Serving 768 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, M. L. King 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 9% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 10% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than 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: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 768 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 94%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MO
- Math Proficiency: 9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 10% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
School Overview
M. L. King Elementary School's student population of 768 students has grown by 61% over five school years.
The teacher population of 51 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
768 students
Total Classroom Teachers
51 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
M. L. King 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 M. L. King Elementary School is 0.52, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.52. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2020 out of 2076 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
9%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
10%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
20%
9%
Black
66%
15%
White
6%
67%
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)30.1%
20.5%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
1%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is M. L. King Elementary School's ranking?
M. L. King Elementary School is ranked #2020 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Missouri.
What schools are M. L. King Elementary School often compared to?
M. L. King Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Compass Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 10% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
How many students attend M. L. King Elementary School?
768 students attend M. L. King Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of M. L. King Elementary School students are Black, 20% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are White, 5% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of M. L. King Elementary School?
M. L. King Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does M. L. King Elementary School offer ?
M. L. King Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is M. L. King Elementary School part of?
M. L. King Elementary School is part of Kansas City 33 School District.
In what neighborhood is M. L. King Elementary School located?
M. L. King Elementary School is located in the Blue Hills neighborhood of Kansas City, MO. There are 2 other public schools located in Blue Hills.
School Reviews
4 10/10/2025
I believe these teachers are I know! they're doing the best they can! I have ALLWAYS had nothing but teachers from King Elementary work towards making my stubborn but smart daughter do and obtain nothing but the best education on her level she can obtain! I was ALLWAYS notified of any absences, issues with homework are conducted in class to what she needs to get better at to pass to next grade! They took the time I mean one on one planning! I would not trade this teacher for anything and I would just like to say as a parent I plan on doing more on my part to see that what there trying to accomplish happens! If you don't hear it enough thank you from secretary because she Important it takes a lot to do her job she cares! to the teachers that teach! Thank You please keep up great work!
Review M. L. King 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
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
