Below Average
#1085 of 1,293 schools in KS
Smith Center Elem
Elementary School · Smith Center
216 South Jefferson, Smith Center, KS 66967
Enrollment
255
Student-Teacher
14.2:1
Score
4.8
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
255
Student-Teacher
14.2:1
Score
4.8
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Smith Center
#2 of 2
public schools
Kansas elementary schools
#614 of 711
In district
#2 of 2
Smith Center
Academic performance
8.1 / 10
Very strong
About Smith Center Elem
Smith Center Elem is a regular public elementary school located in the remote rural area of Smith Center, Kansas. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade and has an enrollment of 255 students with a student-teacher ratio of 14.2:1. With 18 full-time equivalent teachers, Smith Center Elem aims to provide individualized attention to each child's educational needs.
The academic performance at Smith Center Elem shows room for improvement, as indicated by the school’s MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 out of 10 and a state ranking of #775 out of 1298 schools in Kansas (40th percentile). The ELA/Reading proficiency rate is 62% across all grades, while the Math proficiency rate stands at 30%. These scores suggest that the school is focusing on enhancing its students' learning outcomes and developing strategies to improve overall academic performance.
Smith Center Elem is situated in a rural setting with limited immediate neighborhood data available. The community around Smith Center Elem is close-knit, and the school plays an integral role in supporting local families and children's educational needs.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Smith Center Elem 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.
Score Breakdown
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Smith Center Elem — Students at Smith Center Elem score 40% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 32%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
48.6%
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: 2.4/10.
How Smith Center Elem Compares
See how Smith Center Elem performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 42% (2019) to 22% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 67% (2019) to 57% (2022).
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. Lakeside Elementary (rated 9.1/10, 25.9 miles away, in nearby Cawker City), which scores notably higher. Another option is Tipton Community School (rated 9.1/10, 34.5 miles away, in nearby Tipton), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Osborne Elem (rated 7.5/10, 23.6 miles away, in nearby Osborne), which scores notably 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 | 6.7 |
| THUNDER RIDGE ELEMENTARY Kensington | 13.2 mi | 4.2 |
| THUNDER RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL Kensington | 13.3 mi | 7.9 |
| THUNDER RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL Agra | 17.8 mi | 9.3 |
| Osborne Elem Osborne | 23.6 mi | 7.5 |
| Osborne Junior/Senior High Osborne | 23.6 mi | 8.0 |
| Lakeside Junior/Senior High School Downs | 22.3 mi | 7.2 |
| FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Franklin | 24.0 mi | 5.3 |
| FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL Franklin | 24.0 mi | 6.2 |
| FRANKLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL Franklin | 24.0 mi | 5.5 |
| RED CLOUD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Red Cloud | 25.5 mi | 6.0 |
| RED CLOUD HIGH SCHOOL Red Cloud | 25.9 mi | 6.6 |
| Lakeside Elementary Cawker City | 25.9 mi | 9.1 |
| TIPTON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Tipton | 34.5 mi | — |
| Tipton Community School Tipton | 34.5 mi | 9.1 |
| Stockton Elem Stockton | 35.3 mi | 7.2 |
| Stockton High Stockton | 35.3 mi | 6.3 |
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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Smith Center Elem has a median household income of $55,156. It is a community where 22% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $107,200, with a median rent of $646/month. The local poverty rate of 9.1% is relatively low. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ellsworth Elem Ellsworth, KS | 4.8 |
| L'Ouverture Computer Technology Magnet Wichita, KS | 4.8 |
| Woodland Health / Wellness Magnet Elem Wichita, KS | 4.8 |
| David Brewer Elementary Leavenworth, KS | 4.7 |
| Eisenhower Elem Great Bend, KS | 4.7 |
| Gardner Elem Gardner, KS | 4.7 |
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 is ranked #1085 out of 1,293 schools in KS.
What is Smith Center Elem's MySchoolScout rating?
Smith Center Elem has a composite rating of 4.8 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 Smith Center Elem?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Smith Center Elem has 30.3% math proficiency and 62.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
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
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
- Phone
- (785) 282-6614
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Smith Center- District Enrollment
- 455
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,254
- District Rank
- #2 of 2
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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