For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public middle schools serving 1,003 students in Dent County, MO.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Dent County, MO are Green Forest Elementary School, North Wood Elementary School and Dent-phelps Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dent County, MO public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 41% (versus the Missouri public middle school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 40% statewide average). Middle schools in Dent County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Missouri public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 7% 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 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.
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: #44.
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: #55.
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%
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 middle schools in Dent County, MO?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Dent County, MO include Green Forest Elementary School, North Wood Elementary School and Dent-phelps Elementary School.
How many public middle schools are located in Dent County?
6 public middle schools are located in Dent County.
What is the racial composition of students in Dent County?
Dent County public middle schools minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public middle schools average of 31% (majority Black).
Which public middle schools in Dent County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Dent County include: Oak Hill Elementary School vs. Green Forest Elementary School, Dent-phelps Elementary School vs. Green Forest Elementary School, Green Forest Elementary School vs. Oak Hill Elementary School
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.