For the 2025-26 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 3,047 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 32% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in West Plains, MO (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Howell Valley Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
6461 State Rte Zz
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-2268
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-2268
Gr: PK-8 | 206 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Ozark Horizon School
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1715 Wayhaven Dr
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-2880
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-2880
Gr: K-12 | 20 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #33.
South Fork Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3209 Us Hwy 160
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-2836
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-2836
Gr: PK-6 | 183 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #44.
Junction Hill Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
8004 County Rd 3010
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-4265
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-4265
Gr: PK-8 | 181 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #55.
Fairview Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4036 State Rte K
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-1063
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-1063
Gr: PK-8 | 487 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #66.
Richards Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
3461 County Rd 1710
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-5239
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-5239
Gr: PK-8 | 385 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #77.
West Plains Middle School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
730 E Olden
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-6150
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-6150
Gr: 5-8 | 564 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #88.
Glenwood Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
10286 State Rte 17
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-4849
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-4849
Gr: PK-8 | 245 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
Rank: #99.
West Plains Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1136 Allen St
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-6150
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-6150
Gr: PK-4 | 776 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
West Plains, Missouri Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
3461 County Rd 1710
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-5239
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 32% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in West Plains are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in West Plains include: Howell Valley Elementary School vs. Fairview Elementary School, Glenwood Elementary School vs. Fairview Elementary School, South Fork Elementary School vs. Fairview Elementary School
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.