Best Elementary Schools
in Kansas City, Missouri
We ranked all 114 elementary schools in Kansas City. The top 25 scored between 7.3 and 9.3 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Missouri education data
Kansas City's elementary landscape spans 91 ranked schools, giving families a wide field to evaluate. Hale Cook Elementary leads the pack with a 9.3/10 composite score, followed closely by English Landing, Rising Hill, and Hawthorn — all scoring 8.6 or above. The metro average sits at 6.1/10, which means top-tier options outperform the norm by a significant margin. That gap matters when choosing. Only 25 schools — about 27% of the ranked total — score 7 or higher, so strong performers are real standouts, not the default. The table below covers all 91 schools with scores, enrollment figures, and other key data points. Sort by what matters most to your family: overall rating, school size, or proximity. Hale Cook and the other high scorers are worth a close look, but the right fit depends on more than a single number.
HALE COOK ELEMENTARY
NOTRE DAME DE SION SCHOOL
ENGLISH LANDING ELEM.
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Kansas City's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within Missouri so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HALE COOK ELEMENTARY KANSAS CITY 33 | 9.3 |
| 2 | NOTRE DAME DE SION SCHOOL | 9.3 |
| 3 | ENGLISH LANDING ELEM. PARK HILL | 8.8 |
| 4 | RISING HILL ELEMENTARY NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 8.6 |
| 5 | HAWTHORN ELEM. PARK HILL | 8.6 |
| 6 | ST PATRICK SCHOOL | 8.6 |
| 7 | ST REGIS ACADEMY | 8.5 |
| 8 | FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACADEMY KANSAS CITY 33 | 8.2 |
| 9 | LAKEWOOD ELEMENTARY NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 8.1 |
| 10 | CALVARY LUTHERAN SCHOOL | 8.0 |
| 11 | BRIARCLIFF ELEMENTARY NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 7.7 |
| 12 | MAPLEWOOD ELEMENTARY NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 7.7 |
| 13 | ST PAUL'S EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL | 7.7 |
| 14 | GORDON PARKS ELEM. Charter GORDON PARKS ELEM. | 7.6 |
| 15 | TRUMAN ELEMENTARY HICKMAN MILLS C-1 | 7.6 |
| 16 | AC PREP ELEMENTARY KANSAS CITY 33 | 7.6 |
| 17 | HOLLIDAY MONTESSORI KANSAS CITY 33 | 7.6 |
| 18 | GLADSTONE ELEMENTARY KANSAS CITY 33 | 7.5 |
| 19 | HOPEWELL ELEMENTARY PARK HILL | 7.5 |
| 20 | ST GABRIEL SCHOOL | 7.5 |
| 21 | NASHUA ELEMENTARY NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 7.4 |
| 22 | RED BRIDGE ELEM. CENTER 58 | 7.3 |
| 23 | CHOUTEAU ELEMENTARY NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 7.3 |
| 24 | DAVIDSON ELEMENTARY NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 7.3 |
| 25 | HOLY CROSS SCHOOL | 7.3 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Missouri education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in Missouri. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Kansas City
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Kansas City's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Kansas City
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Kansas City's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in Missouri, with 114 schools spanning 32 school districts, plus 20 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Kansas City, Missouri?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, HALE COOK ELEMENTARY is the top-rated elementary school in Kansas City with a composite score of 9.3/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many elementary schools are in Kansas City, Missouri?
Kansas City has 114 elementary schools, including 20 charter schools. Of these, 108 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Kansas City?
The average composite score for Kansas City elementary schools is 6.2/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Missouri).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). All scores are computed within Missouri, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Missouri, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Kansas City elementary school rankings?
Yes. Kansas City has 20 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.