Excellent
#266 of 1,294 schools in KS
Top 21% in state
Cottonwood Elementary School
Elementary School · Salina
215 S Phillips, Salina, KS 67401
Enrollment
317
Student-Teacher
10.9:1
Score
8.0
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
317
Student-Teacher
10.9:1
Score
8.0
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Kansas schools
#266 of 1,294
In Salina
#2 of 14
public schools
In district
#2 of 13
Salina
School environment
9.3 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Cottonwood Elementary School?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Cottonwood Elementary School
Elementary School in Salina · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Cornerstone Classical School
1.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Oakdale Elem
1.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Cottonwood Elementary School
Cottonwood Elementary School is a public elementary school in Salina, KS, part of Salina. Cottonwood Elementary School serves approximately 317 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 10.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Cottonwood Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.0 out of 10 and ranks #266 of 1,294 schools in KS.
Structured state assessment records for Cottonwood Elementary School show 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 44% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 8.0 · Excellent
- District avg 7.1
- KS avg 6.9
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Cottonwood Elementary School — Students at Cottonwood Elementary School score 43% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 27%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
83%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores KS KAP (2024-25)
Based on 36 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: 7.4/10.
How Cottonwood Elementary School Compares
See how Cottonwood Elementary School 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
215 S Phillips, Salina, KS 67401
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Cottonwood Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Meadowlark Ridge Elem (rated 8.9/10, 2.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Bennington Elem (rated 8.1/10, 13.5 miles away, in nearby Bennington), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Stewart Elem (rated 7.8/10, 2.5 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Salina, see our Salina schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 13.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| CORNERSTONE CLASSICAL SCHOOL Salina | 1.0 mi | 7.0 |
| Oakdale Elem Salina | 1.1 mi | 6.1 |
| Salina High Central Salina | 1.2 mi | 5.1 |
| Sunset Elem Salina | 1.3 mi | 5.5 |
| Heusner Elem Salina | 1.7 mi | 7.2 |
| Lakewood Middle School Salina | 1.6 mi | 6.1 |
| ST MARY QUEEN OF THE UNIVERSE SCHOOL Salina | 2.0 mi | 6.3 |
| SACRED HEART JR-SR HIGH SCHOOL Salina | 2.0 mi | 8.6 |
| Salina Virtual Innovation Academy Salina | 1.6 mi | 4.6 |
| Salina South Middle Salina | 2.1 mi | 6.1 |
| Stewart Elem Salina | 2.5 mi | 7.8 |
| Salina High South Salina | 3.0 mi | 4.8 |
| Meadowlark Ridge Elem Salina | 2.4 mi | 8.9 |
| Coronado Elem Salina | 3.4 mi | 6.5 |
| Schilling Elem Salina | 3.9 mi | 6.6 |
| Ell-Saline Elementary Salina | 3.6 mi | 6.3 |
| Southeast Saline High Gypsum | 10.6 mi | 7.8 |
| Southeast Saline Elem Gypsum | 10.6 mi | 7.4 |
| Bennington Elem Bennington | 13.5 mi | 8.1 |
| Bennington Junior High/High School Bennington | 13.5 mi | 5.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 67401 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$62,603
Median Home Value
$172,700
Median Rent
$913/mo
Population
50,272
College Educated
29.3%
Homeownership
65.4%
Avg Commute
14.5 min
Poverty Rate
12.3%
Median Age
39.8
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Inman Elem Inman, KS | 8.0 |
| Lee Elem Manhattan, KS | 8.0 |
| Marion Elem Marion, KS | 8.0 |
| McLouth Elem Mclouth, KS | 8.0 |
| Northern Hills Elementary Topeka, KS | 8.0 |
| Tomahawk Elem Overland Park, KS | 8.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cottonwood Elementary School
What grades does Cottonwood Elementary School serve?
Cottonwood Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Cottonwood Elementary School?
Cottonwood Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 317 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Cottonwood Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Cottonwood Elementary School is 10.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Cottonwood Elementary School rank in KS?
Cottonwood Elementary School ranks #266 of 1,294 schools in KS.
What is Cottonwood Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Cottonwood Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.0 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 Cottonwood Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Cottonwood Elementary School has 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 44% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Cottonwood Elementary School a charter school?
No, Cottonwood Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Cottonwood Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Cottonwood Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Cottonwood Elementary School?
83.0% of students at Cottonwood Elementary School 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
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 317
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 10.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 29
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 83.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Town
- County
- Saline County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 23.0%
- Phone
- (785) 309-4600
Resources & Links
District
Salina- District Enrollment
- 6,791
- Schools in District
- 13
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $19,597
- District Rank
- #2 of 13
Other Schools in This District
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateGet school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.