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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Ray County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 3,204 students in Ray County, MO.
The top-ranked public schools in Ray County, MO are Lawson High School, Southwest Elementary School and Hardin-central Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ray County, MO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the Missouri public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 40% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in Ray County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Missouri public schools.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Missouri public school average of 33% (majority Black).

Best Public Schools in Ray County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lawson High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 1%
600 Bob Gill Dr
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 580-7270
Gr: 9-12 | 362 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #22.
Southwest Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
307 W Moss St
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 580-7272
Gr: PK-4 | 439 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Rank: #33.
Hardin-central Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
500 Ne 1st St
Hardin, MO 64035
(660) 398-4394
Gr: PK-6 | 110 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #44.
Lawson Middle School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
602 Bob Gill Dr
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 580-7279
Gr: 5-8 | 342 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #55.
Hardin-central High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
500 Ne 1st St
Hardin, MO 64035
(660) 398-4394
Gr: 7-12 | 95 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Rank: #66.
Richmond High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
451 E South
Richmond, MO 64085
(816) 776-2226
Gr: 9-12 | 474 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #77.
Sunrise Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
401 Matt Waller Dr
Richmond, MO 64085
(816) 776-3059
Gr: 2-5 | 460 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #88.
Orrick Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
100 Kirkham
Orrick, MO 64077
(816) 770-3922
Gr: PK-6 | 160 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #99.
Richmond Middle School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
715 S Wellington St
Richmond, MO 64085
(816) 776-5841
Gr: 6-8 | 309 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #1010.
Orrick High School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
100 Kirkham
Orrick, MO 64077
(816) 770-3327
Gr: 7-12 | 133 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: n/an/a
Dear Elementary School
701 E Main
Richmond, MO 64085
(816) 776-5401
Gr: PK-1 | 300 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: n/an/a
Watkins Mill Park Camp
25610 Park Rd North
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 781-8786
Gr: 6-12 | 46 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 35%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Ray County, MO?
The top-ranked public schools in Ray County, MO include Lawson High School, Southwest Elementary School and Hardin-central Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Ray County?
12 public schools are located in Ray County.
What is the racial composition of students in Ray County?
Ray County public schools minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Missouri public schools average of 33% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Ray County are often viewed compared to one another?

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