RIPLEY CO. R-III

Ripley Co. R-III is a fully operational, traditional public school district located at 11111 State Highway 142W in Gatewood, Missouri. Serving a remote rural community, this single-facility district provides essential primary education covering ten grade levels from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. As an independent district focused entirely on foundational early childhood, elementary, and middle school learning, it offers local families an accessible, close-knit academic setting tailored to early student development.

During the 2024–2025 academic year, the district educates a focused student body of 123 pupils, maintaining a balanced demographic makeup of 61 female and 62 male students. A defining feature of Ripley Co. R-III is its robust staffing context relative to student enrollment; the district employs 25 full-time equivalent teachers alongside nearly three instructional aides and approximately 23 support staff members, totaling over 50 full-time personnel. This high proportion of educators and support professionals ensures an exceptionally low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for highly individualized instruction, personal mentorship, and strong institutional support throughout a child’s primary educational journey.