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Very Good

#483 of 1,294 schools in KS

Top 37% in state

South Central Middle School

Middle School · Comanche County

PO Box 38, Protection, KS 67127

Enrollment

98

Student-Teacher

16.3:1

Score

7.1

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Kansas schools

#483 of 1,294

In Protection

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#2 of 3

Comanche County

Academic performance

8.5 / 10

Excellent

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South Central Middle School

7.1/10

Middle School in Protection · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

South Central Elementary School

8.9/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

South Central High School

6.4/10

10.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About South Central Middle School

South Central Middle School is a public middle school in Protection, KS, part of Comanche County. South Central Middle School serves approximately 98 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 16.3:1 student-teacher ratio. South Central Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 out of 10 and ranks #483 of 1,294 schools in KS.

Structured state assessment records for South Central Middle School show 50% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.4 pts above KS schools
  • This school 7.1 · Very Good
  • KS avg 5.7

What Parents Should Know

At 98 students, South Central Middle School 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.

South Central Middle School 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 metrics
Student Progress5.7Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-4.17 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics8.5Excellent35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency45.9% (2025 KAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency56.8% (2025 KAP)
Overall Proficiency51% (2025 KAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)39% (model expectation from 2025 KAP)
vs. Expected+12.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile78th
Resources & Environment7.5Very Good25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,953
Chronic Absenteeism13.3%

South Central Middle School — Students at South Central Middle School score 51% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 39%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

55.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores KS KAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 49.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 51.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
N/A

Based on 39 test records from KS state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
92%
ELA
92%
2010
Math
97.5%
ELA
92%
2011
Math
92%
ELA
97.5%
2012
Math
87%
ELA
87%
2014
Math
27%
ELA
32%
2015
Math
37%
ELA
37%
2016
Math
34.5%
ELA
34.5%
2017
Math
34.5%
ELA
24.5%
2018
Math
34.5%
ELA
24.5%
2019
Math
34.5%
ELA
24.5%
2020*
Math
27%
ELA
32%
2021*
Math
27%
ELA
32%
2022
Math
32%
ELA
32%
2025
Math
48.1%
ELA
58%

* 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: 5.7/10.

How South Central Middle School Compares

See how South Central Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.1/10
63th percentile in KS
Academic
8.5/10
Excellent
Growth
5.7/10
Average
Environment
7.5/10
Very Good

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
55%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
6 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
13.3%

Location

PO Box 38, Protection, KS 67127

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering South Central Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Haviland Elem (rated 9.5/10, 35.4 miles away, in nearby Haviland), which scores notably higher. Another option is South Central Elementary School (rated 8.9/10), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Kiowa County High School (rated 8.5/10, 29.6 miles away, in nearby Greensburg), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Protection, see our Protection schools guide .

Nearby Schools

16 within 41.0 mi
School Distance Rating
South Central Elementary School Protection 0.0 mi 8.9
South Central High School Coldwater 10.3 mi 6.4
Ashland Elem Ashland 15.8 mi 6.7
Ashland High Ashland 16.2 mi 6.5
Ashland Junior High School Ashland 16.2 mi 6.0
Bucklin Elem Bucklin 25.4 mi 8.0
Bucklin High Bucklin 25.4 mi 5.3
BUFFALO ES Buffalo 26.7 mi 5.7
BUFFALO HS Buffalo 26.7 mi 6.2
Kiowa County Elem/Jr. High Greensburg 29.6 mi 8.1
Kiowa County High School Greensburg 29.6 mi 8.5
Haviland Elem Haviland 35.4 mi 9.5
FREEDOM ES Freedom 35.9 mi
FREEDOM HS Freedom 35.9 mi
LAVERNE ES Laverne 41.0 mi 7.8
LAVERNE HS Laverne 41.0 mi 6.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 67127 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$64,853

Median Home Value

$54,300

Median Rent

$475/mo

Population

637

College Educated

17.6%

Homeownership

79.6%

Poverty Rate

8.3%

Median Age

49.4

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
THUNDER RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL Agra, KS 6.8
Marion Middle Marion, KS 6.7
Conway Springs Middle School Conway Springs, KS 6.3
Wabaunsee Junior High Paxico, KS 7.9
Randolph Middle Randolph, KS 6.2
Marvin Sisk Middle School Douglass, KS 5.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about South Central Middle School

What grades does South Central Middle School serve?

South Central Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend South Central Middle School?

South Central Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 98 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at South Central Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at South Central Middle School is 16.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does South Central Middle School rank in KS?

South Central Middle School ranks #483 of 1,294 schools in KS.

What is South Central Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

South Central Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 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 South Central Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, South Central Middle School has 50% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is South Central Middle School a charter school?

No, South Central Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is South Central Middle School a Title I school?

No, South Central Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Central Middle School?

55.1% of students at South Central Middle School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
16 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
31 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
98
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
6
Free/Reduced Lunch
55.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Comanche County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
13.3%

District

Comanche County
District Enrollment
322
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,953
District Rank
#2 of 3

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