Excellent
#131 of 1,294 schools in KS
Top 10% in state
Whitson Elem
Elementary School · Topeka Public Schools
1725 SW Arnold Ave, Topeka, KS 66604
Enrollment
434
Student-Teacher
14:1
Score
8.6
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
434
Student-Teacher
14:1
Score
8.6
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Kansas schools
#131 of 1,294
In Topeka
#2 of 41
public schools
In district
#1 of 25
Topeka Public Schools
Academic growth
8.9 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Whitson Elem?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Whitson Elem
Elementary School in Topeka · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Most Pure Heart of Mary School
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Randolph Elem
0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Whitson Elem
Whitson Elem is a public elementary school in Topeka, KS, part of Topeka Public Schools. Whitson Elem serves approximately 434 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 14:1 student-teacher ratio. Whitson Elem has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.6 out of 10 and ranks #131 of 1,294 schools in KS.
Structured state assessment records for Whitson Elem show 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 49% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 8.6 · Excellent
- District avg 7.1
- KS avg 6.9
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Whitson Elem — Students at Whitson Elem score 48% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 36%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
62.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores KS KAP (2024-25)
Based on 36 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: 8.9/10.
How Whitson Elem Compares
See how Whitson Elem performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
1725 SW Arnold Ave, Topeka, KS 66604
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Whitson Elem may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. TOPEKA COLLEGIATE SCHOOL (rated 8.2/10, 1.0 miles away), with a comparable rating. Another option is Jardine Elementary (rated 7.8/10, 1.9 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, McCarter Elem (rated 7.7/10, 1.6 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Topeka, see our Topeka schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| MOST PURE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL Topeka | 0.1 mi | 5.3 |
| Randolph Elem Topeka | 0.6 mi | 6.6 |
| Hope Street Charter Academy Topeka | 0.8 mi | 4.2 |
| TOPEKA COLLEGIATE SCHOOL Topeka | 1.0 mi | 8.2 |
| Lowman Hill Elem Topeka | 1.5 mi | 7.5 |
| McEachron Elem Topeka | 1.7 mi | 6.2 |
| Capital City Topeka | 1.8 mi | 5.6 |
| Topeka West High Topeka | 1.5 mi | 4.9 |
| TOPEKA LUTHERAN SCHOOL Topeka | 1.7 mi | 6.3 |
| HAYDEN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Topeka | 1.9 mi | 6.5 |
| Robinson Middle School Topeka | 1.5 mi | 6.4 |
| Jardine Elementary Topeka | 1.9 mi | 7.8 |
| Jardine Middle School Topeka | 1.9 mi | 6.2 |
| McCarter Elem Topeka | 1.6 mi | 7.7 |
| Landon Middle School Topeka | 1.8 mi | 7.0 |
| McClure Elem Topeka | 1.8 mi | 6.8 |
| MATER DEI CATHOLIC SCHOOL Topeka | 1.9 mi | 7.4 |
| CAIR PARAVEL LATIN SCHOOL Topeka | 2.1 mi | 5.9 |
| CAIR PARAVEL LATIN SCHOOL Topeka | 2.1 mi | 5.9 |
| Topeka High Topeka | 2.1 mi | 4.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 66604 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$59,690
Median Home Value
$126,600
Median Rent
$1,032/mo
Population
22,876
College Educated
35%
Homeownership
57.2%
Avg Commute
15.4 min
Poverty Rate
16.3%
Median Age
38.2
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Baldwin Elementary Primary Center Baldwin City, KS | 8.6 |
| Basehor Elementary School Basehor, KS | 8.6 |
| Blue River Elementary Overland Park, KS | 8.6 |
| Brougham Elem Olathe, KS | 8.6 |
| Cheney Elem Cheney, KS | 8.6 |
| Christa McAuliffe Elem Lenexa, KS | 8.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Whitson Elem
What grades does Whitson Elem serve?
Whitson Elem serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Whitson Elem?
Whitson Elem has an enrollment of approximately 434 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Whitson Elem?
The student-teacher ratio at Whitson Elem is 14:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Whitson Elem rank in KS?
Whitson Elem ranks #131 of 1,294 schools in KS.
What is Whitson Elem's MySchoolScout rating?
Whitson Elem has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.6 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 Whitson Elem?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Whitson Elem has 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 49% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Whitson Elem a charter school?
No, Whitson Elem is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Whitson Elem a Title I school?
No, Whitson Elem is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Whitson Elem?
62.7% of students at Whitson 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
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 434
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 31
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 62.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Shawnee County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 15.4%
- Phone
- (785) 438-4570
Resources & Links
District
Topeka Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 12,601
- Schools in District
- 27
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,935
- District Rank
- #1 of 25
Other Schools in This District
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateGet school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.