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Best Public Schools in Joplin, MO (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Joplin Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 18 public schools serving 7,891 students in Joplin, MO (there are 6 private schools, serving 1,324 private students). 85% of all K-12 students in Joplin, MO are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Joplin, MO are Stapleton Elementary School, College View School and Kelsey Norman Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Joplin, MO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the Missouri public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in Joplin have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Missouri public schools.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Missouri public school average of 33% (majority Black).

Best Public Schools in Joplin, MO (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Stapleton Elementary School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
101 E 41st St
Joplin, MO 64802
(417) 625-5375
Gr: K-5 | 400 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #22.
College View School
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1101 N Goetz Blvd
Joplin, MO 64801
(417) 629-3044
Gr: K-12 | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #33.
Kelsey Norman Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1323 E 28th St
Joplin, MO 64802
(417) 625-5360
Gr: K-5 | 300 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #44.
Jefferson Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
130 Mckinley
Joplin, MO 64802
(417) 625-5355
Gr: K-5 | 218 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #55.
South Middle School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
900 E 50th St
Joplin, MO 64802
(417) 625-5250
Gr: 6-8 | 596 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #66.
Joplin High School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
2104 Indiana Ave
Joplin, MO 64802
(417) 625-5230
Gr: 9-12 | 2,288 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #77.
Royal Heights Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2100 Rolla St
Joplin, MO 64802
(417) 625-5370
Gr: PK-5 | 277 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #88.
North Middle School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
102 Gray
Joplin, MO 64802
(417) 625-5270
Gr: 6-8 | 549 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #99.
Mckinley Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
610 S Forest
Joplin, MO 64802
(417) 625-5365
Gr: K-5 | 324 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #1010.
Eastmorland Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1131 Highview
Joplin, MO 64802
(417) 625-5340
Gr: K-5 | 245 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #1111.
Cecil Floyd Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
2201 W 24th St
Joplin, MO 64802
(417) 625-5320
Gr: K-5 | 532 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
East Middle School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
4594 East 20th St
Joplin, MO 64802
(417) 625-5280
Gr: 6-8 | 592 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
Irving Elementary School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
2901 Mcclelland Blvd
Joplin, MO 64802
(417) 625-5350
Gr: PK-5 | 434 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #1414.
Soaring Heights Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
4604 East 20th St
Joplin, MO 64802
(417) 625-5330
Gr: PK-5 | 395 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: n/an/a
Dover Hill Elementary School
1100 N Main Street
Joplin, MO 64802
(417) 625-5380
Gr: K-5 | 412 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: n/an/a
Franklin Technology Center
Vocational School
2104 Indiana Ave
Joplin, MO 64802
(417) 625-5260
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
Gateway School
1823 W 20th St
Joplin, MO 64804
(417) 629-3410
Gr: 5-12 | 11 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: n/an/a
Joplin Early Childhood Center
2825 S Mcclelland Blvd
Joplin, MO 64802
(417) 625-5290
Gr: PK | 311 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 31%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Joplin, MO?
The top-ranked public schools in Joplin, MO include Stapleton Elementary School, College View School and Kelsey Norman Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Joplin?
18 public schools are located in Joplin.
What percentage of students in Joplin go to public school?
85% of all K-12 students in Joplin are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Joplin?
Joplin public schools minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Missouri public schools average of 33% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Joplin are often viewed compared to one another?

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