For the 2026-27 school year, there are 2 public high schools serving 410 students in Carter County, MO.
The top-ranked public high schools in Carter County, MO are East Carter Co. R-ii High School and Van Buren High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carter County, MO public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the Missouri public high school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 51% statewide average). High schools in Carter County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Missouri public high schools.
Carter County, MO public high school have a Graduation Rate of 90%, which is more than the Missouri average of 89%.
The school with highest graduation rate is East Carter Co. R-ii High School, with ≥90% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Missouri or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public high school average of 31% (majority Black).
Best Public High Schools in Carter County (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
East Carter Co. R-ii High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
24 S Herren Ave
Ellsinore, MO 63937
(573) 322-5653
Ellsinore, MO 63937
(573) 322-5653
Gr: 9-12 | 180 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Van Buren High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
202 W College
Van Buren, MO 63965
(573) 323-4295
Van Buren, MO 63965
(573) 323-4295
Gr: 7-12 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Carter County, MO?
The top-ranked public high schools in Carter County, MO include East Carter Co. R-ii High School and Van Buren High School.
How many public high schools are located in Carter County?
2 public high schools are located in Carter County.
What is the racial composition of students in Carter County?
Carter County public high schools minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public high schools average of 31% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.