Serving 216 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Thomas Benton 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 20-24% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25-29% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Missouri state average of 32% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 216 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 61%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in MO
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Thomas Benton Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Missouri for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Thomas Benton Elementary School's student population of 216 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
216 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Motto
'Fostering Leaders through Discovery and Innovation'
School Rankings
Thomas Benton Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,076 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Thomas Benton Elementary School is 0.68, which is more 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
#1746 out of 2076 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
7%
8%
Black
39%
15%
White
39%
68%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
15%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (15-16)
4%
6%
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 Thomas Benton Elementary School's ranking?
Thomas Benton Elementary School is ranked #1746 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Missouri.
What schools are Thomas Benton Elementary School often compared to?
Thomas Benton Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Eliot Battle Elementary School, West Blvd. Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 25-29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
How many students attend Thomas Benton Elementary School?
216 students attend Thomas Benton Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
39% of Thomas Benton Elementary School students are White, 39% of students are Black, 15% of students are Two or more races, and 7% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Thomas Benton Elementary School?
Thomas Benton Elementary School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does Thomas Benton Elementary School offer ?
Thomas Benton Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Thomas Benton Elementary School part of?
Thomas Benton Elementary School is part of Columbia 93 School District.
School Reviews
Review Thomas Benton 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

Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.

Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.

What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.