Very Good
#400 of 1,294 schools in KS
Top 31% in state
Western Plains South Elem/jr High
Elementary School · Western Plains
P.O. Box 218, Bazine, KS 67516
Enrollment
38
Student-Teacher
4.8:1
Score
7.4
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
38
Student-Teacher
4.8:1
Score
7.4
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Kansas schools
#400 of 1,294
In district
#2 of 3
Western Plains
School environment
9.9 / 10
Excellent
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Western Plains South Elem/jr High
Elementary School in Bazine · grades Pre-K – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Ness City High
11.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Ness City Elem
11.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Western Plains South Elem/jr High
Western Plains South Elem/jr High is a public elementary school in Bazine, KS, part of Western Plains. Western Plains South Elem/jr High serves approximately 38 students, and covers grades Pre-K-8th, and has a 4.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Western Plains South Elem/jr High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.4 out of 10 and ranks #400 of 1,294 schools in KS.
Structured state assessment records for Western Plains South Elem/jr High show 31% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 41% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 7.4 · Very Good
- District avg 8.2
- KS avg 6.9
What Parents Should Know
At 38 students, Western Plains South Elem/jr High is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.
At 4.8:1 students to teachers, Western Plains South Elem/jr High sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.
Western Plains South Elem/jr High 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 · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Western Plains South Elem/jr High — Students at Western Plains South Elem/jr High score 34% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 26%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
84.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores KS KAP (2024-25)
Based on 28 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: 6.8/10.
How Western Plains South Elem/jr High Compares
See how Western Plains South Elem/jr High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
P.O. Box 218, Bazine, KS 67516
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Western Plains South Elem/jr High may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Western Plains North Elem (rated 9.0/10, 18.8 miles away, in nearby Ransom), which scores notably higher. Another option is Kathryn O'Loughlin McCarthy Elem (rated 8.9/10, 35.8 miles away, in nearby Hays), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Woodrow Wilson Elem (rated 8.9/10, 36.7 miles away, in nearby Hays), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Bazine, see our Bazine schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 36.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ness City High Ness City | 11.0 mi | 6.3 |
| Ness City Elem Ness City | 11.2 mi | 8.7 |
| SACRED HEART SCHOOL Ness City | 11.3 mi | 6.7 |
| Western Plains North Elem Ransom | 18.8 mi | 9.0 |
| Western Plains High Ransom | 18.8 mi | 6.3 |
| Pawnee Heights Rozel | 23.2 mi | 7.4 |
| Pawnee Heights Primary School Rozel | 23.4 mi | 8.1 |
| La Crosse Elementary La Crosse | 21.5 mi | 8.3 |
| La Crosse High La Crosse | 21.8 mi | 6.1 |
| La Crosse Middle School La Crosse | 21.8 mi | 4.4 |
| Hodgeman County High Jetmore | 26.9 mi | 6.8 |
| Hodgeman County Elementary Jetmore | 27.1 mi | 7.4 |
| Ellis Jr/Sr High Ellis | 34.4 mi | 6.5 |
| Washington Elem Ellis | 34.7 mi | 7.9 |
| Hays Virtual School Hays | 35.5 mi | 4.1 |
| Kathryn O'Loughlin McCarthy Elem Hays | 35.8 mi | 8.9 |
| THOMAS MORE PREP-MARIAN HIGH Hays | 35.9 mi | 7.1 |
| Lincoln Elem Hays | 36.1 mi | 6.9 |
| Woodrow Wilson Elem Hays | 36.7 mi | 8.9 |
| Hays Middle School Hays | 36.8 mi | 5.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 67516 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$60,370
Median Home Value
$75,800
Median Rent
$663/mo
Population
563
College Educated
15.1%
Homeownership
70.8%
Poverty Rate
14.7%
Median Age
35.6
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Greeley Elem Greeley, KS | 7.3 |
| Flinthills Intermediate School Rosalia, KS | 7.7 |
| ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL Independence, KS | 7.7 |
| SACRED HEART SCHOOL Emporia, KS | 7.8 |
| PRAIRIE MOON WALDORF SCHOOL Lawrence, KS | 7.0 |
| Hamilton Elem Hamilton, KS | 6.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Western Plains South Elem/jr High
What grades does Western Plains South Elem/jr High serve?
Western Plains South Elem/jr High serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.
How many students attend Western Plains South Elem/jr High?
Western Plains South Elem/jr High has an enrollment of approximately 38 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Western Plains South Elem/jr High?
The student-teacher ratio at Western Plains South Elem/jr High is 4.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Western Plains South Elem/jr High rank in KS?
Western Plains South Elem/jr High ranks #400 of 1,294 schools in KS.
What is Western Plains South Elem/jr High's MySchoolScout rating?
Western Plains South Elem/jr High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.4 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 Western Plains South Elem/jr High?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Western Plains South Elem/jr High has 31% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 41% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Western Plains South Elem/jr High a charter school?
No, Western Plains South Elem/jr High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Western Plains South Elem/jr High a Title I school?
No, Western Plains South Elem/jr High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Western Plains South Elem/jr High?
84.2% of students at Western Plains South Elem/jr 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.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 8th
- Enrollment
- 38
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 4.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 8
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 84.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Ness County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 18.4%
- Phone
- (785) 398-2535
Resources & Links
District
Western Plains- District Enrollment
- 127
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $24,158
- District Rank
- #2 of 3
Other Schools in This District
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