For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public middle schools serving 1,003 students in Dent County, MO.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Dent County, MO are Green Forest Elementary School, North Wood Elementary School and Dent-phelps Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dent County, MO public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 41% (versus the Missouri public middle school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 40% statewide average). Middle schools in Dent County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Missouri public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public middle school average of 32% (majority Black).
Best Public Middle Schools in Dent County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Green Forest Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
6111 Hwy F
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-3902
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-3902
Gr: K-8 | 152 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #22.
North Wood Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3734 N. Hwy 19
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4607
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4607
Gr: PK-8 | 155 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #33.
Dent-phelps Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
27870 Hwy C
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4680
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4680
Gr: PK-8 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #44.
Salem Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1400 Tiger Pride Dr
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6642
Gr: 6-8 | 254 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #55.
Oak Hill Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
6200 S Hwy 19
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-5618
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-5618
Gr: K-8 | 149 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: n/an/a
Ozark Hills School
Special Education School
100 S Warfel St
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6488
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-6488
Gr: K-12 | 5 students Minority enrollment: 20%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Dent County, MO?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Dent County, MO include Green Forest Elementary School, North Wood Elementary School and Dent-phelps Elementary School.
How many public middle schools are located in Dent County?
6 public middle schools are located in Dent County.
What is the racial composition of students in Dent County?
Dent County public middle schools minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public middle schools average of 32% (majority Black).
Which public middle schools in Dent County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Dent County include: Oak Hill Elementary School vs. Green Forest Elementary School, Green Forest Elementary School vs. Oak Hill Elementary School, Dent-phelps Elementary School vs. Green Forest Elementary School
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.