Best West Plains Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 3,029 students in West Plains, MO.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in West Plains, MO are Howell Valley Elementary School, Ozark Horizon School and South Fork Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
West Plains, MO public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Missouri public elementary school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 40% (versus the 42% statewide average). Elementary schools in West Plains have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Missouri public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public elementary school average of 33% (majority Black).

Best Public Elementary Schools in West Plains, MO (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Howell Valley Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
6461 State Rte Zz
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-2268
Gr: PK-8 | 201 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Ozark Horizon School
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1715 Wayhaven Dr
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-2880
Gr: K-12 | 17 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #33.
South Fork Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
3209 Us Hwy 160
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-2836
Gr: PK-6 | 196 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #44.
Junction Hill Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
8004 County Rd 3010
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-4265
Gr: PK-8 | 186 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #55.
Fairview Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
4036 State Rte K
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-1063
Gr: PK-8 | 466 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #66.
Richards Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
3461 County Rd 1710
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-5239
Gr: PK-8 | 389 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #77.
West Plains Middle School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
730 E Olden
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-6150
Gr: 5-8 | 555 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #88.
Glenwood Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
10286 State Rte 17
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-4849
Gr: PK-8 | 252 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #99.
West Plains Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1136 Allen St
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-6150
Gr: PK-4 | 767 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in West Plains, Missouri

West Plains, Missouri Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
3461 County Rd 1710
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-5239
Gr: 6-8 | 129 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in West Plains, MO?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in West Plains, MO include Howell Valley Elementary School, Ozark Horizon School and South Fork Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in West Plains?
9 public elementary schools are located in West Plains.
What is the racial composition of students in West Plains?
West Plains public elementary schools minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public elementary schools average of 33% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in West Plains are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
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
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
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.

Quick Links