For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 2,231 students in Dent County, MO.
The top-ranked public schools in Dent County, MO are Green Forest Elementary School, North Wood Elementary School and Salem Sr. High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dent County, MO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Missouri public school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in Dent County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Missouri public schools.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public school average of 32% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Dent County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Green Forest Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
6111 Hwy F
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-3902
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-3902
Gr: K-8 | 160 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
Rank: #22.
North Wood Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3734 N. Hwy 19
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4607
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4607
Gr: PK-8 | 174 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #33.
Salem Sr. High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1400 Tiger Pride Dr
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Gr: 9-12 | 630 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #44.
Salem Upper Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1601 S Doss Rd
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Gr: 2-5 | 342 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #55.
Dent-phelps Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
27870 Hwy C
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4680
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4680
Gr: PK-8 | 272 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #66.
Salem Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1400 Tiger Pride Dr
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Gr: 6-8 | 251 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #77.
Oak Hill Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
6200 S Hwy 19
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-5618
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-5618
Gr: K-8 | 140 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: n/an/a
Ozark Hills School
Special Education School
100 S Warfel St
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6488
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6488
Gr: K-12 | 6 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: n/an/a
101 N Main St
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Gr: PK-1 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Dent County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Salem, 61 (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
100 S Warfel St
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6488
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6488
Gr: Inquire with school | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Dent County, MO?
The top-ranked public schools in Dent County, MO include Green Forest Elementary School, North Wood Elementary School and Salem Sr. High School.
How many public schools are located in Dent County?
9 public schools are located in Dent County.
What is the racial composition of students in Dent County?
Dent County public schools minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public schools average of 32% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Dent County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Dent County include: Ozark Hills School vs. Salem Sr. High School, Oak Hill Elementary School vs. Green Forest Elementary School, Salem Upper Elementary School vs. Dent-phelps Elementary School
Recent Articles
Zero Tolerance Policies in Public Schools Today
An updated look at zero tolerance policies in public schools, including current trends, costs, legal concerns, and what parents need to know now.
The Pros and Cons of Tracking in Schools Today
Explore the advantages and drawbacks of academic tracking in today’s public schools, including equity, outcomes, and what parents should consider.
Budgeting Hidden Costs of Public Schooling in 2026
Learn how families budget for school lunch, after-school care, and activities, the hidden costs of public schooling in 2026.