Best High Schools
in Wichita, Kansas
We ranked all 14 high schools in Wichita. The top 14 scored between 3.8 and 7.6 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Kansas education data
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.
Sowers Alternative High School
Wichita Alternative High
Chisholm Life Skills Center
Score Distribution
Where the top 14 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Wichita's High Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within Kansas so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 14 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sowers Alternative High School Wichita | 7.6 |
| 2 | Wichita Alternative High Wichita | 7.1 |
| 3 | Chisholm Life Skills Center Wichita | 7.0 |
| 4 | East High Wichita | 6.3 |
| 5 | KAPAUN MT CARMEL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL | 6.0 |
| 6 | Campus High Haysville Haysville | 5.5 |
| 7 | BISHOP CARROLL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL | 5.0 |
| 8 | Northwest High Wichita | 4.8 |
| 9 | South High Wichita | 4.5 |
| 10 | North High Wichita | 4.3 |
| 11 | Maize South High School Maize | 4.1 |
| 12 | Southeast High Wichita | 4.0 |
| 13 | West High Wichita | 3.9 |
| 14 | Heights High Wichita | 3.8 |
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 14 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 7.6/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
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 5.3/10. 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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). 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.