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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Barry County Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 1,561 students in Barry County, MO.
The top-ranked public preschools in Barry County, MO are Shell Knob Elementary School, Southwest Elementary School and Exeter Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Barry County, MO public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 24% (versus the Missouri public pre school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 25% (versus the 37% statewide average). Pre schools in Barry County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Missouri public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public preschool average of 36% (majority Black).

Best Public Preschools in Barry County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Shell Knob Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
24400 State Hwy 39
Shell Knob, MO 65747
(417) 858-6743
Gr: PK-8 | 158 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #22.
Southwest Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
529 E. Pineville Road
Washburn, MO 65772
(417) 826-5411
Gr: PK-4 | 349 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #33.
Exeter Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
101 Locust St
Exeter, MO 65647
(417) 835-2922
Gr: PK-8 | 224 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #44.
Wheaton Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
116 Mccall
Wheaton, MO 64874
(417) 652-7240
Gr: PK-6 | 241 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: n/an/a
Eunice Thomas Elementary School
1501 Main St
Cassville, MO 65625
(417) 847-2445
Gr: PK-2 | 457 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: n/an/a
Monett Early Childhood Center
1007 6th Street
Monett, MO 65708
(417) 354-2168
Gr: PK-K | 276 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: n/an/a
Purdy Early Learning Center
201 Gabby Gibbons Dr
Purdy, MO 65734
(417) 442-3216
Gr: PK | 31 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 35%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Barry County, MO?
The top-ranked public preschools in Barry County, MO include Shell Knob Elementary School, Southwest Elementary School and Exeter Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Barry County?
6 public preschools are located in Barry County.
What is the racial composition of students in Barry County?
Barry County public preschools minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public preschools average of 36% (majority Black).

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