For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public middle schools serving 945 students in Ray County, MO.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Ray County, MO are Lawson Middle School, Hardin-central High School and Richmond Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ray County, MO public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the Missouri public middle school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 40% statewide average). Middle schools in Ray County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Missouri public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Missouri public middle school average of 31% (majority Black).
Best Public Middle Schools in Ray County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lawson Middle School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
602 Bob Gill Dr
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 580-7279
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 580-7279
Gr: 5-8 | 352 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #22.
Hardin-central High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
500 Ne 1st St
Hardin, MO 64035
(660) 398-4394
Hardin, MO 64035
(660) 398-4394
Gr: 7-12 | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
Rank: #33.
Richmond Middle School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
715 S Wellington St
Richmond, MO 64085
(816) 776-5841
Richmond, MO 64085
(816) 776-5841
Gr: 6-8 | 331 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
Orrick High School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
100 Kirkham
Orrick, MO 64077
(816) 770-3327
Orrick, MO 64077
(816) 770-3327
Gr: 7-12 | 122 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: n/an/a
25610 Park Rd North
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 781-8786
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 781-8786
Gr: 6-12 | 39 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Ray County, MO?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Ray County, MO include Lawson Middle School, Hardin-central High School and Richmond Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Ray County?
5 public middle schools are located in Ray County.
What is the racial composition of students in Ray County?
Ray County public middle schools minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Missouri public middle schools average of 31% (majority Black).
Which public middle schools in Ray County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Ray County include: Orrick High School vs. Hardin-central High School, Hardin-central High School vs. Orrick High School
Recent Articles
School Vouchers 2026: Updated Pros and Cons
Explore school vouchers in 2026, including updated pros, cons, policy changes, and what families should know before choosing.
Education Funding in America (2026 Update)
A 2026 update on education funding in America, including federal, state, and local trends, equity gaps, and what parents should know.
What It Takes to Run a Public School Day-to-Day
Explore what it takes to run a public school daily, from leadership and staffing to budgeting, safety, and student support systems.