For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 976 students in Pettis County, MO.
The top-ranked public preschools in Pettis County, MO are La Monte Elementary School, Smithton Elementary School and Northwest Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pettis County, MO public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the Missouri public pre school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 33% (versus the 37% statewide average). Pre schools in Pettis County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Missouri public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public preschool average of 36% (majority Black).
Best Public Preschools in Pettis County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
La Monte Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
201 S Washington
La Monte, MO 65337
(660) 347-5621
La Monte, MO 65337
(660) 347-5621
Gr: PK-6 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #22.
Smithton Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
505 S Myrtle
Smithton, MO 65350
(660) 343-5317
Smithton, MO 65350
(660) 343-5317
Gr: PK-6 | 288 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #33.
Northwest Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
16215 Hwy H
Houstonia, MO 65333
(660) 568-3315
Houstonia, MO 65333
(660) 568-3315
Gr: PK-6 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #44.
Pettis Co. Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
22675 Depot Rd
Sedalia, MO 65301
(660) 826-5385
Sedalia, MO 65301
(660) 826-5385
Gr: PK-8 | 110 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: n/an/a
2255 S Ingram
Sedalia, MO 65301
(660) 827-8955
Sedalia, MO 65301
(660) 827-8955
Gr: PK | 260 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Pettis County, MO?
The top-ranked public preschools in Pettis County, MO include La Monte Elementary School, Smithton Elementary School and Northwest Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Pettis County?
5 public preschools are located in Pettis County.
What is the racial composition of students in Pettis County?
Pettis County public preschools minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public preschools average of 36% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.