For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 776 students in Charleston, MO (there are , serving 50 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in Charleston, MO are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Charleston, MO are Charleston High School, Charleston Middle School and Warren E. Hearnes Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Charleston, MO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 10% (versus the Missouri public school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 17% (versus the 43% statewide average). Schools in Charleston have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Missouri public schools.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Missouri public school average of 32% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Charleston, MO (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Charleston High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
606 S. Thorn St
Charleston, MO 63834
(573) 683-3761
Charleston, MO 63834
(573) 683-3761
Gr: 7-12 | 331 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #22.
Charleston Middle School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1012 S Main St
Charleston, MO 63834
(573) 683-3346
Charleston, MO 63834
(573) 683-3346
Gr: 4-6 | 159 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #33.
Warren E. Hearnes Elementary School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1015 Plant Rd
Charleston, MO 63834
(573) 683-3728
Charleston, MO 63834
(573) 683-3728
Gr: PK-3 | 286 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: n/an/a
Southeast Correctional Center
Alternative School
300 E Pedro Simmons Dr
Charleston, MO 63834
(573) 683-4409
Charleston, MO 63834
(573) 683-4409
Gr: 7-12
Charleston, Missouri Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
711 E Commercial St
Charleston, MO 63834
(573) 683-3913
Charleston, MO 63834
(573) 683-3913
Gr: K | 92 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Charleston, MO?
The top-ranked public schools in Charleston, MO include Charleston High School, Charleston Middle School and Warren E. Hearnes Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Charleston?
4 public schools are located in Charleston.
What percentage of students in Charleston go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in Charleston are educated in public schools (compared to the MO state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Charleston?
Charleston public schools minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Missouri public schools average of 32% (majority Black).
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