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Below Average

#1100 of 1,294 schools in KS

Jefferson West High

High School · Jefferson West

PO Box 268, Meriden, KS 66512

Enrollment

255

Student-Teacher

14.2:1

Score

4.5

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Kansas schools

#1,100 of 1,294

In Meriden

#3 of 3

public schools

In district

#3 of 3

Jefferson West

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Jefferson West High

4.5/10

High School in Meriden · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Jefferson West Middle

7.1/10

0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Jefferson West Elementary School

8.3/10

0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Jefferson West High

Jefferson West High is a public high school in Meriden, KS, part of Jefferson West. Jefferson West High serves approximately 255 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 14.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Jefferson West High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 out of 10 and ranks #1,100 of 1,294 schools in KS.

Structured state assessment records for Jefferson West High show 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.3 pts below KS schools
  • This school 4.5 · Below Average
  • KS avg 5.8

What Parents Should Know

Jefferson West High 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress3.2Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-4.88 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.6Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency33.3% (2025 KAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency38.5% (2025 KAP)
Overall Proficiency36% (2025 KAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)49% (model expectation from 2025 KAP)
vs. Expected-12.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile27th
College Readiness4.0Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate92%
AP Participation7.1%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment6.8Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,689
Chronic Absenteeism17.6%

Jefferson West High — Students at Jefferson West High score 36% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 49%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

33.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores KS KAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 44.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 49.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
N/A

Based on 30 test records from KS state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
92%
ELA
92%
2010
Math
87%
ELA
97.5%
2011
Math
77%
ELA
97.5%
2012
Math
87%
ELA
97.5%
2014
Math
32%
ELA
42%
2015
Math
27%
ELA
32%
2016
Math
34.5%
ELA
34.5%
2017
Math
42%
ELA
37%
2018
Math
27%
ELA
32%
2019
Math
27%
ELA
32%
2020*
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2021*
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2022
Math
17%
ELA
27%
2025
Math
33.3%
ELA
38.5%

* 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: 3.2/10.

How Jefferson West High Compares

See how Jefferson West High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.5/10
15th percentile in KS
Academic
4.6/10
Below Average
Growth
3.2/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
6.8/10
Average
AP Courses
2
State avg: 2.4
Sports
8
4 boys' · 4 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
34%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
18 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
17.6%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
7.1% participation·State avg: 2.4 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics8sports offered
4 boys'·4 girls'·8 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

PO Box 268, Meriden, KS 66512

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Jefferson West High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Royal Valley High (rated 5.8/10, 8.6 miles away, in nearby Hoyt), which scores notably higher. Another option is Seaman High (rated 4.5/10, 7.3 miles away, in nearby Topeka), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Valley Falls High (rated 4.5/10, 11.6 miles away, in nearby Valley Falls), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Meriden, see our Meriden schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 11.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Jefferson West Middle Meriden 0.1 mi 7.1
Jefferson West Elementary School Meriden 0.4 mi 8.3
North Fairview Topeka 6.1 mi 8.4
Northern Hills Elementary Topeka 6.4 mi 8.0
Seaman Middle School Topeka 6.4 mi 4.5
Seaman High Topeka 7.3 mi 4.5
Tecumseh North Elem Tecumseh 10.0 mi 6.4
Elmont Elem Topeka 8.0 mi 8.4
Royal Valley High Hoyt 8.6 mi 5.8
Quincy Elem Topeka 9.8 mi 7.3
Lawrence Gardner High School Topeka 9.4 mi 4.1
Chase Middle School Topeka 10.1 mi 5.6
Royal Valley Elementary Hoyt 8.6 mi 6.0
State Street Elem Topeka 10.1 mi 7.7
Logan Elementary Topeka 9.7 mi 6.0
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Topeka 9.8 mi 7.5
Scott Dual Language Magnet Topeka 11.1 mi 7.6
Shawnee Heights Elem Topeka 12.0 mi 6.8
Valley Falls Elem Valley Falls 11.6 mi 3.7
Valley Falls High Valley Falls 11.6 mi 4.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 66512 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$75,497

Median Home Value

$183,400

Median Rent

$975/mo

Population

3,476

College Educated

20.3%

Homeownership

81.5%

Avg Commute

23.7 min

Poverty Rate

6.1%

Median Age

37.1

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Canton-Galva Jr./Sr. High Canton, KS 4.6
Horton High Horton, KS 4.6
Lakin High Lakin, KS 4.6
Russell High Russell, KS 4.6
West Franklin High School Pomona, KS 4.6
Osawatomie High Osawatomie, KS 4.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Jefferson West High

What grades does Jefferson West High serve?

Jefferson West High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Jefferson West High?

Jefferson West High has an enrollment of approximately 255 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Jefferson West High?

The student-teacher ratio at Jefferson West High is 14.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Jefferson West High rank in KS?

Jefferson West High ranks #1,100 of 1,294 schools in KS.

What is Jefferson West High's MySchoolScout rating?

Jefferson West High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 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 Jefferson West High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Jefferson West High has 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Jefferson West High a charter school?

No, Jefferson West High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Jefferson West High a Title I school?

No, Jefferson West High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Jefferson West High?

33.7% of students at Jefferson West High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
11 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
27 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
255
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
18
Free/Reduced Lunch
33.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Jefferson County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
17.6%
4-Year Graduation
92.0%

District

Jefferson West
District Enrollment
1,715
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,689
District Rank
#3 of 3

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