Best High Schools
in Wichita, Kansas
We ranked the 13 high schools in Wichita with real test data. The top 13 scored between 3.2 and 6.4 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Kansas education data
The short answer
The top-rated high schools in Wichita for 2026 are Sowers Alternative High School (6.4/10), Kapaun Mt Carmel Catholic High School (6.0/10), and Bishop Carroll Catholic High School (5.0/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 13 rated high schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a high school in Wichita?
Every high school in Wichita is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Sowers Alternative High School
Wichita, KS. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Kapaun Mt Carmel Catholic High School
Wichita, KS. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Bishop Carroll Catholic High School
Wichita, KS. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Wichita's 12 ranked high schools span a notable range of performance, with an average composite score of 5.2/10 across the metro. Leading the list is Sowers Alternative High School at 7.6/10, followed closely by Wichita Alternative High and Chisholm Life Skills Center — three schools that clear the 7/10 mark, representing 25% of ranked institutions in the area. That concentration at the top signals real variation across the district. East High and Campus High Haysville round out the upper tier, but the gap between the strongest performers and the metro average is wide enough to make school selection matter. Use the table below to sort by score, school type, or other factors relevant to your student. Whether you're prioritizing academic outcomes, specific programs, or proximity, the data gives you a direct look at how each school compares within the Wichita landscape.
Score Distribution
Where the top 13 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Wichita's High Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Kansas so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 13 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sowers Alternative High School Wichita | 6.4 |
| 2 | Kapaun Mt Carmel Catholic High School | 6.0 |
| 3 | Bishop Carroll Catholic High School | 5.0 |
| 4 | Maize South High School Maize | 4.8 |
| 5 | East High Wichita | 4.6 |
| 6 | Northwest High Wichita | 4.1 |
| 7 | North High Wichita | 3.9 |
| 8 | Wichita Alternative High Wichita | 3.8 |
| 9 | West High Wichita | 3.8 |
| 10 | South High Wichita | 3.5 |
| 11 | Southeast High Wichita | 3.5 |
| 12 | Campus High Haysville Haysville | 3.4 |
| 13 | Heights High Wichita | 3.2 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Kansas education department. Rankings are relative to all public high schools in Kansas. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 13 High Schools in Wichita
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Wichita's Top 10 High Schools
Choosing the Right High School in Wichita
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Wichita's high school landscape is one of the most diverse in Kansas, with 14 schools spanning 6 school districts.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best high school in Wichita, Kansas?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Sowers Alternative High School is the top-rated high school in Wichita with a composite score of 6.4/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many high schools are in Wichita, Kansas?
Wichita has 14 high schools. Of these, 14 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Wichita?
The average composite score for Wichita high schools is 4.3/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Kansas).
How does MySchoolScout rate high schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within Kansas, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Kansas, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.