For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public preschools serving 973 students in Ray County, MO.
The top-ranked public preschools in Ray County, MO are Southwest Elementary School, Hardin-central Elementary School and Orrick Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ray County, MO public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the Missouri public pre school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 37% statewide average). Pre schools in Ray County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Missouri public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public preschool average of 36% (majority Black).
Best Public Preschools in Ray County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Southwest Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
307 W Moss St
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 580-7272
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 580-7272
Gr: PK-4 | 393 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
Hardin-central Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
500 Ne 1st St
Hardin, MO 64035
(660) 398-4394
Hardin, MO 64035
(660) 398-4394
Gr: PK-6 | 123 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
Rank: #33.
Orrick Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
100 Kirkham
Orrick, MO 64077
(816) 770-3922
Orrick, MO 64077
(816) 770-3922
Gr: PK-6 | 156 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: n/an/a
701 E Main
Richmond, MO 64085
(816) 776-5401
Richmond, MO 64085
(816) 776-5401
Gr: PK-1 | 301 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Ray County, MO?
The top-ranked public preschools in Ray County, MO include Southwest Elementary School, Hardin-central Elementary School and Orrick Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Ray County?
4 public preschools are located in Ray County.
What is the racial composition of students in Ray County?
Ray County public preschools minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public preschools average of 36% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Multilingual Learner Growth Models & Accountability
Learn how multilingual learner growth models are reshaping school accountability systems and what it means for public schools in 2026.
School-Based Health Clinics: Funding, Billing, and Student Access
Learn how school-based health clinics are funded, how billing works, and how students access care in public schools.
Outdoor Learning in Urban Schools: Forest School Programs
Explore how urban districts adopt outdoor learning and forest school programs to boost student engagement, well-being, and academic success.