For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 4,137 students in West Plains, MO (there are 1 private school, serving 73 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in West Plains, MO are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public 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 schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Missouri public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in West Plains have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Missouri public schools.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public school average of 33% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in West Plains, MO (2026)
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 | 201 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 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 | 17 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
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 | 196 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #44.
West Plains Sr. High School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
602 E Olden
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-6150
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-6150
Gr: 9-12 | 1,108 student Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #55.
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 | 186 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #66.
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 | 466 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #77.
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 | 389 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #88.
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 | 555 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #99.
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 | 252 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #1010.
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 | 767 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: n/an/a
Southern Mo Tech Institute
Vocational School
407 West Thornburgh
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-6152
West Plains, MO 65775
(417) 256-6152
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in West Plains, MO?
The top-ranked public schools in West Plains, MO include Howell Valley Elementary School, Ozark Horizon School and South Fork Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in West Plains?
11 public schools are located in West Plains.
What percentage of students in West Plains go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in West Plains are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in West Plains?
West Plains public schools minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public schools average of 33% (majority Black).
Which public schools in West Plains are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in West Plains include: Glenwood Elementary School vs. Fairview Elementary School, Howell Valley Elementary School vs. Fairview Elementary School, West Plains Elementary School vs. Richards Elementary School
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