For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 1,588 students in Barton County, MO.
The top-ranked public schools in Barton County, MO are Liberal High School, Liberal Middle School and Golden City Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Barton County, MO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the Missouri public school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in Barton County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Missouri public schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public school average of 32% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Barton County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Liberal High School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
205 N Payne
Liberal, MO 64762
(417) 843-2125
Liberal, MO 64762
(417) 843-2125
Gr: 9-12 | 110 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #22.
Liberal Middle School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
205 N Payne
Liberal, MO 64762
(417) 843-6033
Liberal, MO 64762
(417) 843-6033
Gr: 6-8 | 64 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Golden City Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1208 Walnut St
Golden City, MO 64748
(417) 537-4272
Golden City, MO 64748
(417) 537-4272
Gr: PK-5 | 79 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Liberal Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
401 Yale
Liberal, MO 64762
(417) 843-5865
Liberal, MO 64762
(417) 843-5865
Gr: PK-5 | 110 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Rank: #55.
Lamar Middle School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
202 W 7th
Lamar, MO 64759
(417) 682-3548
Lamar, MO 64759
(417) 682-3548
Gr: 6-8 | 262 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #66.
Lamar Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
202 W 7th
Lamar, MO 64759
(417) 682-3567
Lamar, MO 64759
(417) 682-3567
Gr: 3-5 | 240 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #77.
Golden City High School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1208 Walnut St
Golden City, MO 64748
(417) 537-8311
Golden City, MO 64748
(417) 537-8311
Gr: 6-12 | 76 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #88.
Lamar High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
202 W 7th
Lamar, MO 64759
(417) 682-5571
Lamar, MO 64759
(417) 682-5571
Gr: 9-12 | 374 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: n/an/a
1600 E 12th St
Lamar, MO 64759
(417) 681-0613
Lamar, MO 64759
(417) 681-0613
Gr: PK-2 | 273 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: n/an/a
Lamar Careertechnical Center
Vocational School
202 W 7th
Lamar, MO 64759
(417) 682-3384
Lamar, MO 64759
(417) 682-3384
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Barton County, MO?
The top-ranked public schools in Barton County, MO include Liberal High School, Liberal Middle School and Golden City Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Barton County?
10 public schools are located in Barton County.
What is the racial composition of students in Barton County?
Barton County public schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public schools average of 32% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Barton County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Barton County include: Golden City High School vs. Lamar High School, Liberal High School vs. Lamar High School, Lamar High School vs. Golden City High School
Recent Articles
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Key Questions
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Questions Every Parent Should Ask to support academic growth, social development, and 2026 classroom goals.
Prepare for Spring Tests Without Anxiety
Learn how to prepare for spring standardized tests without increasing anxiety using proven strategies for families and schools.
Why Public Schools Are Launching Marketing Campaigns in 2026
Discover why public schools are launching marketing campaigns in 2026 and how enrollment shifts, school choice, and funding pressures are driving change.
