Serving 314 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Center Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 6-9% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 10-14% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is equal to the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Missouri state average of 33% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 314 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 94%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MO
- Math Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: CENTER ELEM. serves the northeast part of Kansas City, MO, covering an area of approximately 2.9 square miles. Parents can expect a typical drive of 5-10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located 2.1 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
School Overview
Center Elementary School's student population of 314 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
314 students
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Rankings
Center Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,076 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Center Elementary School is 0.53, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.52. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2002 out of 2076 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
17%
9%
Black
66%
15%
White
6%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
11%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)52.2%
20.5%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
4%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Center Elementary School's ranking?
Center Elementary School is ranked #2002 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Missouri.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6-9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 10-14% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
How many students attend Center Elementary School?
314 students attend Center Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Center Elementary School students are Black, 17% of students are Hispanic, 11% of students are Two or more races, and 6% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Center Elementary School?
Center Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is equal to the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does Center Elementary School offer ?
Center Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Center Elementary School part of?
Center Elementary School is part of Center 58 School District.
In what neighborhood is Center Elementary School located?
Center Elementary School is located in the South Kansas City neighborhood of Kansas City, MO. There are 12 other public schools located in South Kansas City.
School Reviews
Review Center Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
The First Six Weeks at a New Public School
The first six weeks reveal how children are adapting to a new public school. Learn which academic, social, emotional, attendance, and routine signals parents should monitor closely.
Will Your Child Receive Enough Individual Attention? Looking Beyond Student-Teacher Ratios
Student-teacher ratios reveal only part of a school’s story. Learn how families can evaluate class size, staffing, teacher access, tutoring, feedback, and personalized support for children today.
What Families Should Ask About AI Use in Public Schools
Families need clear answers about classroom AI. Learn what to ask public schools about teaching, academic integrity, privacy, teacher oversight, equity, and student learning before concerns arise.
