Skip to main content

Below Average

#1101 of 1,293 schools in KS

Topeka High

High School · Topeka Public Schools

800 SW 10th St, Topeka, KS 66612

Enrollment

1,508

Student-Teacher

15.9:1

Score

4.8

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Topeka

#36 of 41

public schools

Kansas high schools

#281 of 336

In district

#22 of 25

Topeka Public Schools

About Topeka High

Topeka High serves 1,508 students in grades 9-12 as a public high school in Kansas's capital city. With 95 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15.9:1, providing reasonable class sizes for individual attention. The school faces significant academic challenges, with 21% of students scoring proficient or above in English Language Arts and 14% in mathematics across grade levels.

These performance levels place Topeka High in the 10th percentile statewide, ranking 1,171 out of 1,298 Kansas high schools. The school has considerable room for academic growth as it works to better serve its student population. Topeka High operates within a community experiencing economic hardships.

The surrounding neighborhood has a median household income of $27,796 and a poverty rate of 26.5%, factors that often correlate with educational challenges. Only 10% of area residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, and the median home value of $47,900 reflects the community's economic circumstances. Despite these challenges, the school serves as an important educational anchor in its neighborhood.

Located at 800 SW 10th Street in Topeka's urban core, the school is positioned within Kansas's mid-size capital city, offering students access to state government resources and urban opportunities while serving a community working toward educational and economic advancement.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress5.2Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-2 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics4.4Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency14%
Reading/ELA Proficiency21%
Overall Proficiency18%
Expected (poverty-adj.)24%
vs. Expected-6.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile25th
College Readiness3.9Fair30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation18.2%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment6.0Above Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,976

Topeka High — Students at Topeka High score 18% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 24%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

71.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores KS EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 14.3%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 23.0%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from KS state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
18%
ELA
28%
2021*
Math
11%
ELA
20%
2022
Math
14%
ELA
21%

* 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: 5.2/10.

How Topeka High Compares

See how Topeka High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.8/10
15th percentile in KS
Academic
4.4/10
4.4/10
Growth
5.2/10
Above average
Environment
6.0/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
71%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
95 teachers

Location

800 SW 10th St, Topeka, KS 66612

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Topeka High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Capital City (rated 8.1/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Highland Park High (rated 4.0/10, 2.6 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Topeka, see our Topeka schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.4 mi
School Distance Rating
MATER DEI CATHOLIC SCHOOL Topeka 0.2 mi 7.4
CAIR PARAVEL LATIN SCHOOL Topeka 0.4 mi 5.9
CAIR PARAVEL LATIN SCHOOL Topeka 0.4 mi 5.9
Robinson Middle School Topeka 0.7 mi 5.3
Meadows Elementary Topeka 0.8 mi 8.2
Williams Science and Fine Arts Magnet School Topeka 0.8 mi 4.4
Lowman Hill Elem Topeka 0.7 mi 5.6
TOPEKA LUTHERAN SCHOOL Topeka 1.1 mi 6.3
Randolph Elem Topeka 1.5 mi 6.0
Capital City Topeka 1.5 mi 8.1
Quincy Elem Topeka 2.2 mi 5.6
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Topeka 2.5 mi 7.5
Scott Dual Language Magnet Topeka 2.0 mi 6.4
Whitson Elem Topeka 2.1 mi 8.4
ST MATTHEW CATHOLIC SCHOOL Topeka 2.5 mi 6.9
MOST PURE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL Topeka 2.2 mi 5.3
Logan Elementary Topeka 2.7 mi 5.0
Highland Park Central Topeka 2.6 mi 5.1
Highland Park High Topeka 2.6 mi 4.0
State Street Elem Topeka 2.4 mi 5.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 66612 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$26,338

Median Rent

$706/mo

Population

1,994

College Educated

16.1%

Homeownership

17.8%

Poverty Rate

26.5%

Median Age

45.7

Community Profile

The community surrounding Topeka High has a median household income of $26,338. It is a community where 16% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The area has a poverty rate of 26.5%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Hays High Hays, KS 4.8
Northwest High Wichita, KS 4.8
Junction City Sr High Junction City, KS 4.9
BISHOP CARROLL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Wichita, KS 5.0
J C Harmon High Kansas City, KS 5.0
Andover High Andover, KS 4.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Topeka High

What grades does Topeka High serve?

Topeka High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Topeka High?

Topeka High has an enrollment of approximately 1,508 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Topeka High?

The student-teacher ratio at Topeka High is 15.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Topeka High rank in KS?

Topeka High is ranked #1101 out of 1,293 schools in KS.

What is Topeka High's MySchoolScout rating?

Topeka High 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 Topeka High?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Topeka High has 14.3% math proficiency and 23.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Topeka High a charter school?

No, Topeka High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Topeka High a Title I school?

No, Topeka High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Topeka High?

71.4% of students at Topeka High 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
76 Very Walkable
Transit Score
40 Some Transit
Bike Score
85 Very Bikeable
City Safety
High (4,517/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Topeka). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,508
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
95
Free/Reduced Lunch
71.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Shawnee County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Topeka Public Schools
District Enrollment
12,601
Schools in District
27
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,935
District Rank
#22 of 25

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.

Read our full methodology

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.