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Average

#715 of 1,294 schools in KS

West Elk Schools

School · West Elk

PO Box 278, Howard, KS 67349

Enrollment

375

Student-Teacher

11:1

Score

6.2

Grades

Pre-K – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Kansas schools

#715 of 1,294

In Howard

#1 of 2

public schools

In district

#1 of 2

West Elk

School environment

9.9 / 10

Excellent

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West Elk Schools

6.2/10

School in Howard · grades Pre-K – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

West Elk Virtual Academy

3.8/10

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

Elk Valley Elementary

6.0/10

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

About West Elk Schools

West Elk Schools is a public school in Howard, KS, part of West Elk. West Elk Schools serves approximately 375 students, and covers grades Pre-K-12th, and has a 11:1 student-teacher ratio. West Elk Schools has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 out of 10 and ranks #715 of 1,294 schools in KS.

Structured state assessment records for West Elk Schools show 51% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2025) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2025).

How it compares1.2 pts above district
  • This school 6.2 · Average
  • District avg 5.0
  • KS avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

West Elk Schools 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress1.5Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-5.67 pts/yr
Data Period2010–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics5.9Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency33.3% (2025 KAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency40.8% (2025 KAP)
Overall Proficiency37% (2025 KAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)39% (model expectation from 2025 KAP)
vs. Expected-1.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile42th
College Readiness8.0Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate80%+
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment9.9Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio11:1
Per-Pupil Spending$22,479
Chronic Absenteeism16.3%

West Elk Schools — Students at West Elk Schools score 37% 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

56.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores KS KAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 51.0% (multi-year average, 2010-2025)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 55.1% (multi-year average, 2010-2025)
School
State
N/A

Based on 43 test records from KS state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2010
Math
87%
ELA
92%
2011
Math
92%
ELA
92%
2012
Math
92%
ELA
92%
2014
Math
97.5%
ELA
97.5%
2015
Math
97.5%
ELA
97.5%
2016
Math
99.5%
ELA
99.5%
2017
Math
42%
ELA
32%
2018
Math
42%
ELA
42%
2019
Math
42%
ELA
42%
2020*
Math
22%
ELA
32%
2021*
Math
22%
ELA
32%
2022
Math
22%
ELA
27%
2025
Math
32.9%
ELA
40.5%

* 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: 1.5/10.

How West Elk Schools Compares

See how West Elk Schools performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.2/10
45th percentile in KS
Academic
5.9/10
Average
Growth
1.5/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
9.9/10
Excellent
Sports
6
3 boys' · 3 girls'
Advanced STEM
3/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
57%
Teaching Staff
11:1 student-teacher ratio
34 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
16.3%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics6sports offered
3 boys'·3 girls'·12 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses3 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

PO Box 278, Howard, KS 67349

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering West Elk Schools may also want to explore other schools in the area. Sedan Elem (rated 8.6/10, 23.2 miles away, in nearby Sedan), which scores notably higher. Another option is Cedar Vale Elem (rated 8.4/10, 28.0 miles away, in nearby Cedar Vale), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Dexter Elem (rated 8.2/10, 31.9 miles away, in nearby Dexter), 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 3.8
Elk Valley Elementary Longton 11.3 mi 6.0
Elk Valley High School Longton 11.3 mi 7.4
Sedan Elem Sedan 23.2 mi 8.6
Sedan High Sedan 23.2 mi 5.6
Eureka Jr/Sr High Eureka 25.4 mi 7.5
Marshall Elementary School Eureka 25.5 mi 6.1
Cedar Vale Elem Cedar Vale 28.0 mi 8.4
Cedar Vale High Cedar Vale 28.0 mi 6.4
Fredonia Virtual Academy Fredonia 23.9 mi
Fredonia Early Learning Center Fredonia 24.0 mi 5.8
Fredonia Jr./Sr. High School Fredonia 24.0 mi 4.1
Lincoln Elementary Fredonia 24.2 mi 5.6
Flinthills Intermediate School Rosalia 31.5 mi 7.7
Flinthills High School Rosalia 31.5 mi 6.0
Flinthills Middle School Rosalia 31.5 mi 5.1
Central Elem Burden 29.0 mi 6.7
Central Jr-Sr High Burden 29.1 mi 5.3
Dexter Elem Dexter 31.9 mi 8.2
Dexter High Dexter 31.9 mi 7.2

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

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
CENTRAL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Wichita, KS 6.2
CAIR PARAVEL LATIN SCHOOL Topeka, KS 5.9
CAIR PARAVEL LATIN SCHOOL Topeka, KS 5.9
LIFE PREPARATORY ACADEMY Wichita, KS 6.5
Fairfield Schools Langdon, KS 6.6
Maize Virtual Preparatory School Maize, KS 6.7

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 ranks #715 of 1,294 schools in KS.

What is West Elk Schools's MySchoolScout rating?

West Elk Schools has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.2 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 West Elk Schools?

Based on loaded state assessment records, West Elk Schools has 51% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2025) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2025).

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
12 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
33 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
16.3%
4-Year Graduation
80%+

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

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