Serving 389 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Richards Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 38% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 38% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Missouri state average of 33% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 389 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 5%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MO
- Math Proficiency: 38% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 38% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Richards Elementary's attendance zone encompasses the entire West Plains school district, covering approximately 80.6 square miles. Typically, families can expect a 10-15 minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 13.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
School Overview
Richards Elementary School's student population of 389 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
389 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1938
School Calendar
School Rankings
Richards Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,076 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Richards Elementary School is 0.10, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.52. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1206 out of 2076 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
40%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
43%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
12:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
2%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
Black
1%
15%
Showing 1994–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
White
95%
67%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
2%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)17.2%
20.5%
Eligible for Free Lunch
52%
43%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Richards Elementary School's ranking?
Richards Elementary School is ranked #1206 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Missouri.
What schools are Richards Elementary School often compared to?
Richards Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Fairview Elementary School, West Plains Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
38% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 38% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
How many students attend Richards Elementary School?
389 students attend Richards Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
95% of Richards Elementary School students are White, 2% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Richards Elementary School?
Richards Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does Richards Elementary School offer ?
Richards Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Richards Elementary School part of?
Richards Elementary School is part of Richards R-V School District.
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