By : Natalie Lo
In 1999, the first charter school in Missouri was opened. Charter schools are independently operated, publicly funded schools that function outside the traditional public school structure. As of 2025, charter schools educate over 25,000 students across 37 schools in Missouri, with a 38th school opening in 2026.
Charter schools operate with greater flexibility in exchange for accountability to a charter sponsor’s authority. Sponsors oversee school performance and compliance. Some charter sponsors in Missouri include universities, like Saint Louis University, public school districts, and the Missouri Charter Public School Commission.
Currently, charter schools operate in Kansas City Public School boundaries, St. Louis Public Schools boundaries, and in Boone County.
PRiME’s new Charter School Profile examines the history of charter schools in Missouri and how charter schools currently function. It also provides accessible information on every charter school in the state.
Published November 2026
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In 1999, the first charter school in Missouri was opened. Charter schools are independently operated, publicly funded schools that function outside the traditional public school structure. As of 2025, charter schools educate over 25,000 students across 37 schools in Missouri, with a 38th school opening in 2026.