Average
#979 of 1,293 schools in KS
Mccarter Elem
Elementary School · Topeka Public Schools
5512 SW 16th St, Topeka, KS 66604
Enrollment
392
Student-Teacher
12.2:1
Score
5.3
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
392
Student-Teacher
12.2:1
Score
5.3
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Topeka
#30 of 41
public schools
Kansas elementary schools
#567 of 711
In district
#19 of 25
Topeka Public Schools
School environment
9.2 / 10
Exceptional
About Mccarter Elem
McCarter Elem is an elementary school located in Topeka, Kansas, nestled in the heart of Shawnee County. Situated at 5512 SW 16th St, this regular public school serves students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. With a student body of 392 students and a dedicated team of 32 full-time equivalent teachers, McCarter Elem boasts a favorable student-teacher ratio of 12.2:1.
The academic performance at McCarter Elem reflects a focus on student development rather than perfection in test scores. The school’s MySchoolScout rating stands at 6.6 out of 10, placing it in the 74th percentile among Kansas schools. In reading and math proficiency tests, approximately 42% of students are rated as proficient or above, indicating room for growth but also a solid foundation for learning.
McCarter Elem is situated within a mid-size city setting, offering its students easy access to community resources and cultural opportunities. Whether it’s exploring local parks, museums, or participating in after-school programs, the school's location enriches the educational experience beyond the classroom walls.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Data not available for this school
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Mccarter Elem — Students at Mccarter Elem score 37% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 24%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
70.7%
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: 2.1/10.
How Mccarter Elem Compares
See how Mccarter Elem performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 57% (2019) to 37% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 47% (2019) to 37% (2022).
Location
5512 SW 16th St, Topeka, KS 66604
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Mccarter Elem may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. McClure Elem (rated 8.6/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Whitson Elem (rated 8.4/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, TOPEKA COLLEGIATE SCHOOL (rated 8.2/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Topeka, see our Topeka schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Topeka West High Topeka | 0.4 mi | 5.3 |
| Hope Street Charter Academy Topeka | 0.9 mi | 6.9 |
| McClure Elem Topeka | 1.1 mi | 8.6 |
| Landon Middle School Topeka | 1.2 mi | 6.4 |
| TOPEKA COLLEGIATE SCHOOL Topeka | 1.1 mi | 8.2 |
| TOPEKA ADVENTIST SCHOOL Topeka | 1.3 mi | — |
| CHRIST THE KING SCHOOL Topeka | 1.4 mi | 7.6 |
| MOST PURE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL Topeka | 1.5 mi | 5.3 |
| Whitson Elem Topeka | 1.6 mi | 8.4 |
| McEachron Elem Topeka | 1.9 mi | 5.8 |
| Wanamaker Elem Topeka | 1.7 mi | 5.1 |
| Marjorie French Middle School Topeka | 2.1 mi | 7.9 |
| HAYDEN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Topeka | 2.1 mi | 6.5 |
| Randolph Elem Topeka | 2.1 mi | 6.0 |
| Farley Elementary Topeka | 2.7 mi | 6.2 |
| Capital City Topeka | 2.6 mi | 8.1 |
| Jardine Elementary Topeka | 2.9 mi | 4.8 |
| Jardine Middle School Topeka | 2.9 mi | 6.8 |
| TOPEKA LUTHERAN SCHOOL Topeka | 2.8 mi | 6.3 |
| Lowman Hill Elem Topeka | 2.8 mi | 5.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 66604 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$59,690
Median Home Value
$126,600
Median Rent
$1,032/mo
Population
22,876
College Educated
35%
Homeownership
57.2%
Avg Commute
15.4 min
Poverty Rate
16.3%
Median Age
38.2
Community Profile
The community surrounding Mccarter Elem has a median household income of $59,690. It is an area where 35% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $126,600, with a median rent of $1,032/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.3%. 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 |
|---|---|
| Berryton Elem Berryton, KS | 5.3 |
| Dodge Literacy Magnet Wichita, KS | 5.3 |
| Faris Elementary Hutchinson, KS | 5.3 |
| Florence Wilson Elem Garden City, KS | 5.3 |
| MOST PURE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL Topeka, KS | 5.3 |
| McCandless Elementary Hutchinson, KS | 5.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Mccarter Elem
What grades does Mccarter Elem serve?
Mccarter Elem serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Mccarter Elem?
Mccarter Elem has an enrollment of approximately 392 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Mccarter Elem?
The student-teacher ratio at Mccarter Elem is 12.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Mccarter Elem rank in KS?
Mccarter Elem is ranked #979 out of 1,293 schools in KS.
What is Mccarter Elem's MySchoolScout rating?
Mccarter Elem has a composite rating of 5.3 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 Mccarter Elem?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Mccarter Elem has 42.0% math proficiency and 42.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Mccarter Elem a charter school?
No, Mccarter Elem is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Mccarter Elem a Title I school?
No, Mccarter Elem is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Mccarter Elem?
70.7% of students at Mccarter Elem 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
- City Safety
- High (4,517/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Topeka). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 392
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 32
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 70.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Shawnee County
- Phone
- (785) 438-4660
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Topeka Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 12,601
- Schools in District
- 27
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,935
- District Rank
- #19 of 25
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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