Excellent
#165 of 1,293 schools in KS
Top 13% in state
Based on limited data
Cottonwood Elem
Elementary School · Paola
1115 E 303rd Street, Paola, KS 66071
Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on KS statewide data. Learn more
Enrollment
359
Student-Teacher
12.4:1
Score
8.1
Grades
Pre-K – 2nd
Enrollment
359
Student-Teacher
12.4:1
Score
8.1
Grades
Pre-K – 2nd
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Paola
#2 of 4
public schools
Kansas elementary schools
#147 of 711
In district
#2 of 4
Paola
School environment
9.9 / 10
Exceptional
About Cottonwood Elem
Cottonwood Elem is a charming elementary school nestled in the heart of Paola, Kansas. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through second grade, Cottonwood Elem provides a nurturing environment for young learners with an enrollment of 359 students and a student-teacher ratio of 12.4:1. The school’s dedicated team of 29 full-time equivalent teachers ensures that each child receives personalized attention to support their educational journey.
While specific test score data is not available, Cottonwood Elem’s MySchoolScout Rating of 6.6 out of 10 and its state ranking as the 326th out of 1298 schools in Kansas suggest areas for academic growth and improvement. The school focuses on fostering a strong foundation in core subjects while emphasizing student development and well-being. Cottonwood Elem is situated in a friendly town setting, where community involvement plays a significant role in supporting the educational experience.
With its warm atmosphere and committed staff, Cottonwood Elem offers a solid start for young students as they embark on their academic adventures.
Score Breakdown
Partial Profile · 2/3 metricsRequires 2+ years of test data
Data not available for this school
View breakdown
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
44.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Component weights adjusted due to data availability.
Test Scores
Test score data not yet available for this school.
How Cottonwood Elem Compares
See how Cottonwood Elem performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
1115 E 303rd Street, Paola, KS 66071
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Cottonwood Elem may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Broadmoor Elementary (rated 8.5/10, 10.0 miles away, in nearby Louisburg), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Wolf Creek Elementary School (rated 7.8/10, 14.1 miles away, in nearby Spring Hill), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Trojan Elem (rated 7.7/10, 8.8 miles away, in nearby Osawatomie), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Paola, see our Paola schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 14.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Sunflower Elem Paola | 0.2 mi | 6.6 |
| Paola High Paola | 0.3 mi | 5.8 |
| Paola Middle Paola | 0.6 mi | 8.2 |
| LAKEMARY CENTER Paola | 0.8 mi | 8.5 |
| HOLY TRINITY SCHOOL Paola | 1.3 mi | 4.4 |
| Osawatomie Middle School Osawatomie | 7.6 mi | 7.4 |
| Osawatomie High Osawatomie | 8.1 mi | 6.2 |
| Osawatomie Virtual School Osawatomie | 8.1 mi | — |
| Trojan Elem Osawatomie | 8.8 mi | 7.7 |
| Swenson Early Childhood Education Center Osawatomie | 8.8 mi | 6.5 |
| Insight School of Kansas Spring Hill | 11.1 mi | 3.3 |
| Kansas Virtual Academy (KSVA) Spring Hill | 11.1 mi | 4.8 |
| Spring Hill Middle School Spring Hill | 11.1 mi | 4.4 |
| Spring Hill Elementary School Spring Hill | 11.3 mi | 6.5 |
| Broadmoor Elementary Louisburg | 10.0 mi | 8.5 |
| Louisburg Middle Louisburg | 10.3 mi | 6.7 |
| Louisburg High Louisburg | 10.4 mi | 7.7 |
| Spring Hill High School Spring Hill | 13.6 mi | 5.1 |
| Rockville Elementary School Louisburg | 11.2 mi | 4.3 |
| Wolf Creek Elementary School Spring Hill | 14.1 mi | 7.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 66071 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$82,042
Median Home Value
$261,400
Median Rent
$1,068/mo
Population
12,425
College Educated
30.5%
Homeownership
78.6%
Avg Commute
31 min
Poverty Rate
4.3%
Median Age
45.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Cottonwood Elem has a median household income of $82,042. It is an area where 31% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $261,400, with a median rent of $1,068/month. The local poverty rate of 4.3% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 31 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Amanda Arnold Elem Manhattan, KS | 8.1 |
| Clearwater Elementary West Clearwater, KS | 8.1 |
| Comanche Elem Overland Park, KS | 8.1 |
| Lincoln Elem Hays, KS | 8.1 |
| Marysville Elem Marysville, KS | 8.1 |
| Oak Street Elementary School K-4 Goddard, KS | 8.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cottonwood Elem
What grades does Cottonwood Elem serve?
Cottonwood Elem serves students in grades Pre-K through 2nd.
How many students attend Cottonwood Elem?
Cottonwood Elem has an enrollment of approximately 359 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Cottonwood Elem?
The student-teacher ratio at Cottonwood Elem is 12.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Cottonwood Elem rank in KS?
Cottonwood Elem is ranked #165 out of 1,293 schools in KS.
What is Cottonwood Elem's MySchoolScout rating?
Cottonwood Elem has a composite rating of 8.1 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
Is Cottonwood Elem a charter school?
No, Cottonwood Elem is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Cottonwood Elem a Title I school?
No, Cottonwood Elem is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Cottonwood Elem?
44.8% of students at Cottonwood 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 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Paola). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 2nd
- Enrollment
- 359
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 29
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 44.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- Miami County
- Phone
- (913) 294-8050
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Paola- District Enrollment
- 1,810
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $22,896
- District Rank
- #2 of 4
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
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