For the 2026 school year, there are 17 public schools serving 4,308 students in Polk County, MO (there are 1 private school, serving 95 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Polk County, MO are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Polk County, MO are Marion C. Early High School, Bolivar High School and Fair Play High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Polk County, MO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the Missouri public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 40% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in Polk County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Missouri public schools.
Minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Missouri public school average of 33% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Polk County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Marion C. Early High School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
5309 S Main
Morrisville, MO 65710
(417) 376-2216
Morrisville, MO 65710
(417) 376-2216
Gr: 9-12 | 150 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Bolivar High School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1401 N Pomme De Terre Ave
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-5228
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-5228
Gr: 9-12 | 831 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #33.
Fair Play High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
301 N Walnut
Fair Play, MO 65649
(417) 654-2232
Fair Play, MO 65649
(417) 654-2232
Gr: 7-12 | 119 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #44.
Bolivar Intermediate School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1300 N Hartford
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 777-5160
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 777-5160
Gr: 3-5 | 572 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #55.
Bolivar Middle School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
604 W Jackson
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-3811
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-3811
Gr: 6-8 | 587 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #66.
Marion C. Early Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
5309 S Main
Morrisville, MO 65710
(417) 376-2215
Morrisville, MO 65710
(417) 376-2215
Gr: PK-5 | 283 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #77.
Marion C. Early Junior High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
5309 S. Main
Morrisville, MO 65710
(417) 376-2216
Morrisville, MO 65710
(417) 376-2216
Gr: 6-8 | 143 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #88.
Halfway Secondary
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2150 Hwy 32
Half Way, MO 65663
(417) 445-2211
Half Way, MO 65663
(417) 445-2211
Gr: 7-12 | 114 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #99.
Fair Play Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
301 N Walnut
Fair Play, MO 65649
(417) 654-2233
Fair Play, MO 65649
(417) 654-2233
Gr: K-6 | 212 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #1010.
Halfway Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2150 Hwy 32
Half Way, MO 65663
(417) 445-2215
Half Way, MO 65663
(417) 445-2215
Gr: K-6 | 133 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #1111.
Humansville Middle School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
300 N Oak St
Humansville, MO 65674
(417) 754-2219
Humansville, MO 65674
(417) 754-2219
Gr: 6-8 | 84 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #1212.
Humansville High School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
300 N Oak St
Humansville, MO 65674
(417) 754-2219
Humansville, MO 65674
(417) 754-2219
Gr: 9-12 | 105 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #1313.
Humansville Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
300 N Oak St
Humansville, MO 65674
(417) 754-2221
Humansville, MO 65674
(417) 754-2221
Gr: PK-5 | 156 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #1414.
Pleasant Hope Ranch School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20% )
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
5545 Hwy K
Brighton, MO 65617
(417) 376-3000
Brighton, MO 65617
(417) 376-3000
Gr: 4-12
Rank: n/an/a
706 N Leonard Pl
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-5247
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-5247
Gr: K-2 | 578 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: n/an/a
1400 E Forest St
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 328-5615
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 328-5615
Gr: PK | 157 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: n/an/a
1510 E Broadway St
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-6284
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-6284
Gr: PK | 72 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Polk County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Bolivar Severely Handicapped (Closed 2011)
Special Education School
1250 North Hartford Ave
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-7563
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-7563
Gr: PK-12
Exceptional Pupil Coop (Closed 2020)
Special Education School
1510 E Broadway
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-6284
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-6284
Gr: PK-12 | 77 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Exceptional Pupil Coop. (Closed 2013)
Special Education School
316 West Jackson
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-6284
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-6284
Gr: K-12
301 N.walnut Street
Fair Play, MO 65649
(417) 654-2233
Fair Play, MO 65649
(417) 654-2233
Gr: PK | 19 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Polk County, MO?
The top-ranked public schools in Polk County, MO include Marion C. Early High School, Bolivar High School and Fair Play High School.
How many public schools are located in Polk County?
18 public schools are located in Polk County.
What percentage of students in Polk County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Polk County are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County?
Polk County public schools minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Missouri public schools average of 33% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Polk County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Polk County include: Bolivar Primary vs. Marion C. Early Elementary School, Fair Play Elementary School vs. Halfway Elementary School, Fair Play High School vs. Bolivar High School
Recent Articles
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.
