Wichita

The Wichita school district in Kansas serves a diverse population of students across 87 schools, including 58 elementary schools, 16 middle schools, 11 high schools, and 2 alternative schools. While the district faces significant academic challenges, with most schools performing below state averages, there are some standout institutions that are excelling.

At the top of the district are specialized magnet schools like Bostic Traditional Magnet Elementary, which ranks 55th out of 660 Kansas elementary schools and has the highest test scores in the district, with 70-77% of students proficient in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Other high-performing magnet schools include Hyde International Studies/Commun Elementary Magnet, Riverside Leadership Magnet Elementary, and McLean Science/Technical Magnet Elementary. In contrast, some of the lowest performing schools in the Wichita district include Colvin Elementary, Cloud Elementary, Park Elementary, and White Elementary.

The Wichita school district as a whole faces significant challenges, with most schools ranking in the bottom half of Kansas schools and test scores well below state averages. This is likely driven by high rates of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating high levels of poverty and economic disadvantage across the district. Additionally, there is a wide range in spending per student and student-teacher ratios, suggesting uneven resource allocation and potential inequities within the system. Targeted interventions and support may be needed to address these systemic issues and ensure more equitable access to high-quality education for all students in Wichita.