Average
#566 of 1,294 schools in KS
Top 44% in state
Central Elem
Middle School · Columbus
810 S High School Avenue, Columbus, KS 66725
Enrollment
208
Student-Teacher
13.9:1
Score
6.7
Grades
4th – 6th
Enrollment
208
Student-Teacher
13.9:1
Score
6.7
Grades
4th – 6th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Kansas schools
#566 of 1,294
In Columbus
#1 of 4
public schools
In district
#1 of 4
Columbus
School environment
7.0 / 10
Very Good
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Central Elem
Middle School in Columbus · grades 4th – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Columbus Junior High and High School
0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Highland Elem
0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Central Elem
Central Elem is a public middle school in Columbus, KS, part of Columbus. Central Elem serves approximately 208 students, and covers grades 4th-6th, and has a 13.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Central Elem has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.7 out of 10 and ranks #566 of 1,294 schools in KS.
Structured state assessment records for Central Elem show 38% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 49% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.7 · Average
- KS avg 5.7
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 40% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 39%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
56.2%
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: 6.7/10.
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
810 S High School Avenue, Columbus, KS 66725
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Central Elem may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Southeast Middle School (rated 5.5/10, 12.8 miles away, in nearby Cherokee), a more accessible option. Another option is QUAPAW MS (rated 5.4/10, 14.4 miles away, in nearby Quapaw), a more accessible option. Additionally, Riverton Middle (rated 5.3/10, 10.0 miles away, in nearby Riverton), a more accessible option. For more schools in Columbus, see our Columbus schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 13.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus Junior High and High School Columbus | 0.6 mi | 6.2 |
| Highland Elem Columbus | 0.8 mi | 6.1 |
| Park Elem Columbus | 1.0 mi | 5.6 |
| Southeast Elementary School Weir | 10.7 mi | 8.6 |
| Riverton Middle Riverton | 10.0 mi | 5.3 |
| Riverton High Riverton | 10.0 mi | 6.2 |
| Riverton Elem Riverton | 10.0 mi | 6.6 |
| Baxter Springs High Baxter Springs | 10.7 mi | 7.7 |
| USD 508 eAcademy Baxter Springs | 10.7 mi | 1.9 |
| Lincoln Elem Baxter Springs | 11.1 mi | 6.6 |
| Southeast High Cherokee | 12.4 mi | 4.0 |
| Central Elem Baxter Springs | 11.5 mi | 9.1 |
| Southeast Middle School Cherokee | 12.8 mi | 5.5 |
| QUAPAW ES Quapaw | 14.2 mi | 5.1 |
| QUAPAW HS Quapaw | 14.4 mi | 7.2 |
| QUAPAW MS Quapaw | 14.4 mi | 5.4 |
| ALEXANDER ES Commerce | 15.3 mi | 6.6 |
| COMMERCE MS Commerce | 15.9 mi | 3.8 |
| Liberty Elem Galena | 13.3 mi | 7.7 |
| Galena High Galena | 13.3 mi | 5.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 66725 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$52,292
Median Home Value
$106,800
Median Rent
$796/mo
Population
5,102
College Educated
26.7%
Homeownership
71%
Avg Commute
21.3 min
Poverty Rate
15%
Median Age
44.7
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Remington Middle School Whitewater, KS | 6.7 |
| Turner Sixth Grade Academy Kansas City, KS | 6.7 |
| Larned Middle School Larned, KS | 6.8 |
| Riverside Middle School Wathena, KS | 6.6 |
| Concordia Middle Concordia, KS | 6.5 |
| Pleasant Ridge Middle Easton, KS | 6.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central Elem
What grades does Central Elem serve?
Central Elem serves students in grades 4th through 6th.
How many students attend Central Elem?
Central Elem has an enrollment of approximately 208 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Central Elem?
The student-teacher ratio at Central Elem is 13.9:1. 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 #566 of 1,294 schools in KS.
What is Central Elem's MySchoolScout rating?
Central Elem has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.7 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 38% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 49% 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?
56.2% 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
- 4th – 6th
- Enrollment
- 208
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 15
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 56.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Cherokee County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 17.3%
- Phone
- (620) 429-3943
Resources & Links
District
Columbus- District Enrollment
- 990
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,603
- District Rank
- #1 of 4
Other Schools in This District
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