Ray County Schools & Education

Ray County, Missouri

School Score

27/100

Higher = better

Rating

Below Average

Graduation Rate

89.4%

National avg 87.5%

Education Statistics

Graduation Rate

89.4%

National avg 87.5%

State avg 91.3%

Per-Pupil Spending

$5,619

National avg $13,239

State avg $6,334

School Score

27/100

Higher = better

State avg 43/100

State School Rank

#104

of 115 counties (1 = best)

Education Overview

About Schools in Ray County, Missouri

A Solid Foundation for Ray County Students

Ray County supports 3,376 students through an infrastructure of 12 public schools managed by four distinct districts. The network includes six elementary, two middle, and four high schools that serve the region's diverse learning needs. This structure ensures a focused environment with an average of 281 students per school.

Strong Graduation Rates Outpace National Average

The county achieves an 89.4% graduation rate, which exceeds the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $5,619 is lower than the state average of $6,334, the composite school score of 50.2 remains competitive. These figures demonstrate a high-performing system that delivers results with efficient local investment.

Richmond and Lawson Lead the County

Richmond R-XVI stands as the largest district, educating 1,559 students across four specialized schools. Lawson R-XIV follows closely, managing 1,090 students within its three-school campus. There are currently no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school model for all residents.

A Blend of Rural and Town Learning

Education in Ray County primarily occurs in rural settings, with nine schools in rural areas and three in town locales. Richmond High serves as the largest institution with 454 students, while many smaller schools maintain an intimate, small-town feel. While local higher education attainment data is unavailable, the current system focuses on preparing nearly 3,400 students for future success.

Find Your Home Near Ray County Schools

Families looking for consistent academic results often find Ray County’s stable school districts an attractive factor for relocation. Investing in a home here means joining a community that prioritizes its local educational infrastructure and graduation success. Explore available properties to secure your place in these high-performing school zones.

School Overview

Total Schools

12

in Ray County

Total Enrollment

3,376

students

School Districts

4

districts

Charter Schools

0

0% of total

School Type Breakdown

Elementary6
Middle2
High4
Other0

4 School Districts in Ray County

RICHMOND R-XVI

4 schools
1,559 students

LAWSON R-XIV

3 schools
1,090 students

ORRICK R-XI

2 schools
291 students

HARDIN-CENTRAL C-2

2 schools
229 students

12 Public Schools in Ray County

RICHMOND HIGH

RICHMOND R-XVI

9–12High454 students
SUNRISE ELEM.

RICHMOND R-XVI

2–5Primary447 students
SOUTHWEST ELEM.

LAWSON R-XIV

PK–4Primary415 students
RICHMOND MIDDLE

RICHMOND R-XVI

6–8Middle359 students
LAWSON HIGH

LAWSON R-XIV

9–12High338 students
LAWSON MIDDLE

LAWSON R-XIV

5–8Middle337 students
DEAR ELEM.

RICHMOND R-XVI

PK–1Primary299 students
ELKHORN ELEMENTARY

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS 40

KG–5Primary207 students
ORRICK ELEM.

ORRICK R-XI

PK–6Primary170 students
HARDIN-CENTRAL ELEM.

HARDIN-CENTRAL C-2

PK–6Primary125 students
ORRICK HIGH

ORRICK R-XI

7–12High121 students
HARDIN-CENTRAL HIGH

HARDIN-CENTRAL C-2

7–12High104 students

Educational Attainment

Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure

$5,619

State avg $6,334

Find Homes Near Top Schools

Browse homes in Ray County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.

Search on Zillow →

Find a Tutor in Ray County

Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.

Find a Tutor →

Sponsored

Frequently Asked Questions

Schools in Ray County, Missouri — FAQ

What does the school system look like in Ray County, Missouri?

Ray County supports 3,376 students through an infrastructure of 12 public schools managed by four distinct districts. The network includes six elementary, two middle, and four high schools that serve the region's diverse learning needs. This structure ensures a focused environment with an average of 281 students per school.

How do schools in Ray County perform academically?

The county achieves an 89.4% graduation rate, which exceeds the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $5,619 is lower than the state average of $6,334, the composite school score of 50.2 remains competitive. These figures demonstrate a high-performing system that delivers results with efficient local investment.

What are the major school districts in Ray County, Missouri?

Richmond R-XVI stands as the largest district, educating 1,559 students across four specialized schools. Lawson R-XIV follows closely, managing 1,090 students within its three-school campus. There are currently no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school model for all residents.

What is the school experience like in Ray County?

Education in Ray County primarily occurs in rural settings, with nine schools in rural areas and three in town locales. Richmond High serves as the largest institution with 454 students, while many smaller schools maintain an intimate, small-town feel. While local higher education attainment data is unavailable, the current system focuses on preparing nearly 3,400 students for future success.

How can I find homes near good schools in Ray County, Missouri?

Families looking for consistent academic results often find Ray County’s stable school districts an attractive factor for relocation. Investing in a home here means joining a community that prioritizes its local educational infrastructure and graduation success. Explore available properties to secure your place in these high-performing school zones.

Counties with Similar School Profile

Data Sources

Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.

Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.