Best Mississippi County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 1,803 students in Mississippi County, MO (there are 1 private school, serving 71 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in Mississippi County, MO are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Mississippi County, MO are East Prairie High School, East Prairie Elementary School and Charleston High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Mississippi County, MO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 19% (versus the Missouri public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 22% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in Mississippi County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Missouri public schools.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Missouri public school average of 33% (majority Black).

Best Public Schools in Mississippi County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
East Prairie High School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
304 E Walnut
East Prairie, MO 63845
(573) 649-3564
Gr: 9-12 | 301 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
East Prairie Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
510 Wilkinson St
East Prairie, MO 63845
(573) 649-3521
Gr: PK-4 | 412 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
Charleston High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
606 S. Thorn St
Charleston, MO 63834
(573) 683-3761
Gr: 7-12 | 310 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #44.
East Prairie Middle School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 21%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
210 East Washington Street
East Prairie, MO 63845
(573) 649-9368
Gr: 5-8 | 290 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #55.
Charleston Middle School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1012 S Main St
Charleston, MO 63834
(573) 683-3346
Gr: 4-6 | 141 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #66.
Warren E. Hearnes Elementary School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1015 Plant Rd
Charleston, MO 63834
(573) 683-3728
Gr: PK-3 | 276 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: n/an/a
Southeast Correctional Center
Alternative School
300 E Pedro Simmons Dr
Charleston, MO 63834
(573) 683-4409
Gr: 7-12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Mississippi County, MO?
The top-ranked public schools in Mississippi County, MO include East Prairie High School, East Prairie Elementary School and Charleston High School.
How many public schools are located in Mississippi County?
7 public schools are located in Mississippi County.
What percentage of students in Mississippi County go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in Mississippi County are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Mississippi County?
Mississippi County public schools minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Missouri public schools average of 33% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Mississippi County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Mississippi County include: Charleston High School vs. East Prairie High School, East Prairie High School vs. Charleston High School

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