For the 2025 school year, there are 18 public schools serving 4,308 students in Polk County, MO (there are , serving 95 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Polk County, MO are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
The top ranked public schools in Polk County, MO are Marion C. Early High School, Bolivar High School and Fair Play High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Polk County, MO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the Missouri public school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 40% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in Polk County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Missouri public schools.
Minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Missouri public school average of 32% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Polk County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Marion C. Early High School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
5309 S Main
Morrisville, MO 65710
(417) 376-2216
Morrisville, MO 65710
(417) 376-2216
Grades: 9-12
| 167 students
Rank: #22.
Bolivar High School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1401 N Hwy D
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-5228
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-5228
Grades: 9-12
| 831 students
Rank: #33.
Fair Play High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
301 N Walnut
Fair Play, MO 65649
(417) 654-2232
Fair Play, MO 65649
(417) 654-2232
Grades: 7-12
| 131 students
Rank: #44.
Bolivar Intermediate School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1300 N Hartford
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 777-5160
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 777-5160
Grades: 3-5
| 592 students
Rank: #55.
Bolivar Middle School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
604 W Jackson
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-3811
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-3811
Grades: 6-8
| 595 students
Rank: #66.
Marion C. Early Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
5309 S Main
Morrisville, MO 65710
(417) 376-2215
Morrisville, MO 65710
(417) 376-2215
Grades: PK-5
| 270 students
Rank: #77.
Marion C. Early Junior High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
5309 S. Main
Morrisville, MO 65710
(417) 376-2216
Morrisville, MO 65710
(417) 376-2216
Grades: 6-8
| 133 students
Rank: #88.
Halfway Secondary
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2150 Hwy 32
Half Way, MO 65663
(417) 445-2211
Half Way, MO 65663
(417) 445-2211
Grades: 7-12
| 122 students
Rank: #99.
Fair Play Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
301 N Walnut
Fair Play, MO 65649
(417) 654-2233
Fair Play, MO 65649
(417) 654-2233
Grades: K-6
| 188 students
Rank: #1010.
Halfway Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2150 Hwy 32
Half Way, MO 65663
(417) 445-2215
Half Way, MO 65663
(417) 445-2215
Grades: K-6
| 134 students
Rank: #1111.
Humansville Middle School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
300 N Oak St
Humansville, MO 65674
(417) 754-2219
Humansville, MO 65674
(417) 754-2219
Grades: 6-8
| 94 students
Rank: #1212.
Humansville High School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
300 N Oak St
Humansville, MO 65674
(417) 754-2219
Humansville, MO 65674
(417) 754-2219
Grades: 9-12
| 95 students
Rank: #1313.
Humansville Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
300 N Oak St
Humansville, MO 65674
(417) 754-2221
Humansville, MO 65674
(417) 754-2221
Grades: PK-5
| 137 students
Rank: #1414.
Pleasant Hope Ranch School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20% )
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
5545 Hwy K
Brighton, MO 65617
(417) 376-3000
Brighton, MO 65617
(417) 376-3000
Grades: 4-12
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
706 N Leonard Pl
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-5247
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-5247
Grades: K-2
| 593 students
Rank: n/an/a
1400 E Forest St
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 328-5615
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 328-5615
Grades: PK
| 137 students
Rank: n/an/a
1510 E Broadway St
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-6284
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-6284
Grades: PK
| 72 students
Rank: n/an/a
301 N.walnut Street
Fair Play, MO 65649
(417) 654-2233
Fair Play, MO 65649
(417) 654-2233
Grades: PK
| 17 students
Polk County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Bolivar Severely Handicapped (Closed 2011)
Special Education School
1250 North Hartford Ave
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-7563
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-7563
Grades: PK-12
| n/a students
Exceptional Pupil Coop (Closed 2020)
Special Education School
1510 E Broadway
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-6284
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-6284
Grades: PK-12
| 77 students
Exceptional Pupil Coop. (Closed 2013)
Special Education School
316 West Jackson
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-6284
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 326-6284
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Polk County, MO?
The top ranked public schools in Polk County, MO include Marion C. Early High School, Bolivar High School and Fair Play High School.
How many public schools are located in Polk County?
18 public schools are located in Polk County.
What percentage of students in Polk County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Polk County are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County?
Polk County public schools minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Missouri public schools average of 32% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Polk County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Polk County include: Fair Play High School vs. Bolivar High School, Fair Play Elementary School vs. Halfway Elementary School, Fair Play Elementary School vs. Humansville Elementary School
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
