Best Ray County Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 1,089 students in Ray County, MO.
The top-ranked public high schools in Ray County, MO are Lawson High School, Hardin-central High School and Richmond High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ray County, MO public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the Missouri public high school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 51% statewide average). High schools in Ray County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Missouri public high schools.
Ray County, MO public high school have a Graduation Rate of 84%, which is less than the Missouri average of 89%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Lawson High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Missouri or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public high school average of 31% (majority Black).

Best Public High Schools in Ray County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lawson High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 1%
600 Bob Gill Dr
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 580-7270
Gr: 9-12 | 362 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #22.
Hardin-central High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
500 Ne 1st St
Hardin, MO 64035
(660) 398-4394
Gr: 7-12 | 95 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Rank: #33.
Richmond High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
451 E South
Richmond, MO 64085
(816) 776-2226
Gr: 9-12 | 474 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
Orrick High School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
100 Kirkham
Orrick, MO 64077
(816) 770-3327
Gr: 7-12 | 133 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: n/an/a
Watkins Mill Park Camp
25610 Park Rd North
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 781-8786
Gr: 6-12 | 46 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 35%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in Ray County, MO?
The top-ranked public high schools in Ray County, MO include Lawson High School, Hardin-central High School and Richmond High School.
How many public high schools are located in Ray County?
5 public high schools are located in Ray County.
What is the racial composition of students in Ray County?
Ray County public high schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public high schools average of 31% (majority Black).
Which public high schools in Ray County are often viewed compared to one another?

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