For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 2,154 students in Ray County, MO.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Ray County, MO are Southwest Elementary School, Hardin-central Elementary School and Lawson Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ray County, MO public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 33% (versus the Missouri public elementary school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 38% (versus the 42% statewide average). Elementary schools in Ray County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Missouri public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Missouri public elementary school average of 33% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Ray County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Southwest Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
307 W Moss St
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 580-7272
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 580-7272
Gr: PK-4 | 439 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Rank: #22.
Hardin-central Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
500 Ne 1st St
Hardin, MO 64035
(660) 398-4394
Hardin, MO 64035
(660) 398-4394
Gr: PK-6 | 110 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #33.
Lawson Middle School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
602 Bob Gill Dr
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 580-7279
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 580-7279
Gr: 5-8 | 342 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #44.
Sunrise Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
401 Matt Waller Dr
Richmond, MO 64085
(816) 776-3059
Richmond, MO 64085
(816) 776-3059
Gr: 2-5 | 460 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #55.
Orrick Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
100 Kirkham
Orrick, MO 64077
(816) 770-3922
Orrick, MO 64077
(816) 770-3922
Gr: PK-6 | 160 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #66.
Richmond Middle School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
715 S Wellington St
Richmond, MO 64085
(816) 776-5841
Richmond, MO 64085
(816) 776-5841
Gr: 6-8 | 309 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: n/an/a
701 E Main
Richmond, MO 64085
(816) 776-5401
Richmond, MO 64085
(816) 776-5401
Gr: PK-1 | 300 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: n/an/a
25610 Park Rd North
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 781-8786
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 elementary schools in Ray County, MO?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Ray County, MO include Southwest Elementary School, Hardin-central Elementary School and Lawson Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Ray County?
8 public elementary schools are located in Ray County.
What is the racial composition of students in Ray County?
Ray County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Missouri public elementary schools average of 33% (majority Black).
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