For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public middle schools serving 2,066 students in West Plains, MO.
The top-ranked public middle schools in West Plains, MO are Howell Valley Elementary School, Ozark Horizon School and Junction Hill Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
West Plains, MO public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Missouri public middle school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 40% statewide average). Middle schools in West Plains have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Missouri public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public middle school average of 32% (majority Black).
Best Public Middle Schools in West Plains, MO (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Howell Valley Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
6461 State Rte Zz
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-2268
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-2268
Gr: PK-8 | 201 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Ozark Horizon School
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1715 Wayhaven Dr
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-2880
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-2880
Gr: K-12 | 17 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #33.
Junction Hill Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
8004 County Rd 3010
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-4265
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-4265
Gr: PK-8 | 186 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #44.
Fairview Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4036 State Rte K
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-1063
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-1063
Gr: PK-8 | 466 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #55.
Richards Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
3461 County Rd 1710
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-5239
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-5239
Gr: PK-8 | 389 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #66.
West Plains Middle School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
730 E Olden
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-6150
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-6150
Gr: 5-8 | 555 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #77.
Glenwood Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
10286 State Rte 17
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-4849
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-4849
Gr: PK-8 | 252 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in West Plains, MO?
The top-ranked public middle schools in West Plains, MO include Howell Valley Elementary School, Ozark Horizon School and Junction Hill Elementary School.
How many public middle schools are located in West Plains?
7 public middle schools are located in West Plains.
What is the racial composition of students in West Plains?
West Plains public middle schools minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public middle schools average of 32% (majority Black).
Which public middle schools in West Plains are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in West Plains include: Glenwood Elementary School vs. Fairview Elementary School, Howell Valley Elementary School vs. Fairview Elementary School, Richards Elementary School vs. Fairview 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.