Excellent
#6 of 1,293 schools in KS
Top 1% in state
Valley Heights Elem
Elementary School · Valley Heights
508 Chestnut St, Blue Rapids, KS 66411
Enrollment
116
Student-Teacher
11.6:1
Score
9.7
Grades
3rd – 6th
Enrollment
116
Student-Teacher
11.6:1
Score
9.7
Grades
3rd – 6th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Blue Rapids
#1 of 2
public schools
Kansas elementary schools
#6 of 711
In district
#1 of 3
Valley Heights
Academic performance
9.9 / 10
Exceptional
About Valley Heights Elem
Valley Heights Elementary serves 116 students in grades 3 through 6 in Blue Rapids, Kansas. As a regular public school, it maintains a student-teacher ratio of 11.6:1, keeping class sizes small and instruction focused. The school earns a composite score of 9.7 out of 10 — rated Exceptional — with academic performance reaching 9.9 and growth scoring 9.7.
Those numbers place Valley Heights at #6 out of 711 elementary schools statewide, putting it among the strongest elementary programs in Kansas by a significant margin. It also ranks #6 overall out of 1,293 public schools across all levels in the state, outperforming 100% of Kansas public schools in composite performance. For families comparing options in the area, the data is straightforward: Valley Heights is the top-performing elementary school in Blue Rapids and one of the most academically effective schools in the entire state.
The combination of high academic scores and strong growth metrics signals that students here aren't just testing well — they're making consistent, measurable progress year over year. Parents prioritizing academic outcomes will find few public elementary options in Kansas that match what this school delivers at its size.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 116 students, Valley Heights Elem is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.
Located in a rural area, Valley Heights 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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Valley Heights Elem — Students at Valley Heights Elem score 67% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 32%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
48.3%
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
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 9.7/10.
How Valley Heights Elem Compares
See how Valley Heights Elem performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 52% (2019) to 72% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 62% (2019) to 62% (2022).
Location
508 Chestnut St, Blue Rapids, KS 66411
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Valley Heights Elem may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Westmoreland Elem (rated 9.1/10, 23.9 miles away, in nearby Westmoreland), with a comparable rating. Another option is Marysville Elem (rated 8.1/10, 11.2 miles away, in nearby Marysville), a more accessible option. Additionally, Valley Heights Elementary - Waterville (rated 7.7/10, 4.8 miles away, in nearby Waterville), a more accessible option. For more schools in Blue Rapids, see our Blue Rapids schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 23.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Valley Heights Jr/Sr High Blue Rapids | 3.0 mi | 7.4 |
| Valley Heights Elementary - Waterville Waterville | 4.8 mi | 7.7 |
| Marysville Jr/Sr High Marysville | 10.9 mi | 6.1 |
| ST GREGORY CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY Marysville | 11.1 mi | 6.1 |
| Marysville Elem Marysville | 11.2 mi | 8.1 |
| Frankfort Elem Frankfort | 12.7 mi | 5.3 |
| Frankfort High Frankfort | 12.7 mi | 6.7 |
| McCormick Elementary Olsburg | 17.6 mi | 4.4 |
| Blue Valley High Randolph | 17.9 mi | 5.5 |
| Randolph Middle Randolph | 18.0 mi | 6.4 |
| ST JOHN'S SCHOOL Hanover | 18.5 mi | 4.3 |
| Hanover High Hanover | 18.6 mi | 8.4 |
| Hanover Elem Hanover | 18.6 mi | 2.9 |
| Westmoreland Elem Westmoreland | 23.9 mi | 9.1 |
| Riley County High School Riley | 25.8 mi | 7.3 |
| DILLER-ODELL SECONDARY SCHOOL Odell | 26.7 mi | 6.3 |
| Riley County Grade School Riley | 28.0 mi | 7.6 |
| GREEN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Green | 25.0 mi | — |
| Washington County High School Washington | 23.3 mi | 7.3 |
| Washington Elementary Washington | 23.3 mi | 5.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 66411 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$55,938
Median Home Value
$75,900
Median Rent
$833/mo
Population
1,195
College Educated
21.3%
Homeownership
79.7%
Avg Commute
17.7 min
Poverty Rate
16.4%
Median Age
45.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding Valley Heights Elem has a median household income of $55,938. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $75,900, with a median rent of $833/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.4%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 18 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Hope Elem Hope, KS | 9.7 |
| Montezuma Elem Montezuma, KS | 9.6 |
| Sharon Springs Elem Sharon Springs, KS | 9.6 |
| Haviland Elem Haviland, KS | 9.8 |
| Burrton Elem Burrton, KS | 9.5 |
| Marais Des Cygnes Valley Elem Quenemo, KS | 9.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Valley Heights Elem
What grades does Valley Heights Elem serve?
Valley Heights Elem serves students in grades 3rd through 6th.
How many students attend Valley Heights Elem?
Valley Heights Elem has an enrollment of approximately 116 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Valley Heights Elem?
The student-teacher ratio at Valley Heights Elem is 11.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Valley Heights Elem rank in KS?
Valley Heights Elem is ranked #6 out of 1,293 schools in KS.
What is Valley Heights Elem's MySchoolScout rating?
Valley Heights Elem has a composite rating of 9.7 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 Valley Heights Elem?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Valley Heights Elem has 63.7% math proficiency and 63.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Valley Heights Elem a charter school?
No, Valley Heights Elem is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Valley Heights Elem a Title I school?
No, Valley Heights Elem is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Valley Heights Elem?
48.3% of students at Valley Heights 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
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 3rd – 6th
- Enrollment
- 116
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 10
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 48.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Marshall County
- Phone
- (785) 363-7693
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Valley Heights- District Enrollment
- 406
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,365
- District Rank
- #1 of 3
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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