For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,122 students in Benton, MO (there are 1 private school, serving 124 private students). 90% of all K-12 students in Benton, MO are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Benton, MO are Kelso Elementary School, Thomas W. Kelly High School and Scott Co. Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Benton, MO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 30% (versus the Missouri public school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 38% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in Benton have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Missouri public schools.
Minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public school average of 32% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Benton, MO (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Kelso Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
820 State Hwy A
Benton, MO 63736
(573) 545-3357
Benton, MO 63736
(573) 545-3357
Gr: PK-8 | 210 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #22.
Thomas W. Kelly High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4035 State Hwy 77
Benton, MO 63736
(573) 545-3541
Benton, MO 63736
(573) 545-3541
Gr: 9-12 | 315 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #33.
Scott Co. Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
4035 State Hwy 77
Benton, MO 63736
(573) 545-3541
Benton, MO 63736
(573) 545-3541
Gr: PK-5 | 401 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #44.
Scott Co. Middle School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4035 State Hwy 77
Benton, MO 63736
(573) 545-3541
Benton, MO 63736
(573) 545-3541
Gr: 6-8 | 196 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Benton, MO?
The top-ranked public schools in Benton, MO include Kelso Elementary School, Thomas W. Kelly High School and Scott Co. Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Benton?
4 public schools are located in Benton.
What percentage of students in Benton go to public school?
90% of all K-12 students in Benton are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Benton?
Benton public schools minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public schools average of 32% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Benton are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Benton include: Kelso Elementary School vs. Scott Co. Elementary School, Scott Co. Elementary School vs. Kelso Elementary School
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