For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 1,179 students in Carter County, MO.
The top-ranked public schools in Carter County, MO are East Carter Co. R-ii Elementary School, East Carter Co. R-ii High School and East Carter Co. R-ii Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carter 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 42% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in Carter County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Missouri public schools.
Minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public school average of 32% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Carter County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
East Carter Co. R-ii Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
24 S Herren Ave
Ellsinore, MO 63937
(573) 322-5325
Ellsinore, MO 63937
(573) 322-5325
Gr: PK-5 | 343 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #22.
East Carter Co. R-ii High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
24 S Herren Ave
Ellsinore, MO 63937
(573) 322-5653
Ellsinore, MO 63937
(573) 322-5653
Gr: 9-12 | 184 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #33.
East Carter Co. R-ii Middle School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
24 S Herren Ave
Ellsinore, MO 63937
(573) 322-5420
Ellsinore, MO 63937
(573) 322-5420
Gr: 6-8 | 139 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #44.
Van Buren High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
202 W College
Van Buren, MO 63965
(573) 323-4295
Van Buren, MO 63965
(573) 323-4295
Gr: 7-12 | 226 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #55.
Van Buren Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
902 Broadway
Van Buren, MO 63965
(573) 323-4266
Van Buren, MO 63965
(573) 323-4266
Gr: PK-6 | 287 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Carter County, MO?
The top-ranked public schools in Carter County, MO include East Carter Co. R-ii Elementary School, East Carter Co. R-ii High School and East Carter Co. R-ii Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Carter County?
5 public schools are located in Carter County.
What is the racial composition of students in Carter County?
Carter County public schools minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public schools average of 32% (majority Black).
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