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Below Average

#1022 of 1,294 schools in KS

Topeka West High

High School · Topeka Public Schools

2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

Enrollment

1,009

Student-Teacher

15.3:1

Score

4.9

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Kansas schools

#1,022 of 1,294

In Topeka

#34 of 41

public schools

In district

#22 of 25

Topeka Public Schools

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Topeka West High

4.9/10

High School in Topeka · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Mccarter Elem

7.7/10

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

Mcclure Elem

6.8/10

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

About Topeka West High

Topeka West High is a public high school in Topeka, KS, part of Topeka Public Schools. Topeka West High serves approximately 1,009 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 15.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Topeka West High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,022 of 1,294 schools in KS.

Structured state assessment records for Topeka West High show 31% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 4.9 · Below Average
  • District avg 4.6
  • KS avg 5.8

What Parents Should Know

40% of students at Topeka West High were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress6.3Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-3.98 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.5Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency24.8% (2025 KAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency37.5% (2025 KAP)
Overall Proficiency31% (2025 KAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)38% (model expectation from 2025 KAP)
vs. Expected-7.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile26th
College Readiness4.4Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate95%
AP Participation7.9%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.3Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,935
Chronic Absenteeism40%

Topeka West High — Students at Topeka West High score 31% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

57.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores KS KAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 31.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 40.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
N/A

Based on 30 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
69%
ELA
84%
2010
Math
68%
ELA
80%
2011
Math
71%
ELA
81%
2012
Math
68%
ELA
81%
2014
Math
14%
ELA
22%
2015
Math
12%
ELA
17%
2016
Math
23%
ELA
30%
2017
Math
18%
ELA
26%
2018
Math
18%
ELA
23%
2019
Math
18%
ELA
23%
2020*
Math
13%
ELA
20%
2021*
Math
13%
ELA
20%
2022
Math
17%
ELA
24%
2025
Math
24.8%
ELA
37.6%

* 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: 6.3/10.

How Topeka West High Compares

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

Overall Score
4.9/10
21th percentile in KS
Academic
4.5/10
Below Average
Growth
6.3/10
Average
Environment
4.3/10
Below Average
AP Courses
2
State avg: 2.4
Sports
22
11 boys' · 11 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
57%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
66 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
40.0%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
7.9% participation·State avg: 2.4 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics22sports offered
11 boys'·11 girls'·28 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, KS 66604

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Topeka West High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. HAYDEN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (rated 6.5/10, 2.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Capital City (rated 5.6/10, 2.8 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Hope Street Charter Academy (rated 4.2/10, 0.7 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Topeka, see our Topeka schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.9 mi
School Distance Rating
McCarter Elem Topeka 0.4 mi 7.7
McClure Elem Topeka 0.7 mi 6.8
TOPEKA COLLEGIATE SCHOOL Topeka 0.7 mi 8.2
Hope Street Charter Academy Topeka 0.7 mi 4.2
TOPEKA ADVENTIST SCHOOL Topeka 1.0 mi
CHRIST THE KING SCHOOL Topeka 1.1 mi 7.6
McEachron Elem Topeka 1.5 mi 6.2
Landon Middle School Topeka 1.6 mi 7.0
Marjorie French Middle School Topeka 1.7 mi 7.5
MOST PURE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL Topeka 1.4 mi 5.3
Whitson Elem Topeka 1.5 mi 8.6
Wanamaker Elem Topeka 2.1 mi 7.2
HAYDEN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Topeka 2.4 mi 6.5
Randolph Elem Topeka 2.1 mi 6.6
Farley Elementary Topeka 2.4 mi 7.6
Jardine Elementary Topeka 2.5 mi 7.8
Jardine Middle School Topeka 2.5 mi 6.2
Capital City Topeka 2.8 mi 5.6
TOPEKA LUTHERAN SCHOOL Topeka 2.9 mi 6.3
Lowman Hill Elem Topeka 2.9 mi 7.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 66604 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$59,690

Median Home Value

$126,600

Median Rent

$1,032/mo

Population

22,876

College Educated

35%

Homeownership

57.2%

Avg Commute

15.4 min

Poverty Rate

16.3%

Median Age

38.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Augusta Sr High Augusta, KS 4.9
Basehor-Linwood High School Basehor, KS 4.9
Eisenhower High School Goddard, KS 4.9
BISHOP CARROLL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Wichita, KS 5.0
Spring Hill High School Spring Hill, KS 5.0
Maize South High School Wichita, KS 4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Topeka West High

What grades does Topeka West High serve?

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

How many students attend Topeka West High?

Topeka West High has an enrollment of approximately 1,009 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Topeka West High?

The student-teacher ratio at Topeka West High is 15.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Topeka West High rank in KS?

Topeka West High ranks #1,022 of 1,294 schools in KS.

What is Topeka West High's MySchoolScout rating?

Topeka West High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 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 Topeka West High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Topeka West High has 31% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Topeka West High a charter school?

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

Is Topeka West High a Title I school?

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

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

57.2% of students at Topeka West 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
62 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
28 Some Transit
Bike Score
61 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,009
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
66
Free/Reduced Lunch
57.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Shawnee County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
40.0%
4-Year Graduation
95.0%

District

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

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