Hays

The Hays school district in Kansas consists of 7 schools, including 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 1 high school, and 1 alternative virtual school. The district serves a diverse student population with varying socioeconomic backgrounds, as evidenced by the wide range of free and reduced-price lunch rates across the schools.

Within the district, a few schools stand out for their exceptional performance. Kathryn O'Loughlin McCarthy Elementary consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in the state, with a 5-star rating, exceptional test scores, and low chronic absenteeism rates. Hays High School also performs well, ranking in the top 25% of Kansas high schools with a 4-star rating and a strong 89.5% four-year graduation rate. Additionally, Woodrow Wilson Elementary stands out as a top-performing elementary school, with a 4-star rating and impressive test scores.

However, the data also reveals significant variation in school performance within the district. While some schools excel, others, such as Lincoln Elementary, struggle with lower test scores and higher rates of free and reduced-price lunch recipients. This suggests that the district may need to focus on addressing equity and ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background.