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
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).
Recent Articles
Helping Children Overcome First-Week School Anxiety
Learn practical strategies to help children overcome first-week school anxiety, with expert-backed tips for parents and educators.
Public School Immunization Requirements 2026–2027
Learn public school immunization and health requirements for 2026–2027, including vaccines, exemptions, and state policy updates.
Public Schools in a Minute: 2026 Snapshot Guide
A clear 2026 snapshot of public schools in the U.S., including enrollment, funding, trends, and what families should know.