For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 2,962 students in Vernon County, MO (there are 1 private school, serving 12 private students). 100% of all K-12 students in Vernon County, MO are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Vernon County, MO are Heartland R-v School, Cedar Ridge School and Sheldon High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Vernon County, MO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 33% (versus the Missouri public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 37% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in Vernon County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Missouri public schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public school average of 33% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Vernon County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Heartland R-v School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1500 W Ashland
Nevada, MO 64772
(417) 448-1903
Nevada, MO 64772
(417) 448-1903
Gr: 2-12
Rank: #22.
Cedar Ridge School
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
901 N Olive St
Nevada, MO 64772
(417) 448-1166
Nevada, MO 64772
(417) 448-1166
Gr: K-12 | 21 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #33.
Sheldon High School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
100 E Gene Lathrop Dr
Sheldon, MO 64784
(417) 884-5111
Sheldon, MO 64784
(417) 884-5111
Gr: 7-12 | 89 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #44.
Nevada High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
800 W Hickory St
Nevada, MO 64772
(417) 448-2020
Nevada, MO 64772
(417) 448-2020
Gr: 9-12 | 754 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #55.
Nevada Middle School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
900 N Olive St
Nevada, MO 64772
(417) 448-2040
Nevada, MO 64772
(417) 448-2040
Gr: 6-8 | 511 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #66.
Sheldon Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
100 E Gene Lathrop Dr
Sheldon, MO 64784
(417) 884-5113
Sheldon, MO 64784
(417) 884-5113
Gr: PK-6 | 123 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #77.
Truman Elementary School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
901 W Ashland
Nevada, MO 64772
(417) 448-2080
Nevada, MO 64772
(417) 448-2080
Gr: 3-5 | 512 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #88.
Bronaugh Elementary School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
527 E 6th St
Bronaugh, MO 64728
(417) 922-3211
Bronaugh, MO 64728
(417) 922-3211
Gr: PK-6 | 104 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #99.
Northeast Vernon Co. R-i Elementary School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
150 N Hickory St
Schell City, MO 64783
(417) 432-3196
Schell City, MO 64783
(417) 432-3196
Gr: PK-6 | 94 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #1010.
Bronaugh High School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
527 E 6th St
Bronaugh, MO 64728
(417) 922-3211
Bronaugh, MO 64728
(417) 922-3211
Gr: 7-12 | 65 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #1111.
Northeast Vernon Co. R-i High School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
216 E Leslie Ave
Walker, MO 64790
(417) 465-2221
Walker, MO 64790
(417) 465-2221
Gr: 7-12 | 92 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: n/an/a
Nevada Regional Tech.-ctr.
Vocational School
900 W Ashland St
Nevada, MO 64772
(417) 448-2090
Nevada, MO 64772
(417) 448-2090
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Vernon County, MO?
The top-ranked public schools in Vernon County, MO include Heartland R-v School, Cedar Ridge School and Sheldon High School.
How many public schools are located in Vernon County?
14 public schools are located in Vernon County.
What percentage of students in Vernon County go to public school?
100% of all K-12 students in Vernon County are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Vernon County?
Vernon County public schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public schools average of 33% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
