About Us
Our Mission
The mission of the Van Buren R-1 School District, in cooperation with the community, is to ensure that all students will learn in a safe and positive environment in order to become productive, future ready citizens.
Our Vision
Empowering BULLDOGS for tomorrow:
every child, every chance, EVERY DAY!
#BULLDOGSEVERYDAY!
Our Belief
- We believe strong involvement and relationships between students, teachers, parents, and the community are vital to the success of Van Buren R-1.
- We believe the education Van Buren R-1 provides to all students will be intentional and purposeful and will have a positive impact on their success.
- We believe all students (at Van Buren R-1) need to know how much they are valued, loved, and respected.
- We believe in the education of the whole child through a positive, and safe learning culture. (Van Buren R-1 believes in the education of the whole child through a positive, and safe learning culture.)
- We believe that we(Van Buren R-1) should continue to be community minded.
Academics
Discover our unique academic models.
Athletics & Activities
We offer a wide range of athletics, enrichment, and recreation programs.
Activities
We offer a wide range of clubs and activity programs.
Van Buren R-I: four years of growth
Missouri's state accountability report has scored our district every year since 2022. Here is how far we've come. 22.2 % percentage points gained in the share of available state points earned, from 59.6% in 2022 to 81.8% in 2025. We have now earned more than 80% two years in a row.
+22% 
Areas of Growth Across the Campus
