Growing Minds

We know the key to a brighter future for our community starts with quality education. Cape Girardeau’s area schools are dedicated to creating a classroom environment that works for all kids, from the first day of preschool to high school graduation day and beyond. Educators are committed to improving curriculums to better prepare students for competing in an ever-changing world. After high school, students have exceptional post-secondary options including a four-year university, technical job training programs and more.

K-12 Awards

  • Alma Schrader Elementary 2017 National School of Character
  • Clippard 2017 Exemplary School
  • Blanchard Elementary 2015 Missouri Gold Star Award and 2015 National Blue Ribbon Award
  • Notre Dame Regional High School has been named a Top 50 Catholic High School in the U.S. since 2005
  • Jackson Senior High was one of 10 schools in the nation to receive the “High Schools that Work Gold Achievement Award” in 2014

Cape Area Public Schools

Parochial and Private Schools

Both of my kids attend Barbara Blanchard Elementary. This school is built on love and compassion for its kids, led by a fantastic principal, Dr. Kohlfeld. The staff builds students’ self-confidence and sets high expectations that set a model for all of the area elementary schools, and it shows in everything from test scores to the smiles on the kids’ faces. I’m as proud as my kids are of Blanchard Elementary!

Darren Burgfeld, Blanchard Dad

As natives from Sri Lanka, we wanted our children to grow up in an environment where they get to experience diversity first hand. We were pleasantly surprised by the multi-faith, racial, and cultural exposure our kids received in a relatively small town like Cape through our public schools.

Dharshaka Dias, Cape Dad

Post-Secondary

Southeast Missouri State University is home to nearly 12,000 students and offers 145 undergraduate majors, 100 minors and more than 75 graduate degree programs. Many degree programs are nationally accredited. The University athletics program competes in NCAA Division 1, Ohio Valley Conference.

Cape College Center is a partnership between Mineral Area College, Southeast Missouri State University and Three Rivers College that offers associate degrees and other community college services.

Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center teaches technical skills and job training in over 30 career paths, including Automotive Technology, Computer Networking, Culinary Arts, Practical Nursing and Electrical Trades. Courses are available to students from 12 regional high schools as well as adults in the community.

Metro Business College offers career-training, associate degrees, and certificate programs in the fields of business, healthcare and information technology.

Continuing Education

For a community to really thrive, it takes a commitment to becoming lifelong learners. Cape Girardeau has an active arts scene that can be seen in sculptures that line downtown streets, in displays at Catapult Creative House, at the University’s River Campus, in the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri and several local art galleries. The University and the Career and Technology Center host continuing education classes in addition to personal enrichment opportunities and just for fun classes. Join our literary scene by attending open mic nights at Cup N Cork, join a book club through the Cape Girardeau Public Library, or attend a book launch from one of our many talented local authors.

Cape Girardeau Public Library

Continuing Ed program at SEMO

Community Personal Enrichment Classes through Cape Career & Technology Center

Code Labs One at Codefi

University Speaker Series