Excellent
#4 of 1,293 schools in KS
Top 1% in state
Western Plains North Elem
Elementary School · Western Plains
100 School St., Ransom, KS 67572
Enrollment
58
Student-Teacher
11.6:1
Score
9.7
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
58
Student-Teacher
11.6:1
Score
9.7
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Ransom
#1 of 2
public schools
Kansas elementary schools
#4 of 711
In district
#1 of 3
Western Plains
Academic growth
9.9 / 10
Exceptional
About Western Plains North Elem
Western Plains North Elementary in Ransom, Kansas serves students in prekindergarten through eighth grade with an enrollment of 58 students. The small class environment reflects a student-teacher ratio of 11.6 to 1, giving students consistent access to individual attention across all grade levels. Academically, this school stands out sharply against state peers.
It ranks 4th out of 1,293 public schools in Kansas and 4th out of 711 elementary schools statewide — placing it among the top fraction of a percent in the state. Its composite score of 9.7 out of 10 earns an Exceptional rating, driven by an academic score of 9.3 and a growth score of 9.9. That growth figure is particularly telling: it measures how much students advance year over year, independent of where they start.
The numbers confirm what the ratings reflect. Western Plains North outperforms 100% of Kansas public schools, a benchmark that removes any ambiguity about its standing. For families in Ransom weighing local options, this school holds the top position in town and ranks among the strongest public elementary programs anywhere in Kansas.
Parents prioritizing measurable academic outcomes and strong student growth will find this school's data compelling.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 58 students, Western Plains North 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, Western Plains North 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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Western Plains North Elem — Students at Western Plains North Elem score 50% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 28%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
60.3%
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: 9.9/10.
How Western Plains North Elem Compares
See how Western Plains North Elem performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 30% (2019) to 49.5% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 30% (2019) to 49.5% (2022).
Location
100 School St., Ransom, KS 67572
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Western Plains North Elem may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Ness City Elem (rated 8.1/10, 12.9 miles away, in nearby Ness City), a more accessible option. Another option is Western Plains South Elem/Jr High (rated 7.6/10, 18.8 miles away, in nearby Bazine), a more accessible option. Additionally, SACRED HEART SCHOOL (rated 6.7/10, 13.4 miles away, in nearby Ness City), a more accessible option. For more schools in Ransom, see our Ransom schools guide .
Nearby Schools
12 within 33.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Western Plains High Ransom | 0.0 mi | 7.3 |
| Ness City Elem Ness City | 12.9 mi | 8.1 |
| Ness City High Ness City | 13.0 mi | 6.6 |
| SACRED HEART SCHOOL Ness City | 13.4 mi | 6.7 |
| Western Plains South Elem/Jr High Bazine | 18.8 mi | 7.6 |
| Trego Community High Wakeeney | 26.8 mi | 7.3 |
| Trego Grade School Wakeeney | 27.1 mi | 4.1 |
| Ellis Jr/Sr High Ellis | 28.2 mi | 5.9 |
| Washington Elem Ellis | 28.4 mi | 3.7 |
| ST MARY'S SCHOOL Ellis | 29.0 mi | 5.4 |
| Quinter Jr-Sr High Quinter | 33.5 mi | 7.5 |
| Quinter Elem Quinter | 33.6 mi | 4.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 67572 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$56,250
Median Home Value
$64,500
Median Rent
$625/mo
Population
403
College Educated
18.5%
Homeownership
84.7%
Poverty Rate
7%
Median Age
63.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding Western Plains North Elem has a median household income of $56,250. It is a community where 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $64,500, with a median rent of $625/month. The local poverty rate of 7.0% is relatively low. 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 |
| Haviland Elem Haviland, KS | 9.8 |
| Burrton Elem Burrton, KS | 9.5 |
| Natoma Elem Natoma, KS | 9.5 |
| Rolla Elem (PreK-5) Rolla, KS | 9.9 |
| Tescott Elem Tescott, KS | 9.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Western Plains North Elem
What grades does Western Plains North Elem serve?
Western Plains North Elem serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.
How many students attend Western Plains North Elem?
Western Plains North Elem has an enrollment of approximately 58 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Western Plains North Elem?
The student-teacher ratio at Western Plains North 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 Western Plains North Elem rank in KS?
Western Plains North Elem is ranked #4 out of 1,293 schools in KS.
What is Western Plains North Elem's MySchoolScout rating?
Western Plains North 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 Western Plains North Elem?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Western Plains North Elem has 36.5% math proficiency and 36.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Western Plains North Elem a charter school?
No, Western Plains North Elem is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Western Plains North Elem a Title I school?
No, Western Plains North Elem is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Western Plains North Elem?
60.3% of students at Western Plains North 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.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 8th
- Enrollment
- 58
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 5
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 60.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Ness County
- Phone
- (785) 731-2352
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Western Plains- District Enrollment
- 127
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $24,158
- 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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