For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 2,231 students in Dent County, MO (there are 1 private school, serving 55 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Dent County, MO are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Dent County, MO are Green Forest Elementary School, North Wood Elementary School and Salem Sr. High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dent County, MO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Missouri public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in Dent County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Missouri public schools.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public school average of 33% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Dent County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Green Forest Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
6111 Hwy F
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-3902
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-3902
Gr: K-8 | 152 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #22.
North Wood Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3734 N. Hwy 19
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4607
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4607
Gr: PK-8 | 155 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #33.
Salem Sr. High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1400 Tiger Pride Dr
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Gr: 9-12 | 606 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #44.
Salem Upper Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1601 S Doss Rd
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Gr: 2-5 | 335 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #55.
Dent-phelps Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
27870 Hwy C
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4680
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4680
Gr: PK-8 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #66.
Salem Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1400 Tiger Pride Dr
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Gr: 6-8 | 254 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #77.
Oak Hill Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
6200 S Hwy 19
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-5618
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-5618
Gr: K-8 | 149 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: n/an/a
Ozark Hills School
Special Education School
100 S Warfel St
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6488
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6488
Gr: K-12 | 5 students Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: n/an/a
101 N Main St
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Gr: PK-1 | 257 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Dent County, MO?
The top-ranked public schools in Dent County, MO include Green Forest Elementary School, North Wood Elementary School and Salem Sr. High School.
How many public schools are located in Dent County?
9 public schools are located in Dent County.
What percentage of students in Dent County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Dent County are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Dent County?
Dent County public schools minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public schools average of 33% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Dent County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Dent County include: Ozark Hills School vs. Salem Sr. High School, Oak Hill Elementary School vs. Green Forest Elementary School, Dent-phelps Elementary School vs. Salem Upper Elementary School
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.