Natoma High (6-12)

Natoma High (6-12) is a small public high school in Natoma, Kansas, serving grades 6-12 with a student population of just 59. The school's racial makeup is predominantly White, with a growing Hispanic student population. However, Natoma High has consistently underperformed the state average in both English Language Arts and Mathematics proficiency, and lags behind the nearby Plainville High in academic metrics.

Despite its academic challenges, Natoma High serves a student population with significant socioeconomic needs, with over 60% of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, compared to just 38% at Plainville High. The school also spends significantly more per student than Plainville High, at $17,446 per student compared to $12,544. This higher spending may be an effort to address the school's academic performance and support its students, though the results have yet to materialize.

One potential bright spot for Natoma High is its relatively low student-teacher ratio, ranging from 5.3 to 6.8 in recent years, suggesting a more personalized learning environment. However, the school's statewide ranking has declined over the years, dropping from 2nd out of 298 Kansas high schools in 2010-2011 to 187th out of 327 in the current school year. This trend indicates a need for the school to re-evaluate its academic programs and strategies to better support student success.