For the 2025 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 Middle 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 38% (versus the Missouri public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in Dent County have an average ranking of 7/10, 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 (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
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
Grades: K-8
| 160 students
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
Grades: PK-8
| 174 students
Rank: #33.
Salem Middle School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1400 Tiger Pride Dr
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Grades: 6-8
| 251 students
Rank: #44.
Salem Upper Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1601 S Doss Rd
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Grades: 2-5
| 342 students
Rank: #55.
Salem Sr. High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1400 Tiger Pride Dr
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Grades: 9-12
| 630 students
Rank: #66.
Dent-phelps Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
27870 Hwy C
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4680
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4680
Grades: PK-8
| 272 students
Rank: #77.
Ozark Hills School
Special Education School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
100 S Warfel St
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6488
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6488
Grades: K-12
| 6 students
Rank: #88.
Oak Hill Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | 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
Grades: K-8
| 140 students
Rank: n/an/a
101 N Main St
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Grades: PK-1
| 256 students
Dent County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Salem, 61 (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
100 S Warfel St
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6488
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6488
Grades: Inquire with school
| 15 students
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 Middle 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, Wm. H. Lynch Elementary School vs. North Wood Elementary School
Recent Articles
What is Project-Based Learning?
Project-based learning has been highly touted by some educators as a viable option to traditional learning models. We’ll take a look at what project-based learning is and why it is getting so much attention today.
What is an Online High School
Find information about Online High Schools - what they are and how they work.
“Smart Snacks” Standards Coming to School Vending Machines Nationwide
We explore new federal regulations that will ban junk food from public schools. This means no more sweets and soda in cafeteria lines, vending machines and snacks sold in other locations around the schools.