Excellent
#26 of 1,294 schools in KS
Top 2% in state
Central Elem
Elementary School · Baxter Springs
1501 Park Ave, Baxter Springs, KS 66713
Enrollment
222
Student-Teacher
12.3:1
Score
9.1
Grades
3rd – 6th
Enrollment
222
Student-Teacher
12.3:1
Score
9.1
Grades
3rd – 6th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Kansas schools
#26 of 1,294
In Baxter Springs
#1 of 4
public schools
In district
#1 of 4
Baxter Springs
Academic performance
9.5 / 10
Excellent
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Central Elem
Elementary School in Baxter Springs · grades 3rd – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Lincoln Elem
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Baxter Springs High
1.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Central Elem
Central Elem is a public elementary school in Baxter Springs, KS, part of Baxter Springs. Central Elem serves approximately 222 students, and covers grades 3rd-6th, and has a 12.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Central Elem has a current MySchoolScout rating of 9.1 out of 10 and ranks #26 of 1,294 schools in KS.
Structured state assessment records for Central Elem show 58% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 62% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 9.1 · Excellent
- District avg 7.8
- KS avg 6.9
What Parents Should Know
Central Elem sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Central Elem — Students at Central Elem score 62% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 34%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
67.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores KS KAP (2024-25)
Based on 38 test records from KS state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.9/10.
How Central Elem Compares
See how Central Elem performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
1501 Park Ave, Baxter Springs, KS 66713
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Central Elem may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Liberty Elem (rated 7.7/10, 6.8 miles away, in nearby Galena), a more accessible option. Another option is ST MARYS CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.3/10, 8.9 miles away, in nearby Joplin), a more accessible option. Additionally, WASHINGTON ES (rated 6.8/10, 11.3 miles away, in nearby Miami), a more accessible option. For more schools in Baxter Springs, see our Baxter Springs schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 11.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Elem Baxter Springs | 0.5 mi | 6.6 |
| Baxter Springs High Baxter Springs | 1.2 mi | 7.7 |
| USD 508 eAcademy Baxter Springs | 1.2 mi | 1.9 |
| Riverton Elem Riverton | 4.0 mi | 6.6 |
| Riverton Middle Riverton | 4.1 mi | 5.3 |
| Riverton High Riverton | 4.1 mi | 6.2 |
| QUAPAW ES Quapaw | 4.9 mi | 5.1 |
| QUAPAW HS Quapaw | 5.2 mi | 7.2 |
| QUAPAW MS Quapaw | 5.2 mi | 5.4 |
| Spring Grove Primary Center Galena | 6.2 mi | 4.6 |
| Liberty Elem Galena | 6.8 mi | 7.7 |
| Galena High Galena | 6.8 mi | 5.1 |
| Galena Middle School Galena | 6.8 mi | 7.2 |
| ALEXANDER ES Commerce | 9.3 mi | 6.6 |
| ST MARYS CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Joplin | 8.9 mi | 7.3 |
| COMMERCE MS Commerce | 9.6 mi | 3.8 |
| COMMERCE HS Commerce | 9.8 mi | 5.5 |
| Park Elem Columbus | 11.6 mi | 5.6 |
| Central Elem Columbus | 11.5 mi | 6.7 |
| WASHINGTON ES Miami | 11.3 mi | 6.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 66713 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$64,271
Median Home Value
$94,100
Median Rent
$838/mo
Population
5,560
College Educated
15.9%
Homeownership
71.4%
Poverty Rate
16.5%
Median Age
39
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Central Heights Elem Richmond, KS | 9.1 |
| Dayton Creek Elementary School Spring Hill, KS | 9.1 |
| Edgerton Elem Edgerton, KS | 9.1 |
| Eisenhower Elementary Mcpherson, KS | 9.1 |
| Minneola Elem Minneola, KS | 9.1 |
| Wichita County Elementary Leoti, KS | 9.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central Elem
What grades does Central Elem serve?
Central Elem serves students in grades 3rd through 6th.
How many students attend Central Elem?
Central Elem has an enrollment of approximately 222 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Central Elem?
The student-teacher ratio at Central Elem is 12.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Central Elem rank in KS?
Central Elem ranks #26 of 1,294 schools in KS.
What is Central Elem's MySchoolScout rating?
Central Elem has a current MySchoolScout rating of 9.1 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Central Elem?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Central Elem has 58% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 62% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Central Elem a charter school?
No, Central Elem is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Central Elem a Title I school?
No, Central Elem is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central Elem?
67.6% of students at Central Elem qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 3rd – 6th
- Enrollment
- 222
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 18
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 67.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Cherokee County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 13.5%
- Phone
- (620) 856-3311
Resources & Links
District
Baxter Springs- District Enrollment
- 867
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,044
- District Rank
- #1 of 4
Other Schools in This District
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