Kansas is quietly one of the best states in the nation in terms of K-12 education, achieving high outcomes while spending less money per pupil than other high-ranking states. This standard of excellence is reflected in the state’s five best school districts, as each one excels academically, and has earned its share of merits. 

The best school district in Kansas is Unified School District 232, which comprises 12 schools serving over 7,400 students hailing from several communities in Johnston County. USD 232 boasts a high record of achievement in both academics and co-curricular activities and has been recognized with numerous awards over the years. 

Maize Unified School District 266 is Kansas’ #2 public school system. The district’s 15-year-long strategic plan known as “Journey to Excellence” has been a great success, resulting in high levels of math and language arts proficiency and a 99% graduation rate in 2018. 

Placing 3rd in the state of Kansas is USD 265 Goddard Public Schools, serving over 5,500 students in the Goddard and Wichita region. Goddard Public Schools effectively prepares its students for higher education, reflected in the 87% of students that go on to enroll in 2 or 4-year colleges post-graduation.

Gardner Edgerton School District 231 earns the 4th spot in the ranking of Kansas’ best school districts. A medium-sized district of 11 schools with an enrollment of around 6,100, USD 231 boasts high-end facilities and is home to three schools that have earned National Blue Ribbon honors. 

Auburn-Washburn Unified School District 437 rounds out the ranking of Kansas’ top five public school districts. Serving an enrollment of 6,400 students, USD 437 balances its stellar academics with a wide variety of co-curricular activities available for students to participate in. 

Top School Districts in Kansas, 2020

Methodology

The following variables contributed to the ranking: number of students (K-12), graduation rate, school funding per student, student to teacher ratio, percent of students scoring above proficient in standardized state Math test, percent of students scoring above proficient in standardized state Reading and Language test. Data from a total of 10,247 public school districts were used to compute a score for each school district. The following states were omitted due to lack of sufficient data: Hawaii, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Utah, and Virginia. Note that high schools in some states have their own independent districts.