Cherokee County Schools & Education
Cherokee County, Kansas
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
60/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
89.3%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
89.3%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.7%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,589
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,009
School Score
60/100
Higher = better
State avg 61/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#64
of 105 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Cherokee County
School Verdict
Cherokee County performs at an average level with a school score of 60/100 and a solid graduation rate of 89.3%.
Funding Context
Cherokee County spends $8,589 per student, which is on the lower end of adequate and may require careful resource allocation to maintain quality.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Cherokee County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 2% below the Kansas average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 0.6 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 5% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Cherokee County, Kansas
A Robust Regional School System
Cherokee County features a diverse network of 16 public schools including eight elementary, three middle, and five high schools. Four school districts serve a total student population of 3,517 across the county.
High Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending
The county maintains an 89.3% graduation rate, which is higher than both the Kansas and national averages. While the per-pupil expenditure of $8,589 is lower than the state average, the county continues to produce competitive results.
Major Districts Lead the Way
The Columbus district is the largest with 942 students, closely followed by Baxter Springs with 893 students. The county's 16 schools are all traditional public institutions, as there are no charter schools currently operating.
A Town-Centered Educational Experience
Fifteen of the county's 16 schools are located in town settings, creating a central hub for community life. Enrollment ranges from 423 students at Columbus Junior High and High School to 247 at Lincoln Elementary.
Great Schools and Homes Await
With high graduation rates and accessible town-based schools, Cherokee County is a prime location for growing families. Browse local real estate to find a home within these performing school districts.
School Overview
Total Schools
16
in Cherokee County
Total Enrollment
3,517
students
School Districts
4
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
4 School Districts in Cherokee County
Columbus
Baxter Springs
Galena
Riverton
16 Public Schools in Cherokee County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus Junior High and High School | Columbus | 7–12 | High | 423 |
| Baxter Springs High | Baxter Springs | 7–12 | High | 389 |
| Riverton Elem | Riverton | PK–5 | Primary | 311 |
| Galena High | Galena | 9–12 | High | 251 |
| Lincoln Elem | Baxter Springs | PK–2 | Primary | 247 |
| Riverton High | Riverton | 9–12 | High | 223 |
| Central Elem | Baxter Springs | 3–6 | Primary | 216 |
| Spring Grove Primary Center | Galena | PK–2 | Primary | 213 |
| Park Elem | Columbus | PK–1 | Primary | 201 |
| Liberty Elem | Galena | 3–5 | Primary | 192 |
| Central Elem | Columbus | 4–6 | Middle | 188 |
| Riverton Middle | Riverton | 6–8 | Middle | 170 |
| Galena Middle School | Galena | 6–8 | Middle | 164 |
| Southeast Elementary School | Cherokee | PK–4 | Primary | 158 |
| Highland Elem | Columbus | 2–3 | Primary | 130 |
| USD 508 eAcademy | Baxter Springs | 6–12 | High | 41 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,589
State avg $9,009
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Cherokee County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
Search on Zillow →Find a Tutor in Cherokee County
Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.
Find a Tutor →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Cherokee County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Cherokee County?
How much does Cherokee County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Cherokee County, Kansas — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Cherokee County, Kansas?
Cherokee County features a diverse network of 16 public schools including eight elementary, three middle, and five high schools. Four school districts serve a total student population of 3,517 across the county.
How do schools in Cherokee County perform academically?
The county maintains an 89.3% graduation rate, which is higher than both the Kansas and national averages. While the per-pupil expenditure of $8,589 is lower than the state average, the county continues to produce competitive results.
What are the major school districts in Cherokee County, Kansas?
The Columbus district is the largest with 942 students, closely followed by Baxter Springs with 893 students. The county's 16 schools are all traditional public institutions, as there are no charter schools currently operating.
What is the school experience like in Cherokee County?
Fifteen of the county's 16 schools are located in town settings, creating a central hub for community life. Enrollment ranges from 423 students at Columbus Junior High and High School to 247 at Lincoln Elementary.
How can I find homes near good schools in Cherokee County, Kansas?
With high graduation rates and accessible town-based schools, Cherokee County is a prime location for growing families. Browse local real estate to find a home within these performing school districts.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.