The Lathrop R-II School District is located just 3 miles west of Interstate 35 (30 minutes north of Kansas City) on state highway 116 and encompasses 104 square miles in Clinton County and 9 square miles in Caldwell County. The Lathrop school community is experiencing steady but manageable growth and offers the security and lifestyle of rural America while affording the convenience of close proximity to a major metropolitan area. Our new high school was completed in 2008 and our new sports complex with an artificial turf football field, baseball field and softball field was completed in 2015. The district has received the coveted "Distinction in Performance" Award presented by Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Districts that have shown outstanding gains in student achievement, persistence to graduation, and improvement in ACT scores receive this award. A progressive and visionary Board of Education works as a team with administrators, staff, parents, and patrons to provide the best possible educational opportunities for students. Our students attend school Tuesday - Friday during the school year to allow for a consistent schedule and exemplary professional development for our staff. For more information on the Four-Day school week, see Narrative from Mr. Fine, our former superintendent.