non-member districts and will be accessible online in 2002.

Southwest Center is meeting the challenge of improving America 's students' performance in mathematics and science by working with the National Science Foundation in several science/math improvement initiatives to improve teaching methods in these two subjects.

CROWDER COLLEGE , WEBB CITY CENTER

Crowder College is accredited by the North Central Association and offers a wide-array of associate degrees, professional certificates, career and industrial training, community education opportunities and online courses. Graduates of the Associate of Arts programs are admitted without examination to junior standing in all public universities and colleges in Missouri as well as many outside the state.

Students can complete their entire Associates degree in a variety of programs including Business Administration, Child Development, Fire Science, General Studies (undecided), History, Psychology, and Sociology/Human Services. Students enrolled in other programs of study will be able to complete their general education classes in Webb City.

Crowder College 's Webb City Center is located at 600 S. Ellis. For more information regarding Crowder College and to see a listing of courses offered in Webb City log on to their website (www.crowdercollege.net ) or call 417-673-2345.

MISSOURI SOUTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY (MSSU)

Located in Joplin, MSSU is five minutes from Webb City. This four-year university has a well-respected international mission with curricula in accounting, education, finance and business management technology.

OZARK CHRISTIAN COLLEGE (OCC)

Also located in Joplin, OCC has an enrollment of 757 students in an undergraduate Bible college preparing men and women for vocational and non-vocational Christian leadership. This preparation includes Biblical studies, general studies and professional studies.

NORTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA A & M COLLEGE (NEO)

Located in Miami, Oklahoma, 31 miles southeast of Webb City, NEO has two-year curricula in agriculture, behavioral sciences, business, computer, industrial sciences, communications and health sciences.

PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY

Located in Pittsburg , Kansas, 30 miles northwest of Webb City, Pittsburg State has four-year curricula featuring industrial technology, education, music, nursing, social work and liberal arts.