Excellent
#231 of 1,294 schools in KS
Top 18% in state
Smith Center Elem
Elementary School · Smith Center
216 South Jefferson, Smith Center, KS 66967
Enrollment
255
Student-Teacher
14.2:1
Score
8.1
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
255
Student-Teacher
14.2:1
Score
8.1
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Kansas schools
#231 of 1,294
In Smith Center
#1 of 2
public schools
In district
#1 of 2
Smith Center
Academic performance
9.2 / 10
Excellent
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Smith Center Elem
Elementary School in Smith Center · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Smith Center JR SR High
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Thunder Ridge Elementary
13.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Smith Center Elem
Smith Center Elem is a public elementary school in Smith Center, KS, part of Smith Center. Smith Center Elem serves approximately 255 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 14.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Smith Center Elem has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.1 out of 10 and ranks #231 of 1,294 schools in KS.
Structured state assessment records for Smith Center Elem show 52% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 71% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 8.1 · Excellent
- KS avg 6.9
What Parents Should Know
Smith 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
Smith Center Elem — Students at Smith Center Elem score 59% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 42%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
48.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores KS KAP (2024-25)
Based on 38 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: 7.7/10.
How Smith Center Elem Compares
See how Smith Center Elem performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
216 South Jefferson, Smith Center, KS 66967
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Smith Center Elem may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Tipton Community School (rated 9.6/10, 34.5 miles away, in nearby Tipton), which scores notably higher. Another option is Lakeside Elementary (rated 9.4/10, 25.9 miles away, in nearby Cawker City), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Osborne Elem (rated 8.9/10, 23.6 miles away, in nearby Osborne), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Smith Center, see our Smith Center schools guide .
Nearby Schools
17 within 35.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Smith Center Jr Sr High Smith Center | 0.5 mi | 7.8 |
| THUNDER RIDGE ELEMENTARY Kensington | 13.2 mi | 6.8 |
| THUNDER RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL Kensington | 13.3 mi | 7.0 |
| THUNDER RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL Agra | 17.8 mi | 6.8 |
| Osborne Elem Osborne | 23.6 mi | 8.9 |
| Osborne Junior/Senior High Osborne | 23.6 mi | 8.2 |
| Lakeside Junior/Senior High School Downs | 22.3 mi | 8.2 |
| FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Franklin | 24.0 mi | 7.9 |
| FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL Franklin | 24.0 mi | 7.0 |
| FRANKLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL Franklin | 24.0 mi | 5.7 |
| RED CLOUD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Red Cloud | 25.5 mi | 7.3 |
| RED CLOUD HIGH SCHOOL Red Cloud | 25.9 mi | 6.2 |
| Lakeside Elementary Cawker City | 25.9 mi | 9.4 |
| TIPTON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Tipton | 34.5 mi | — |
| Tipton Community School Tipton | 34.5 mi | 9.6 |
| Stockton Elem Stockton | 35.3 mi | 6.4 |
| Stockton High Stockton | 35.3 mi | 5.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 66967 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$55,156
Median Home Value
$107,200
Median Rent
$646/mo
Population
2,003
College Educated
21.7%
Homeownership
80%
Poverty Rate
9.1%
Median Age
42.9
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bennington Elem Bennington, KS | 8.1 |
| Kiowa County Elem/Jr. High Greensburg, KS | 8.1 |
| Lincoln Central Elem Cherryvale, KS | 8.1 |
| St Marys Elem St. Marys, KS | 8.1 |
| West Bourbon Elementary Uniontown, KS | 8.1 |
| Appanoose Elementary School Pomona, KS | 8.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Smith Center Elem
What grades does Smith Center Elem serve?
Smith Center Elem serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend Smith Center Elem?
Smith Center Elem has an enrollment of approximately 255 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Smith Center Elem?
The student-teacher ratio at Smith Center Elem 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 Smith Center Elem rank in KS?
Smith Center Elem ranks #231 of 1,294 schools in KS.
What is Smith Center Elem's MySchoolScout rating?
Smith Center Elem has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.1 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 Smith Center Elem?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Smith Center Elem has 52% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 71% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Smith Center Elem a charter school?
No, Smith Center Elem is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Smith Center Elem a Title I school?
No, Smith Center Elem is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Smith Center Elem?
48.6% of students at Smith 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 – 6th
- Enrollment
- 255
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 18
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 48.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Smith County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 13.3%
- Phone
- (785) 282-6614
Resources & Links
District
Smith Center- District Enrollment
- 455
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,254
- District Rank
- #1 of 2
Other Schools in This District
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