For the 2026 school year, there are 19 public schools serving 3,446 students in Saline County, MO (there are 2 private schools, serving 205 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in Saline County, MO are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Saline County, MO are Hardeman Elementary School, Sweet Springs High School and Miami Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Saline County, MO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 25% (versus the Missouri public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 31% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in Saline County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Missouri public schools.
Minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Missouri public school average of 33% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Saline County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hardeman Elementary School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
21051 Highway D
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 837-3400
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 837-3400
Gr: PK-8 | 64 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #22.
Sweet Springs High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
600 E. Marshall St.
Sweet Springs, MO 65351
(660) 335-6341
Sweet Springs, MO 65351
(660) 335-6341
Gr: 7-12 | 174 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #33.
Miami Elementary School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
34520 N. Hwy. 41
Miami, MO 65344
(660) 852-3269
Miami, MO 65344
(660) 852-3269
Gr: PK-8 | 67 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #44.
Sweet Springs Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
600 E. Marshall
Sweet Springs, MO 65351
(660) 335-6348
Sweet Springs, MO 65351
(660) 335-6348
Gr: PK-6 | 191 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #55.
Malta Bend Elementary School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
200 S Linn
Malta Bend, MO 65339
(660) 595-2371
Malta Bend, MO 65339
(660) 595-2371
Gr: PK-6 | 34 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #66.
Malta Bend High School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
200 S Linn
Malta Bend, MO 65339
(660) 595-2371
Malta Bend, MO 65339
(660) 595-2371
Gr: 7-12 | 33 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #77.
Orearville Elementary School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
32524 E Highway P
Slater, MO 65349
(660) 529-2481
Slater, MO 65349
(660) 529-2481
Gr: PK-8 | 59 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #88.
Eastwood Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
313 E Eastwood
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-7100
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-7100
Gr: 3-4 | 148 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #99.
Slater High School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
515 N Elm
Slater, MO 65349
(660) 529-2278
Slater, MO 65349
(660) 529-2278
Gr: 9-12 | 153 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Alexander Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
515 N Elm
Slater, MO 65349
(660) 529-2278
Slater, MO 65349
(660) 529-2278
Gr: PK-8 | 226 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Marshall Sr. High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
805 S Miami
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-2244
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-2244
Gr: 9-12 | 827 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #1212.
Bueker Middle School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
565 S Odell
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-6833
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-6833
Gr: 6-8 | 550 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #1313.
Benton Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
467 S Ellsworth
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-3993
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-3993
Gr: 3-4 | 200 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #1414.
Gilliam Elementary School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
102 North St
Gilliam, MO 65330
(660) 784-2225
Gilliam, MO 65330
(660) 784-2225
Gr: K-8 | 38 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: n/an/a
411 N Benton
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-3017
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-3017
Gr: 5 | 178 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: n/an/a
Prairie View School
Special Education School
945 N Miami
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-7419
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-7419
Gr: K-12 | 6 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: n/an/a
Saline Co. Career Center
Vocational School
900 W Vest St
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-6958
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-6958
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
700 E. Slater
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-9066
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-9066
Gr: K-2 | 455 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: n/an/a
1126 E Highway Ww
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-2655
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-2655
Gr: PK | 140 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Saline County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Prairie View (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
945 N Miami Po Box 249
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-7419
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-7419
Gr: Inquire with school | 9 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1
215 E Mitchell
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-2655
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-2655
Gr: 2-4 | 121 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Saline County, MO?
The top-ranked public schools in Saline County, MO include Hardeman Elementary School, Sweet Springs High School and Miami Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Saline County?
19 public schools are located in Saline County.
What percentage of students in Saline County go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in Saline County are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Saline County?
Saline County public schools minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Missouri public schools average of 33% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Saline County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Saline County include: Malta Bend Elementary School vs. Gilliam Elementary School, Gilliam Elementary School vs. Malta Bend Elementary School, Bueker Middle School vs. Alexander Elementary 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.
