For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 2,231 students in Dent County, MO (there are 1 private school, serving 55 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Dent County, MO are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Dent County, MO are Green Forest Elementary School, North Wood Elementary School and Salem Sr. High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dent County, MO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Missouri public school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in Dent County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 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 32% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Dent County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Green Forest Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
6111 Hwy F
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-3902
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-3902
Gr: K-8 | 160 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
Rank: #22.
North Wood Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3734 N. Hwy 19
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4607
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4607
Gr: PK-8 | 174 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #33.
Salem Sr. High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1400 Tiger Pride Dr
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Gr: 9-12 | 630 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #44.
Salem Upper Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1601 S Doss Rd
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Gr: 2-5 | 342 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #55.
Dent-phelps Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
27870 Hwy C
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4680
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4680
Gr: PK-8 | 272 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #66.
Salem Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1400 Tiger Pride Dr
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Gr: 6-8 | 251 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #77.
Oak Hill Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
6200 S Hwy 19
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-5618
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-5618
Gr: K-8 | 140 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: n/an/a
Ozark Hills School
Special Education School
100 S Warfel St
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6488
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6488
Gr: K-12 | 6 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: n/an/a
101 N Main St
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Gr: PK-1 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Dent County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Salem, 61 (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
100 S Warfel St
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6488
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6488
Gr: Inquire with school | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Dent County, MO?
The top-ranked public schools in Dent County, MO include Green Forest Elementary School, North Wood Elementary School and Salem Sr. High School.
How many public schools are located in Dent County?
9 public schools are located in Dent County.
What percentage of students in Dent County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Dent County are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Dent County?
Dent County public schools minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public schools average of 32% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Dent County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Dent County include: Ozark Hills School vs. Salem Sr. High School, Oak Hill Elementary School vs. Green Forest Elementary School, Dent-phelps Elementary School vs. Salem Upper Elementary School
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