Average
#997 of 1,294 schools in KS
Plains Elem
Elementary School · Kismet-Plains
P O Box 337, Plains, KS 67869
Enrollment
119
Student-Teacher
10.8:1
Score
5.0
Grades
3rd – 5th
Enrollment
119
Student-Teacher
10.8:1
Score
5.0
Grades
3rd – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Kansas schools
#997 of 1,294
In district
#2 of 3
Kismet-Plains
School environment
9.1 / 10
Excellent
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Plains Elem
Elementary School in Plains · grades 3rd – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Southwestern Heights Jr/sr High
3.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Kismet Elem
7.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Plains Elem
Plains Elem is a public elementary school in Plains, KS, part of Kismet-Plains. Plains Elem serves approximately 119 students, and covers grades 3rd-5th, and has a 10.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Plains Elem has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 out of 10 and ranks #997 of 1,294 schools in KS.
Structured state assessment records for Plains Elem show 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 5.0 · Average
- District avg 7.4
- KS avg 6.9
What Parents Should Know
At 119 students, Plains Elem is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.
Plains Elem 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 · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Plains Elem — Students at Plains Elem score 33% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 30%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
76.5%
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: 2.6/10.
How Plains Elem Compares
See how Plains Elem performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
P O Box 337, Plains, KS 67869
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Plains Elem may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Kismet Elem (rated 9.8/10, 7.2 miles away, in nearby Kismet), which scores notably higher. Another option is Copeland Elem (rated 8.1/10, 19.2 miles away, in nearby Copeland), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Montezuma Elem (rated 7.8/10, 24.4 miles away, in nearby Montezuma), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Plains, see our Plains schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 24.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Heights Jr/Sr High Kismet | 3.8 mi | 5.0 |
| Kismet Elem Kismet | 7.2 mi | 9.8 |
| Meade Elem Meade | 14.2 mi | 7.1 |
| Meade High Meade | 14.5 mi | 7.2 |
| Copeland Elem Copeland | 19.2 mi | 8.1 |
| South Gray Jr High Copeland | 19.2 mi | 6.2 |
| Sublette Elem Sublette | 20.4 mi | 7.6 |
| Sublette Middle Sublette | 20.4 mi | 4.8 |
| Sublette High Sublette | 20.4 mi | 6.9 |
| FORGAN ES Forgan | 24.7 mi | 3.9 |
| FORGAN HS Forgan | 24.7 mi | 8.3 |
| Montezuma Elem Montezuma | 24.4 mi | 7.8 |
| South Gray High Montezuma | 24.4 mi | 4.4 |
| Meadowlark Elementary School Liberal | 23.0 mi | 6.8 |
| Seymour Rogers Middle School Liberal | 23.8 mi | 6.5 |
| Prairie View Elementary School Liberal | 23.9 mi | 7.2 |
| MacArthur Elementary School Liberal | 23.4 mi | 3.1 |
| Eisenhower Middle School Liberal | 23.7 mi | 6.3 |
| Cottonwood Elementary School Liberal | 24.0 mi | 2.6 |
| FELLOWSHIP BAPTIST SCHOOL Liberal | 24.6 mi | 8.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 67869 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$74,896
Median Home Value
$139,400
Median Rent
$808/mo
Population
1,518
College Educated
20.5%
Homeownership
74%
Poverty Rate
9%
Median Age
27.7
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Country View Elem Winfield, KS | 5.0 |
| TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Atchison, KS | 5.0 |
| C 4 Elem Arkansas City, KS | 4.9 |
| Peabody-Burns Elementary Peabody, KS | 5.1 |
| ST JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL Conway Springs, KS | 4.9 |
| ST JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL OST Mount Hope, KS | 5.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Plains Elem
What grades does Plains Elem serve?
Plains Elem serves students in grades 3rd through 5th.
How many students attend Plains Elem?
Plains Elem has an enrollment of approximately 119 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Plains Elem?
The student-teacher ratio at Plains Elem is 10.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Plains Elem rank in KS?
Plains Elem ranks #997 of 1,294 schools in KS.
What is Plains Elem's MySchoolScout rating?
Plains Elem has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 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 Plains Elem?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Plains Elem has 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Plains Elem a charter school?
No, Plains Elem is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Plains Elem a Title I school?
No, Plains Elem is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Plains Elem?
76.5% of students at Plains 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.
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Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 3rd – 5th
- Enrollment
- 119
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 10.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 11
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 76.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Meade County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 20.2%
- Phone
- (620) 563-7285
Resources & Links
District
Kismet-Plains- District Enrollment
- 575
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,361
- District Rank
- #2 of 3
Other Schools in This District
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