Average
#827 of 1,293 schools in KS
West Elk Schools
School · West Elk
PO Box 278, Howard, KS 67349
Enrollment
375
Student-Teacher
11:1
Score
5.7
Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Enrollment
375
Student-Teacher
11:1
Score
5.7
Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Howard
#1 of 2
public schools
Kansas schools
#9 of 24
In district
#1 of 2
West Elk
School environment
9.1 / 10
Exceptional
About West Elk Schools
West Elk Schools is a public school located in the remote rural setting of Howard, Kansas. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, West Elk offers a comprehensive education program within its small community. With an enrollment of 375 students and a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, the school benefits from personalized attention and support for each child.
There are 34 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to helping students grow and succeed. Academically, West Elk Schools is currently ranked at #1009 out of 1298 schools in Kansas, placing it in the 22nd percentile. The school has a MySchoolScout rating of 4.2/10 and an academic score of 4.3/10.
In ELA and reading proficiency tests, approximately 34% of students are rated proficient or above, while in math, around 29% meet the proficiency standards. These scores suggest there is room for growth in educational outcomes, but the school remains committed to improving student development. West Elk Schools sits in a close-knit rural area where community support and involvement play crucial roles in the education of its students.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, West Elk Schools 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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West Elk Schools — Students at West Elk Schools score 24% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 29%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
56.8%
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: 1.8/10.
How West Elk Schools Compares
See how West Elk Schools 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 42% (2019) to 27% (2022).
Location
PO Box 278, Howard, KS 67349
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering West Elk Schools may also want to explore other schools in the area. Cedar Vale Elem (rated 9.3/10, 28.0 miles away, in nearby Cedar Vale), which scores notably higher. Another option is Sedan Elem (rated 8.8/10, 23.2 miles away, in nearby Sedan), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Flinthills Intermediate School (rated 8.8/10, 31.5 miles away, in nearby Rosalia), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Howard, see our Howard schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 31.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| West Elk Virtual Academy Howard | 0.1 mi | 3.9 |
| Elk Valley Elementary Longton | 11.3 mi | 6.2 |
| Elk Valley High School Longton | 11.3 mi | 5.4 |
| Sedan Elem Sedan | 23.2 mi | 8.8 |
| Sedan High Sedan | 23.2 mi | 6.7 |
| Eureka Jr/Sr High Eureka | 25.4 mi | 8.1 |
| Marshall Elementary School Eureka | 25.5 mi | 6.5 |
| Cedar Vale Elem Cedar Vale | 28.0 mi | 9.3 |
| Cedar Vale High Cedar Vale | 28.0 mi | 7.9 |
| Fredonia Virtual Academy Fredonia | 23.9 mi | — |
| Fredonia Early Learning Center Fredonia | 24.0 mi | 5.3 |
| Fredonia Jr./Sr. High School Fredonia | 24.0 mi | 4.8 |
| Lincoln Elementary Fredonia | 24.2 mi | 8.2 |
| Flinthills Intermediate School Rosalia | 31.5 mi | 8.8 |
| Flinthills High School Rosalia | 31.5 mi | 7.3 |
| Flinthills Middle School Rosalia | 31.5 mi | 3.3 |
| Central Elem Burden | 29.0 mi | 7.2 |
| Central Jr-Sr High Burden | 29.1 mi | 5.7 |
| Dexter Elem Dexter | 31.9 mi | 5.2 |
| Dexter High Dexter | 31.9 mi | 6.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 67349 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$63,750
Median Home Value
$83,900
Median Rent
$500/mo
Population
764
College Educated
24.5%
Homeownership
77.7%
Poverty Rate
25.9%
Median Age
42.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding West Elk Schools has a median household income of $63,750. It is an area where 25% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $83,900, with a median rent of $500/month. The area has a poverty rate of 25.9%, 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 |
|---|---|
| CAIR PARAVEL LATIN SCHOOL Topeka, KS | 5.9 |
| CAIR PARAVEL LATIN SCHOOL Topeka, KS | 5.9 |
| Hays Virtual School Hays, KS | 5.5 |
| THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL, HIGH Wichita, KS | 5.4 |
| CENTRAL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Wichita, KS | 6.2 |
| BEREAN ACADEMY Elbing, KS | 5.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about West Elk Schools
What grades does West Elk Schools serve?
West Elk Schools serves students in grades Pre-K through 12th.
How many students attend West Elk Schools?
West Elk Schools has an enrollment of approximately 375 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at West Elk Schools?
The student-teacher ratio at West Elk Schools is 11:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does West Elk Schools rank in KS?
West Elk Schools is ranked #827 out of 1,293 schools in KS.
What is West Elk Schools's MySchoolScout rating?
West Elk Schools has a composite rating of 5.7 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 West Elk Schools?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, West Elk Schools has 28.7% math proficiency and 33.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is West Elk Schools a charter school?
No, West Elk Schools is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is West Elk Schools a Title I school?
No, West Elk Schools is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for West Elk Schools?
56.8% of students at West Elk Schools 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 – 12th
- Enrollment
- 375
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 34
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 56.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Elk County
- Phone
- (620) 374-2147
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
West Elk- District Enrollment
- 607
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $22,479
- District Rank
- #1 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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