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).
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.