Excellent
#111 of 1,294 schools in KS
Top 9% in state
Rural Center Elem
Elementary School · Chapman
PO Box 249, Chapman, KS 67431
Enrollment
66
Student-Teacher
11:1
Score
8.6
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
66
Student-Teacher
11:1
Score
8.6
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Kansas schools
#111 of 1,294
In Chapman
#2 of 5
public schools
In district
#2 of 6
Chapman
Academic growth
9.5 / 10
Excellent
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Rural Center Elem
Elementary School in Chapman · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
St Andrews Elementary School
7.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Mckinley Elem
8.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Rural Center Elem
Rural Center Elem is a public elementary school in Chapman, KS, part of Chapman. Rural Center Elem serves approximately 66 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 11:1 student-teacher ratio. Rural Center Elem has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.6 out of 10 and ranks #111 of 1,294 schools in KS.
Structured state assessment records for Rural Center Elem show 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 8.6 · Excellent
- District avg 7.1
- KS avg 6.9
What Parents Should Know
At 66 students, Rural Center 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.
Rural Center 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
Rural Center Elem — Students at Rural Center Elem score 48% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 49%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
33.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores KS KAP (2024-25)
Based on 30 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: 9.5/10.
How Rural Center Elem Compares
See how Rural Center Elem performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
PO Box 249, Chapman, KS 67431
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Rural Center Elem may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Blue Ridge Elem (rated 9.0/10, 17.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Hope Elem (rated 8.6/10, 11.0 miles away, in nearby Hope), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Southeast Saline Elem (rated 7.4/10, 16.7 miles away, in nearby Gypsum), a more accessible option. For more schools in Chapman, see our Chapman schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 17.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| ST ANDREWS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Abilene | 7.9 mi | 4.3 |
| McKinley Elem Abilene | 8.1 mi | 6.7 |
| ABILENE BAPTIST ACADEMY Abilene | 8.4 mi | — |
| Abilene Virtual School Abilene | 8.8 mi | — |
| Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary Abilene | 8.8 mi | 5.2 |
| Abilene Middle School Abilene | 9.0 mi | 6.1 |
| Abilene High School Abilene | 9.0 mi | 5.1 |
| Kennedy Elem Abilene | 9.2 mi | 6.2 |
| Enterprise Elem Enterprise | 9.1 mi | 4.3 |
| Hope Elem Hope | 11.0 mi | 8.6 |
| Hope High Hope | 11.0 mi | — |
| Solomon Elem Solomon | 11.6 mi | 6.1 |
| Solomon High Solomon | 11.6 mi | 6.8 |
| Chapman High Chapman | 16.0 mi | 8.5 |
| Blue Ridge Elem Chapman | 17.4 mi | 9.0 |
| Chapman Elem Chapman | 16.5 mi | 6.4 |
| Chapman Middle School Chapman | 16.3 mi | 5.7 |
| Southeast Saline High Gypsum | 16.7 mi | 7.8 |
| Southeast Saline Elem Gypsum | 16.7 mi | 7.4 |
| Herington Middle Sch Herington | 17.0 mi | 3.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 67431 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$73,267
Median Home Value
$207,400
Median Rent
$810/mo
Population
1,963
College Educated
28.9%
Homeownership
79.3%
Avg Commute
21.5 min
Poverty Rate
8.1%
Median Age
41.6
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Hope Elem Hope, KS | 8.6 |
| Grandview Elem Junction City, KS | 8.5 |
| Milford Elem Milford, KS | 8.7 |
| Weskan Elem Weskan, KS | 8.5 |
| Cedar Vale Elem Cedar Vale, KS | 8.4 |
| Natoma Elem Natoma, KS | 8.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Rural Center Elem
What grades does Rural Center Elem serve?
Rural Center Elem serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Rural Center Elem?
Rural Center Elem has an enrollment of approximately 66 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Rural Center Elem?
The student-teacher ratio at Rural Center Elem is 11:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Rural Center Elem rank in KS?
Rural Center Elem ranks #111 of 1,294 schools in KS.
What is Rural Center Elem's MySchoolScout rating?
Rural Center Elem has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.6 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 Rural Center Elem?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Rural Center Elem has 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Rural Center Elem a charter school?
No, Rural Center Elem is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Rural Center Elem a Title I school?
No, Rural Center Elem is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Rural Center Elem?
33.3% of students at Rural Center 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
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 66
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 6
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 33.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Dickinson County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 9.1%
- Phone
- (785) 479-2213
Resources & Links
District
Chapman- District Enrollment
- 1,132
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,398
- District Rank
- #2 of 6
Other Schools in This District
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