Serving 192 students in grades Kindergarten-5, West Central 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 was 25-29% (which was lower than the Missouri state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts was 20-24% (which was lower than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student:teacher ratio of 13:1 was higher than the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment was 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which was lower than the Missouri state average of 32% (majority Black).
School Overview
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
192 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
15 teachers
School Rankings
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)25-29%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
21-39%
38%
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
12:1
American Indian
3%
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
10%
8%
Black
2%
15%
White
74%
68%
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
10%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
71%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
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 percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
25-29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% MO state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
How many students attend West Central Elementary School?
192 students attend West Central Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
74% of West Central Elementary School students are White, 10% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of West Central Elementary School?
West Central Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does West Central Elementary School offer ?
West Central Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is West Central Elementary School part of?
West Central Elementary School is part of Joplin Schools School District.
Recent Articles

Opinion: Handcuffing in ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø 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’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.

Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø 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’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.