Douglas County Schools & Education
Douglas County, Kansas
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
30/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
84.2%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
84.2%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.7%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,029
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,009
School Score
30/100
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
#103
of 105 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Douglas County
School Verdict
Douglas County faces educational challenges with a school score of 30/100 and a graduation rate of 84.2%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $7,029 per pupil, Douglas County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Douglas County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 50% below the Kansas average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 4.5 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 22% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Douglas County, Kansas
Douglas County's Major Education Hub
As one of the state's largest educational hubs, Douglas County manages 29 schools and 14,298 students. The network is extensive, featuring 17 elementary schools, six middle schools, and five high schools.
Challenges in Academic Outcomes
The county's 84.2% graduation rate currently trails both the state and national averages. Spending sits at $7,029 per pupil, which is below the Kansas average of $9,009 despite the high student volume.
Lawrence Dominates the Landscape
The Lawrence district manages 20 of the county's 29 schools and serves 10,908 students. The county also hosts one charter school, Lawrence Virtual School, which accounts for about 3.4% of all local schools.
City Living and Large Schools
Twenty schools are located in city settings, giving the area a much more urban feel than its neighbors. Lawrence Free State High is the largest school with 1,777 students, contributing to a high average school size of 493.
Find Your Home in a Vibrant Hub
Homebuyers in Douglas County benefit from a diverse range of educational options, including large high schools and virtual learning. Cities like Lawrence and Eudora provide high-energy environments for families and students alike.
School Overview
Total Schools
29
in Douglas County
Total Enrollment
14,298
students
School Districts
4
districts
Charter Schools
1
3% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
4 School Districts in Douglas County
Lawrence
Eudora
Baldwin City
Perry Public Schools
29 Public Schools in Douglas County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence Free State High | Lawrence | 9–12 | High | 1,777 |
| Lawrence High | Lawrence | 9–12 | High | 1,589 |
| Lawrence Virtual School | Lawrence | KG–12 | Charter | 766 |
| Eudora Elementary School | Eudora | PK–5 | Primary | 742 |
| Lawrence Southwest Middle School | Lawrence | 6–8 | Middle | 641 |
| Lawrence West Middle School | Lawrence | 6–8 | Middle | 609 |
| Eudora High School | Eudora | 9–12 | High | 541 |
| Billy Mills Middle School | Lawrence | 6–8 | Middle | 516 |
| Langston Hughes Elem | Lawrence | KG–5 | Primary | 476 |
| Sunflower Elementary | Lawrence | KG–5 | Primary | 468 |
| Deerfield Elem | Lawrence | KG–5 | Primary | 457 |
| Baldwin High School | Baldwin City | 9–12 | High | 424 |
| Lawrence Liberty Memorial Central Mid School | Lawrence | 6–8 | Middle | 422 |
| New York Elem | Lawrence | PK–5 | Primary | 416 |
| Eudora Middle School | Eudora | 6–8 | Middle | 401 |
| Quail Run Elementary | Lawrence | KG–5 | Primary | 393 |
| Baldwin Elementary Primary Center | Baldwin City | PK–2 | Primary | 388 |
| Sunset Hill Elem | Lawrence | KG–5 | Primary | 378 |
| Prairie Park Elem | Lawrence | KG–5 | Primary | 376 |
| Hillcrest Elem | Lawrence | KG–5 | Primary | 346 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,029
State avg $9,009
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Douglas County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Douglas County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Douglas County?
How much does Douglas County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Douglas County, Kansas — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Douglas County, Kansas?
As one of the state's largest educational hubs, Douglas County manages 29 schools and 14,298 students. The network is extensive, featuring 17 elementary schools, six middle schools, and five high schools.
How do schools in Douglas County perform academically?
The county's 84.2% graduation rate currently trails both the state and national averages. Spending sits at $7,029 per pupil, which is below the Kansas average of $9,009 despite the high student volume.
What are the major school districts in Douglas County, Kansas?
The Lawrence district manages 20 of the county's 29 schools and serves 10,908 students. The county also hosts one charter school, Lawrence Virtual School, which accounts for about 3.4% of all local schools.
What is the school experience like in Douglas County?
Twenty schools are located in city settings, giving the area a much more urban feel than its neighbors. Lawrence Free State High is the largest school with 1,777 students, contributing to a high average school size of 493.
How can I find homes near good schools in Douglas County, Kansas?
Homebuyers in Douglas County benefit from a diverse range of educational options, including large high schools and virtual learning. Cities like Lawrence and Eudora provide high-energy environments for families and students alike.
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.