Best Elementary Schools
in Kansas City, Missouri
We ranked the 106 elementary schools in Kansas City with real test data. The top 25 scored between 7.4 and 9.3 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Missouri education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Kansas City for 2026 are Notre Dame De Sion School (9.3/10), St Patrick School (8.6/10), and St Regis Academy (8.5/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 106 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Kansas City?
Every elementary school in Kansas City is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Notre Dame De Sion School
Kansas City, MO. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
St Patrick School
Kansas City, MO. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
St Regis Academy
Kansas City, MO. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
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.
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 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Missouri so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 106 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Notre Dame De Sion School | 9.3 |
| 2 | St Patrick School | 8.6 |
| 3 | St Regis Academy | 8.5 |
| 4 | Border Star Montessori KANSAS CITY 33 | 8.4 |
| 5 | Carver Dual Language School KANSAS CITY 33 | 8.4 |
| 6 | Winnwood Elementary NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 8.2 |
| 7 | Northview Elementary NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 8.2 |
| 8 | Dobbs Elementary HICKMAN MILLS C-1 | 8.1 |
| 9 | Lakewood Elementary NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 8.1 |
| 10 | Fox Hill Elementary NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 8.1 |
| 11 | Line Creek Elem. PARK HILL | 8.1 |
| 12 | Hawthorn Elem. PARK HILL | 8.1 |
| 13 | Calvary Lutheran School | 8.0 |
| 14 | Rising Hill Elementary NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 7.9 |
| 15 | Crestview Elementary NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 7.8 |
| 16 | Ravenwood Elementary NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 7.8 |
| 17 | English Landing Elem. PARK HILL | 7.8 |
| 18 | Prairie Point Elem. PARK HILL | 7.8 |
| 19 | Bell Prairie Elementary NORTH KANSAS CITY 74 | 7.7 |
| 20 | Southeast Elem. PARK HILL | 7.7 |
| 21 | St Paul's Episcopal Day School | 7.7 |
| 22 | Red Bridge Elem. CENTER 58 | 7.6 |
| 23 | Union Chapel Elem. PARK HILL | 7.5 |
| 24 | St Gabriel School | 7.5 |
| 25 | Boone Elem. CENTER 58 | 7.4 |
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, Notre Dame De Sion School is the top-rated elementary school in Kansas City with a composite score of 9.3/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
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 that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. 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.