Average
#454 of 1,293 schools in KS
Top 35% in state
Cottonwood Elementary School
Elementary School · Salina
215 S Phillips, Salina, KS 67401
Enrollment
317
Student-Teacher
10.9:1
Score
6.9
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
317
Student-Teacher
10.9:1
Score
6.9
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Salina
#9 of 14
public schools
Kansas elementary schools
#309 of 711
In district
#8 of 13
Salina
School environment
9.7 / 10
Exceptional
About Cottonwood Elementary School
Cottonwood Elementary School is a regular public elementary school in Salina, Kansas, serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. With an enrollment of 317 students and a student-teacher ratio of 10.9:1, the school provides personalized attention to each child’s educational needs. The dedicated teaching staff consists of 29 full-time equivalent teachers who work diligently to support their students' academic growth.
Cottonwood Elementary School is ranked #542 out of 1298 schools in Kansas, placing it at the 58th percentile for state performance. While the school's MySchoolScout rating stands at 5.8/10 and its Academic Score at 3.8/10, these metrics highlight areas where Cottonwood can focus on improvement. Currently, only 27% of students are proficient in ELA/Reading, and 23% meet proficiency standards in Math, indicating room for academic growth.
Cottonwood Elementary is situated in a remote part of town, offering a close-knit community feel that fosters strong relationships between teachers, parents, and students. The school’s commitment to student development makes it an important hub for learning and personal growth in Salina's educational landscape.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
Data not available for this school
View breakdown
Cottonwood Elementary School — Students at Cottonwood Elementary School score 22% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 19%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
83%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores KS EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 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: 6.4/10.
How Cottonwood Elementary School Compares
See how Cottonwood Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 24% (2019) to 22% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 28% (2019) to 22% (2022).
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. Coronado Elem (rated 9.2/10, 3.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Meadowlark Ridge Elem (rated 9.1/10, 2.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Schilling Elem (rated 8.8/10, 3.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. 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 | 8.0 |
| Salina High Central Salina | 1.2 mi | 6.1 |
| Sunset Elem Salina | 1.3 mi | 7.8 |
| Heusner Elem Salina | 1.7 mi | 7.2 |
| Lakewood Middle School Salina | 1.6 mi | 6.7 |
| 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 | 4.9 |
| Salina South Middle Salina | 2.1 mi | 6.4 |
| Stewart Elem Salina | 2.5 mi | 8.6 |
| Salina High South Salina | 3.0 mi | 6.0 |
| Meadowlark Ridge Elem Salina | 2.4 mi | 9.1 |
| Coronado Elem Salina | 3.4 mi | 9.2 |
| Schilling Elem Salina | 3.9 mi | 8.8 |
| Ell-Saline Elementary Salina | 3.6 mi | 8.2 |
| Southeast Saline High Gypsum | 10.6 mi | 6.4 |
| Southeast Saline Elem Gypsum | 10.6 mi | 8.0 |
| Bennington Elem Bennington | 13.5 mi | 8.8 |
| Bennington Junior High/High School Bennington | 13.5 mi | 6.0 |
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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Cottonwood Elementary School has a median household income of $62,603. It is an area where 29% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $172,700, with a median rent of $913/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.3%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 15 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 |
|---|---|
| Belle Plaine Elem Belle Plaine, KS | 6.9 |
| Bluejacket-Flint Shawnee, KS | 6.9 |
| Doniphan West Elementary School Denton, KS | 6.9 |
| Jayhawk Elementary Mound City, KS | 6.9 |
| Jefferson Elem Arkansas City, KS | 6.9 |
| Northridge Elementary Newton, KS | 6.9 |
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 is ranked #454 out of 1,293 schools in KS.
What is Cottonwood Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Cottonwood Elementary School has a composite rating of 6.9 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.
What are the test scores at Cottonwood Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Cottonwood Elementary School has 22.7% math proficiency and 27.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
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 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Salina). Data >1 year old.
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
- Phone
- (785) 309-4600
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Salina- District Enrollment
- 6,791
- Schools in District
- 13
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $19,597
- District Rank
- #8 of 13
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.
Read our full methodologyGet 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.