Average
#731 of 1,294 schools in KS
Highland Park Central
Elementary School · Topeka Public Schools
2717 SE Illinois Ave, Topeka, KS 66605
Enrollment
308
Student-Teacher
12.8:1
Score
6.2
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
308
Student-Teacher
12.8:1
Score
6.2
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Kansas schools
#731 of 1,294
In Topeka
#24 of 41
public schools
In district
#15 of 25
Topeka Public Schools
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Highland Park Central
Elementary School in Topeka · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
St Matthew Catholic School
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Highland Park High
0.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Highland Park Central
Highland Park Central is a public elementary school in Topeka, KS, part of Topeka Public Schools. Highland Park Central serves approximately 308 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 12.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Highland Park Central has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 out of 10 and ranks #731 of 1,294 schools in KS.
Structured state assessment records for Highland Park Central show 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 31% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.2 · Average
- District avg 7.1
- KS avg 6.9
What Parents Should Know
40% of students at Highland Park Central were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Highland Park Central — Students at Highland Park Central score 26% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 23%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
92.5%
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: 6.6/10.
How Highland Park Central Compares
See how Highland Park Central performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
2717 SE Illinois Ave, Topeka, KS 66605
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Highland Park Central may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Jardine Elementary (rated 7.8/10, 2.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is State Street Elem (rated 7.7/10, 3.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Scott Dual Language Magnet (rated 7.6/10, 2.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Topeka, see our Topeka schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| ST MATTHEW CATHOLIC SCHOOL Topeka | 0.3 mi | 6.9 |
| Highland Park High Topeka | 0.7 mi | 3.6 |
| Ross Elementary Topeka | 0.8 mi | 5.6 |
| Eisenhower Middle School Topeka | 0.8 mi | 4.0 |
| Williams Science and Fine Arts Magnet School Topeka | 1.8 mi | 6.5 |
| Avondale Academy Topeka | 1.8 mi | — |
| Scott Dual Language Magnet Topeka | 2.2 mi | 7.6 |
| Robinson Middle School Topeka | 2.3 mi | 6.4 |
| Topeka High Topeka | 2.6 mi | 4.9 |
| MATER DEI CATHOLIC SCHOOL Topeka | 2.7 mi | 7.4 |
| CAIR PARAVEL LATIN SCHOOL Topeka | 3.0 mi | 5.9 |
| CAIR PARAVEL LATIN SCHOOL Topeka | 3.0 mi | 5.9 |
| State Street Elem Topeka | 3.2 mi | 7.7 |
| Chase Middle School Topeka | 3.1 mi | 5.6 |
| Lowman Hill Elem Topeka | 3.0 mi | 7.5 |
| Jardine Elementary Topeka | 2.7 mi | 7.8 |
| Jardine Middle School Topeka | 2.7 mi | 6.2 |
| Meadows Elementary Topeka | 3.3 mi | 7.4 |
| Randolph Elem Topeka | 3.1 mi | 6.6 |
| Shawnee Heights Elem Topeka | 3.0 mi | 6.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 66605 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$57,623
Median Home Value
$157,200
Median Rent
$856/mo
Population
20,592
College Educated
20%
Homeownership
69%
Avg Commute
20.1 min
Poverty Rate
13.5%
Median Age
37.3
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Holcomb Elem 3-5 Holcomb, KS | 6.2 |
| Kennedy Elem Abilene, KS | 6.2 |
| Lawrence Elem Wichita, KS | 6.2 |
| Merriam Park Elementary Merriam, KS | 6.2 |
| Stony Point North Kansas City, KS | 6.2 |
| Syracuse Elem Syracuse, KS | 6.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Highland Park Central
What grades does Highland Park Central serve?
Highland Park Central serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Highland Park Central?
Highland Park Central has an enrollment of approximately 308 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Highland Park Central?
The student-teacher ratio at Highland Park Central is 12.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Highland Park Central rank in KS?
Highland Park Central ranks #731 of 1,294 schools in KS.
What is Highland Park Central's MySchoolScout rating?
Highland Park Central has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 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 Highland Park Central?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Highland Park Central has 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 31% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Highland Park Central a charter school?
No, Highland Park Central is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Highland Park Central a Title I school?
No, Highland Park Central is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Highland Park Central?
92.5% of students at Highland Park Central qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 308
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 24
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 92.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Shawnee County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 40.3%
- Phone
- (785) 235-7000
Resources & Links
District
Topeka Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 12,601
- Schools in District
- 27
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,935
- District Rank
- #15 of 25
Other Schools in This District
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