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

When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.

Quick Links