Joplin Area Catholic Schools
A pillar in the Joplin community, the Joplin Area Catholic School System (JACS) was founded in 1885 – 12 years after the city was incorporated – by the Sisters of Mercy. Shortly after the Sisters of Mercy arrived in Joplin they established a school and the first hospital in Joplin – now Mercy Hospital Joplin.
A Full Education in a Faith Based School
Since the initial school was founded by the Sisters of Mercy, our system has grown and now includes St. Mary’s Elementary School, St. Peter’s Middle School and McAuley Catholic High School, which are faith based schools serving the Joplin area. We begin offering educational services for children beginning at age 2 with Early Learners at St. Mary’s Early Childhood and continuing through grade 12 at McAuley Catholic. We educate students from across the Four State area with students from Joplin, MO; Carl Junction, MO; Carthage, MO; Columbus, KS; Chetopa, KS; Neosho, MO; Pierce City, MO; Webb City, MO to name a few.
Students who graduate from McAuley Catholic go on to attend a military academy, a four-year university, trade school, and religious continued education. Graduates have pursued careers as attorneys, artists, CEOs, counselors, doctors, educators, political figures and more.
To ensure the development of each child, we educate the whole child: The heart, mind, body and soul.
Our Mission
Joplin Area Catholic Schools provide an outstanding academic and Christ-centered educational foundation that forms our present students of today into remarkable servant-leaders of tomorrow.
I am thankful for the school (teachers and students) helping me reach my potential. I would not be where I am today if my parents had not sacrificed to send me to St Mary’s, St. Peter’s and McAuley.
One family
One community
Since 1885
News
Totus Tuus 2023
Each summer, a team of college-aged missionaries travels to parishes across the diocese to present a week-long, fun-filled, and educational Catholic program for all 1st—12th-grade youth. Totus Tuus, meaning Totally Yours, is dedicated to sharing the Gospel and...
2023 Youth Basketball Camp
Youth Basketball Camp June 5, 2023 1-3 p.m. Grades 4-8 $20 camp fee includes a t-shirt Register with Tony Witt - twitt@jacschools.org
Parents Night Out
St. Peter's Middle School Hosts a Parents Night Out When: Friday, February 10 Time: 6:00—9:00pm Where: St. Peter’s Middle School in the McAuley Catholic MPR Cost: $20 per child, $10 each additional sibling or friend What: Games, activities, food and drink, and lots...
Rev. Andrew Williams appointed to McAuley Catholic
We are excited to share with you that Rev. Andrew Williams, S.T.L., M. Div. will be joining the McAuley Catholic staff as a Theology teacher for the ‘23-‘24 school year. “I’m thankful for and honored by the Bishop’s trust to appoint me to work in our Joplin Catholic...

JACS Business Office
930 South Pearl Avenue
Joplin, MO 64801
417-624-5003
St. Mary's Elementary School
3025 South Central City Road
Joplin, MO 64804
417-623-1465

St. Peter's Middle School
931 South Byers Avenue
Joplin, MO 64801
417-624-5605
McAuley Catholic High School
930 South Pearl Avenue
Joplin, MO 64801
417-624-9320