For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 960 students in Shelby County, MO (there are , serving 117 private students). 89% of all K-12 students in Shelby County, MO are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Shelby County, MO are North Shelby Elementary School, North Shelby High School and South Shelby High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Shelby County, MO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 45% (versus the Missouri public school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in Shelby County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Missouri public schools.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public school average of 32% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Shelby County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
North Shelby Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
3071 Hwy 15
Shelbyville, MO 63469
(573) 633-2401
Shelbyville, MO 63469
(573) 633-2401
Gr: PK-6 | 160 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
North Shelby High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3071 Hwy 15
Shelbyville, MO 63469
(573) 633-2410
Shelbyville, MO 63469
(573) 633-2410
Gr: 7-12 | 134 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #33.
South Shelby High School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4154 Hwy 36
Shelbina, MO 63468
(573) 588-4163
Shelbina, MO 63468
(573) 588-4163
Gr: 9-12 | 235 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #44.
South Shelby Middle School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4152 Hwy 36
Shelbina, MO 63468
(573) 588-2208
Shelbina, MO 63468
(573) 588-2208
Gr: 6-8 | 136 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #55.
South Shelby Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
6685 Shelby 419
Shelbina, MO 63468
(573) 588-2181
Shelbina, MO 63468
(573) 588-2181
Gr: PK-5 | 295 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Shelby County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Ne Mo Specl. Ed. Coop (Closed 2018)
Special Education School
206 E Walnut Suite B
Shelbina, MO 63468
(573) 588-4165
Shelbina, MO 63468
(573) 588-4165
Gr: PK-12
<Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id='faq'>Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Shelby County, MO?
The top-ranked public schools in Shelby County, MO include North Shelby Elementary School, North Shelby High School and South Shelby High School.
How many public schools are located in Shelby County?
5 public schools are located in Shelby County.
What percentage of students in Shelby County go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in Shelby County are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Shelby County?
Shelby County public schools minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Missouri public schools average of 32% (majority Black).
Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.