Best Ray County Public Preschools

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 4 public preschools serving 973 students in Ray County, MO.
The top-ranked public preschools in Ray County, MO are Southwest Elementary School, Hardin-central Elementary School and Orrick Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ray County, MO public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the Missouri public pre school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 37% statewide average). Pre schools in Ray County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Missouri public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public preschool average of 37% (majority Black).

Best Public Preschools in Ray County (2026-27)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Southwest Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
307 W Moss St
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 580-7272
Gr: PK-4 | 439 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Rank: #22.
Hardin-central Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
500 Ne 1st St
Hardin, MO 64035
(660) 398-4394
Gr: PK-6 | 110 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #33.
Orrick Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
100 Kirkham
Orrick, MO 64077
(816) 770-3922
Gr: PK-6 | 160 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: n/an/a
Dear Elementary School
701 E Main
Richmond, MO 64085
(816) 776-5401
Gr: PK-1 | 300 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 12%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Ray County, MO?
The top-ranked public preschools in Ray County, MO include Southwest Elementary School, Hardin-central Elementary School and Orrick Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Ray County?
4 public preschools are located in Ray County.
What is the racial composition of students in Ray County?
Ray County public preschools minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public preschools average of 37% (majority Black).

Recent Articles

How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.

Quick Links