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Needs Improvement

#1273 of 1,293 schools in KS

Kansas Connections Academy

School · Elkhart

PO Box 267, Newton, KS 67114

Virtual

Enrollment

1,212

Student-Teacher

36.7:1

Score

3.4

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Newton

#9 of 9

public schools

Kansas schools

#24 of 24

In district

#3 of 4

Elkhart

About Kansas Connections Academy

Kansas Connections Academy serves 1,212 students from kindergarten through 12th grade in Newton, Kansas, operating as a regular public school with a unique remote learning model. With 33 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 36.7:1, reflecting its online educational approach. The school currently holds a MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10 and ranks 856th among Kansas's 1,298 schools, placing it in the 34th percentile statewide.

Academic performance shows room for growth, with 38% of students achieving proficiency or above in English Language Arts and Reading, while 21% meet proficiency standards in mathematics across all grade levels. Kansas Connections Academy draws students from the broader Newton area, where the median household income reaches $68,750 and median home values average $148,000. The surrounding community of over 21,000 residents includes 28% of adults with bachelor's degrees or higher, while maintaining a relatively low poverty rate of 11.3%.

As a remote public school option, Kansas Connections Academy provides families with an alternative educational pathway that serves students across various geographic areas while being administratively located in Newton's remote rural setting.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at Kansas Connections Academy is 36.7:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Located in a rural area, Kansas Connections Academy 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.

Kansas Connections Academy is a virtual school, meaning instruction is delivered primarily online. Virtual schools offer flexibility but require strong self-discipline and a reliable home learning environment. Parents should consider whether their child thrives with independent, technology-based learning and ask about the school's approach to student engagement and support.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress6.2Above Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.26 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics5.0Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency21%
Reading/ELA Proficiency38%
Overall Proficiency30%
Expected (poverty-adj.)51%
vs. Expected-21.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile32th
College Readiness1.1Significantly Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation0.7%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.1Significantly Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio36.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$7,257

Kansas Connections Academy — Students at Kansas Connections Academy score 30% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 51%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores KS EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 26.3%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 46.3%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from KS state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
26%
ELA
44%
2021*
Math
32%
ELA
57%
2022
Math
21%
ELA
38%

* 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: 6.2/10.

How Kansas Connections Academy Compares

See how Kansas Connections Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.4/10
2th percentile in KS
Academic
5.0/10
5.0/10
Growth
6.2/10
Above average
Environment
1.1/10
Below average

Location

PO Box 267, Newton, KS 67114

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Kansas Connections Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. Rolla Elem (PreK-5) (rated 9.9/10, 16.9 miles away, in nearby Rolla), which scores notably higher. Another option is GOODWELL ES (rated 8.0/10, 32.2 miles away, in nearby Goodwell), which scores notably higher. Additionally, YARBROUGH HS (rated 7.9/10, 9.4 miles away, in nearby Goodwell), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Newton, see our Newton schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 33.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Elkhart High Elkhart 0.0 mi 4.0
Point Rock Alternative Learning Center Elkhart 0.1 mi
Elkhart Middle School Elkhart 0.1 mi 5.5
Elkhart Elem Elkhart 0.5 mi 3.0
YARBROUGH ES Goodwell 9.4 mi 6.6
YARBROUGH HS Goodwell 9.4 mi 7.9
Rolla Elem (PreK-5) Rolla 16.9 mi 9.9
Rolla JH/HS (6-12) Rolla 17.0 mi 5.2
STRAIGHT PUBLIC SCHOOL Guymon 26.7 mi
GOODWELL ES Goodwell 32.2 mi 8.0
GOODWELL HS Goodwell 32.2 mi 6.8
GUYMON HS Guymon 31.4 mi 5.2
HOMER LONG ES Guymon 31.6 mi 7.0
Guymon Junior High School Guymon 32.1 mi 4.9
ACADEMY ES Guymon 32.2 mi 6.8
NORTHEAST ES Guymon 32.1 mi 6.7
NORTH PARK ES Guymon 32.1 mi 6.8
PIONEER ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Guymon 32.1 mi
Walsh Elementary School Walsh 33.4 mi 5.2
Walsh High School Walsh 33.4 mi 4.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 67114 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$68,393

Median Home Value

$164,900

Median Rent

$909/mo

Population

21,102

College Educated

29.5%

Homeownership

69.9%

Avg Commute

20.6 min

Poverty Rate

8.3%

Median Age

40.4

Community Profile

The community surrounding Kansas Connections Academy has a median household income of $68,393. It is an area where 30% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $164,900, with a median rent of $909/month. The local poverty rate of 8.3% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 21 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Kansas Connections Academy

What grades does Kansas Connections Academy serve?

Kansas Connections Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.

How many students attend Kansas Connections Academy?

Kansas Connections Academy has an enrollment of approximately 1,212 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Kansas Connections Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Kansas Connections Academy is 36.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Kansas Connections Academy rank in KS?

Kansas Connections Academy is ranked #1273 out of 1,293 schools in KS.

What is Kansas Connections Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Kansas Connections Academy has a composite rating of 3.4 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 Kansas Connections Academy?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Kansas Connections Academy has 26.3% math proficiency and 46.3% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Kansas Connections Academy a charter school?

No, Kansas Connections Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Kansas Connections Academy a Title I school?

No, Kansas Connections Academy is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
42 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
39 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
High (2,309/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Newton). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
1,212
Student-Teacher Ratio
36.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
33
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Morton County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Elkhart
District Enrollment
1,618
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,706
District Rank
#3 of 4

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 methodology

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