For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public preschools serving 1,561 students in Barry County, MO.
The top-ranked public preschools in Barry County, MO are Southwest Elementary School, Exeter Elementary School and Wheaton Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Barry County, MO public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 24% (versus the Missouri public pre school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 25% (versus the 37% statewide average). Pre schools in Barry County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Missouri public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public preschool average of 36% (majority Black).
Best Public Preschools in Barry County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Southwest Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
529 E. Pineville Road
Washburn, MO 65772
(417) 826-5411
Washburn, MO 65772
(417) 826-5411
Gr: PK-4 | 329 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #22.
Exeter Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
101 Locust St
Exeter, MO 65647
(417) 835-2922
Exeter, MO 65647
(417) 835-2922
Gr: PK-8 | 228 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #33.
Wheaton Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
116 Mccall
Wheaton, MO 64874
(417) 652-7240
Wheaton, MO 64874
(417) 652-7240
Gr: PK-6 | 247 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: n/an/a
1501 Main St
Cassville, MO 65625
(417) 847-2445
Cassville, MO 65625
(417) 847-2445
Gr: PK-2 | 454 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: n/an/a
1007 6th Street
Monett, MO 65708
(417) 354-2168
Monett, MO 65708
(417) 354-2168
Gr: PK-K | 266 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: n/an/a
201 Gabby Gibbons Dr
Purdy, MO 65734
(417) 442-3216
Purdy, MO 65734
(417) 442-3216
Gr: PK | 37 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Barry County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Oakview (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
200 Linden Street
Monett, MO 65708
(417) 235-3951
Monett, MO 65708
(417) 235-3951
Gr: Inquire with school | 20 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
201 S Gabby Gibbons Dr
Purdy, MO 65734
(417) 442-7066
Purdy, MO 65734
(417) 442-7066
Gr: 5-8 | 205 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
24400 State Hwy 39
Shell Knob, MO 65747
(417) 858-6743
Shell Knob, MO 65747
(417) 858-6743
Gr: PK-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Barry County, MO?
The top-ranked public preschools in Barry County, MO include Southwest Elementary School, Exeter Elementary School and Wheaton Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Barry County?
6 public preschools are located in Barry County.
What is the racial composition of students in Barry County?
Barry County public preschools minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public preschools average of 36% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.