Serving 746 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, M. L. King Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 8% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 10% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student:teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Missouri state average of 32% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 746 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 95%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MO
- Math Proficiency: 8% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 10% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
M. L. King Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Missouri for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
M. L. King Elementary School's student population of 746 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 40 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
746 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
40 teachers
School Rankings
M. L. King Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,084 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of M. L. King Elementary School is 0.42, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.51. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2020 out of 2084 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
8%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
10%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
38%
Student : Teacher Ratio
19:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
14%
8%
Black
75%
15%
White
5%
68%
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
1%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is M. L. King Elementary School's ranking?
M. L. King Elementary School is ranked #2020 out of 2,084 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Missouri.
What schools are M. L. King Elementary School often compared to?
M. L. King Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Compass Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
8% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% MO state average), while 10% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
How many students attend M. L. King Elementary School?
746 students attend M. L. King Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
75% of M. L. King Elementary School students are Black, 14% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are White, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of M. L. King Elementary School?
M. L. King Elementary School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does M. L. King Elementary School offer ?
M. L. King Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is M. L. King Elementary School part of?
M. L. King Elementary School is part of Kansas City 33 School District.
In what neighborhood is M. L. King Elementary School located?
M. L. King Elementary School is located in the Blue Hills neighborhood of Kansas City, MO. There are 2 other public schools located in Blue Hills.
School Reviews
4 7/21/2021
I believe these teachers are I know! they're doing the best they can! I have ALLWAYS had nothing but teachers from King Elementary work towards making my stubborn but smart daughter do and obtain nothing but the best education on her level she can obtain! I was ALLWAYS notified of any absences, issues with homework are conducted in class to what she needs to get better at to pass to next grade! They took the time I mean one on one planning! I would not trade this teacher for anything and I would just like to say as a parent I plan on doing more on my part to see that what there trying to accomplish happens! If you don't hear it enough thank you from secretary because she Important it takes a lot to do her job she cares! to the teachers that teach! Thank You please keep up great work!
Review M. L. King Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Is Your Public School Understaffed? Why Schools are Instituting Hiring Freezes
Explore the trend of hiring freezes in public schools and their impact on education. Learn why schools are implementing these measures and what it means for students and staff.

43 Fantastic ESL Resources for Students
We've put together this ESL resource guide to help students, from teens to adults, get the help they need to achieve their goals with learning English

Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.