Below Average
#1192 of 1,293 schools in KS
Jefferson West High
High School · Jefferson West
PO Box 268, Meriden, KS 66512
Enrollment
255
Student-Teacher
14.2:1
Score
4.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
255
Student-Teacher
14.2:1
Score
4.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Meriden
#3 of 3
public schools
Kansas high schools
#300 of 336
In district
#3 of 3
Jefferson West
About Jefferson West High
Jefferson West High is a regular public high school located in the rural setting of Meriden, Kansas. Serving students from ninth through twelfth grade, the school has an enrollment of 255 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 14.2:1 with 18 full-time equivalent teachers. While Jefferson West High's academic performance is currently rated at the lower end with a MySchoolScout Rating of 3.7 out of 10, the school continues to focus on the development and growth of its students.
On state assessments, 28% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, and 23% in Math. With room for academic improvement, Jefferson West High is dedicated to supporting each student's educational journey. Set amidst a rural community, the school fosters a close-knit atmosphere where teachers know their students well and can offer personalized attention and support.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Jefferson West High may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Jefferson West High — Students at Jefferson West High score 22% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
33.7%
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: 4.5/10.
How Jefferson West High Compares
See how Jefferson West High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 27% (2019) to 17% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 32% (2019) to 27% (2022).
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. Lawrence Gardner High School (rated 7.6/10, 9.4 miles away, in nearby Topeka), which scores notably higher. Another option is Royal Valley High (rated 6.7/10, 8.6 miles away, in nearby Hoyt), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Valley Falls High (rated 4.4/10, 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 | 4.9 |
| Jefferson West Elementary School Meriden | 0.4 mi | 7.7 |
| North Fairview Topeka | 6.1 mi | 7.8 |
| Northern Hills Elementary Topeka | 6.4 mi | 5.5 |
| Seaman Middle School Topeka | 6.4 mi | 6.2 |
| Seaman High Topeka | 7.3 mi | 3.7 |
| Tecumseh North Elem Tecumseh | 10.0 mi | 6.8 |
| Elmont Elem Topeka | 8.0 mi | 6.5 |
| Royal Valley High Hoyt | 8.6 mi | 6.7 |
| Quincy Elem Topeka | 9.8 mi | 5.6 |
| Lawrence Gardner High School Topeka | 9.4 mi | 7.6 |
| Chase Middle School Topeka | 10.1 mi | 5.4 |
| Royal Valley Elementary Hoyt | 8.6 mi | 7.7 |
| State Street Elem Topeka | 10.1 mi | 5.6 |
| Logan Elementary Topeka | 9.7 mi | 5.0 |
| HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Topeka | 9.8 mi | 7.5 |
| Scott Dual Language Magnet Topeka | 11.1 mi | 6.4 |
| Shawnee Heights Elem Topeka | 12.0 mi | 7.1 |
| Valley Falls Elem Valley Falls | 11.6 mi | 5.0 |
| Valley Falls High Valley Falls | 11.6 mi | 4.4 |
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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Jefferson West High has a median household income of $75,497. It is a community where 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $183,400, with a median rent of $975/month. The local poverty rate of 6.1% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 24 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 |
|---|---|
| Douglass High Douglass, KS | 4.4 |
| Moundridge High Moundridge, KS | 4.4 |
| Colby Senior High Colby, KS | 4.5 |
| Hesston High Hesston, KS | 4.0 |
| Canton-Galva Jr./Sr. High Canton, KS | 4.7 |
| Pleasanton High Pleasanton, 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 is ranked #1192 out of 1,293 schools in KS.
What is Jefferson West High's MySchoolScout rating?
Jefferson West High has a composite rating of 4.3 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 Jefferson West High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Jefferson West High has 22.8% math proficiency and 27.8% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Elevated (952/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
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
- Phone
- (785) 484-3331
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Jefferson West- District Enrollment
- 1,715
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,689
- District Rank
- #3 of 3
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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