local educational opportunities
Education: Excellence and Expansion
Macon R-1 School
Macon R-1 School, Home of the Tigers, serves more than 1,250 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The current elementary school, middle school, high school, and vocational school all reside on one campus, making it easy for parents and teachers to be close to all areas and ages. All offices and classrooms are networked to make sure the students have the most up-to-date technology available.
Macon Elementary hosts a vigorous parent/ teacher organization and encourages the participation of every district parent.
Macon Middle School helps students reach their potential and goals by promoting respect and responsibility.
Macon High School students can take advantage of many academic opportunities as well as extracurricular activities like football, baseball, basketball, track, softball, golf, art, choir, musical theater, and the award-winning Macon Tiger Band program.
Community Child Development Center
Community Child Development Center provides quality care and early education for children from birth through age 5. Classroom activities focus on enhancing the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and creative growth of each child. CCDC serves nutritious meals and snacks approved by the USDA and provides a healthy and self learning environment. The center is licensed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and has achieved Missouri Accreditation.
Private Education
Tri County Christian School serves children from kindergarten through eighth grade. Tri County offers a strong foundation in biblical studies, along with core coursework in reading, math, science, art, phonics, spelling, physical education, Spanish, French, computers, music, and more.
Immaculate Conception Catholic School is Macon’s oldest private school and is accredited through the Missouri Chapter of the National Federation of Nonpublic School State Accrediting Association. Offering Bible studies and a quality education for students in kindergarten through the eighth grade, Immaculate Conception places major emphasis on the fundamentals of reading, math, and science. The school also encourages participation in community service projects.
Macon Career Center
The Macon Career Center is open to secondary students who have completed 11th grade, post-secondary students, and adults. Daytime and evening courses are available and designed to help students develop strong work habits, including tool use, proper safety procedures, and appropriate work ethics. The school is dedicated to developing “productive skills and knowledge,” which will support better entry into later college endeavors and ease the transition from school to work in the private sector.
The Agricultural Education Program combines technical information with hands-on training in real-world situations. This program focuses on the following three areas: agricultural education classes, a supervised agricultural experience program, and leadership training. Students develop skills that include small animal care, wildlife management, conservation, crops, and agribusiness.
The Automotive Technology Program offers a one- or two-year course of study in auto maintenance and repair.
The Business Technology Program prepares students to keep up with continual industry updates and advancements.
Building Trades/Carpentry Program students assist in constructing a house that will be sold and lived in.
The Culinary Arts Program prepares students for careers in the food-service industry. Students have the opportunity to manage restaurants, including food preparation duties.
MACD Career Jumpstart is a comprehensive, accelerated program that gives students the skills needed to design, maintain, and support critical applications using the latest software technology. Participants in the Jumpstart Program can receive the equivalent of two years’ education in just 10 weeks.
Other programs include: Early Childhood Education, Graphic Arts, Health Occupations, and Industrial Welding.
Macon Area Education Center
Macon County is a community that embraces education and plans for future growth. We are poised and prepared for the next generation of entrepreneurs, business trends, and educational needs. In December 2009, the city of Macon signed a contract with Central Methodist University (CMU) and Moberly Area Community College (MACC) to open a satellite campus in Macon in fall 2010. This campus provides a multitude of courses and further ensures our graduating students have ample opportunity for post high school education.
CMU and MACC, in partnership with Macon city officials, Macon County Economic Development, Macon County Commission, Macon Area Chamber of Commerce, and public school administrators worked together to tailor a program specific to the needs of students in Macon and surrounding areas. Macon Area Education Center is the new regional campus established from these efforts. It houses three classrooms, including a lab area. The fourth classroom is leased to Macon Literacy Center.
The partnership agreement among all parties provides for greater economic opportunities. Macon is a very progressive community, and the impressive efforts on behalf of this campus further showcase the leadership and community we have. The Macon Area Education Center will help ensure a stronger economy, with expanded educational opportunities for area residents. This is particularly important as we encourage our youth to choose to stay in Macon County following graduation.
Academic programs to be offered include associate degree completion courses and four- year degree programs. Courses include accounting, business, child development, psychology, RN to BSN (Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing), and allied health study areas. Students can take individual classes in areas of interest. The Macon campus will accept students transferring from other two- and four- year colleges and universities.
The Macon Public Library
Macon Public Library has been located at the corner of Rutherford and Butler since its founding in 1917. It was proudly printed when Mr. Theodore Gary, president of the library board, established an endowment fund to add to the library’s 5,000 volumes. Today, MPL has not only enlarged its collection to 38,000 volumes for all ages, but has also added videos, audiobooks, a wireless network, and public computer terminals. It continues to expand its services to meet community needs and is open six days a week, offering reading programs for all ages, free computer access, and a genealogy room for family and local research. Everyone is welcome at their community library!