fbpx

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.

Judge Greg Stremel

1972 alum and parent

A Catholic education doesn’t settle for just preparing young people to succeed in college or to secure a career that provides a good living.  Catholic schools partner with parents and the community in the formation of young people, nurturing a love of wisdom, the power of critical thinking, and the integration of moral development into learning.
Tracy Borgmeyer

Parent of alum

One family

One community

Since 1885

News

New System Director Named

New System Director Named

JOPLIN, MO ­– Joplin Area Catholic Schools welcomes Dr. Emily Yoakam as its new director of schools, effective July 1, 2023. "I am honored to serve the Joplin Area Catholic Schools as its new Director of Schools," said Yoakam. "I'm excited for the opportunity to...

read more
Catholic Schools Week: St. Mary’s

Catholic Schools Week: St. Mary’s

St. Mary’s Catholic Schools Week 2023 Hearts Afire with Love Love overcomes, love delights, those who love the Sacred Hearts rejoice Sunday, January 29: Our Love for our Parishes Faith Event: Attending Mass with our family Students wear school uniforms to Mass,...

read more
Parents Night Out

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...

read more

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