For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public middle schools serving 365 students in Carter County, MO.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Carter County, MO are East Carter Co. R-ii Middle School and Van Buren High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carter County, MO public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 30% (versus the Missouri public middle school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 40% statewide average). Middle schools in Carter County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Missouri public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 4% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public middle school average of 31% (majority Black).
Best Public Middle Schools in Carter County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Carter County, MO?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Carter County, MO include East Carter Co. R-ii Middle School and Van Buren High School.
How many public middle schools are located in Carter County?
2 public middle schools are located in Carter County.
What is the racial composition of students in Carter County?
Carter County public middle schools minority enrollment is 4% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public middle schools average of 31% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Esports Programs in Public Schools: Benefits & Funding
Explore how esports programs in public schools support academic achievement, boost student engagement, and operate through sustainable funding models and partnerships.
Apprenticeship Pathways in High School: Alternatives to College
Explore apprenticeship pathways in high school as practical alternatives to traditional college routes, including benefits, programs, and career outcomes.
FAFSA Changes and High School College Counseling
Explore how recent FAFSA changes are reshaping high school college counseling, financial aid planning, and what families should expect in the 2026 application cycle.