For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 1,089 students in Ray County, MO.
The top-ranked public high schools in Ray County, MO are Lawson High School, Hardin-central High School and Richmond High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ray County, MO public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the Missouri public high school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 51% statewide average). High schools in Ray County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Missouri public high schools.
Ray County, MO public high school have a Graduation Rate of 84%, which is less than the Missouri average of 89%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Lawson High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Missouri or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public high school average of 31% (majority Black).
Best Public High Schools in Ray County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lawson High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
600 Bob Gill Dr
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 580-7270
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 580-7270
Gr: 9-12 | 362 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #22.
Hardin-central High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
500 Ne 1st St
Hardin, MO 64035
(660) 398-4394
Hardin, MO 64035
(660) 398-4394
Gr: 7-12 | 95 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Rank: #33.
Richmond High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
451 E South
Richmond, MO 64085
(816) 776-2226
Richmond, MO 64085
(816) 776-2226
Gr: 9-12 | 474 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
Orrick High School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
100 Kirkham
Orrick, MO 64077
(816) 770-3327
Orrick, MO 64077
(816) 770-3327
Gr: 7-12 | 133 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: n/an/a
25610 Park Rd North
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 781-8786
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 781-8786
Gr: 6-12 | 46 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Ray County, MO?
The top-ranked public high schools in Ray County, MO include Lawson High School, Hardin-central High School and Richmond High School.
How many public high schools are located in Ray County?
5 public high schools are located in Ray County.
What is the racial composition of students in Ray County?
Ray County public high schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public high schools average of 31% (majority Black).
Which public high schools in Ray County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Ray County include: Richmond High School vs. Lawson High School, Orrick High School vs. Lawson High School, Orrick High School vs. Hardin-central High School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.