Elk County Schools & Education
Elk County, Kansas
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
61/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
84.7%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
84.7%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.7%
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,438
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,009
School Score
61/100
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
#58
of 105 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Elk County
School Verdict
Elk County has average school quality (score: 61/100) with a graduation rate of 84.7%, indicating room for improvement in student outcomes.
Funding Context
With $16,438 per pupil, Elk County has adequate funding that generally covers core educational needs and some supplemental services.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Elk County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 0% above the Kansas average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 4.0 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 82% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Elk County, Kansas
A Small but Specialized Rural Network
Elk County operates 4 public schools across 2 school districts, serving a total of 664 students. The infrastructure includes one elementary school, one high school, and two specialized programs to meet local needs. This compact system maintains a very low student population, focusing on intimate learning environments.
High Quality Scores Despite Funding Gaps
The county earns a strong school score of 71.1, significantly outperforming the Kansas state average of 57.2. While the 84.7% graduation rate is slightly below the national average of 87%, the county invests heavily in its students with per-pupil spending of $16,438. This expenditure is nearly double the state average of $9,009 and exceeds national benchmarks by over $3,000.
West Elk Leads Local Enrollment
The West Elk district is the primary provider in the county, managing two schools and 551 students. The Elk Valley district serves a smaller cohort of 113 students across two campuses. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county, as traditional public districts manage 100% of the local education.
Personalized Learning in a Rural Setting
Every school in Elk County is classified as rural, creating a close-knit community feel with an average school size of just 166 students. West Elk Schools is the largest campus with 378 students, while Elk Valley High School offers an incredibly small environment with only 47 students. Educational attainment data for Bachelor's degrees is currently unavailable for this area.
Find Your Home in a Top-Scoring District
Families looking for high-quality instruction in a quiet, rural setting should consider Elk County's impressive school scores. With per-pupil investment far exceeding state levels, these schools offer a level of individual attention rarely found elsewhere. Explore homes near West Elk or Elk Valley to secure a place in this high-performing educational community.
School Overview
Total Schools
4
in Elk County
Total Enrollment
664
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Elk County
West Elk
Elk Valley
4 Public Schools in Elk County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Elk Schools | West Elk | PK–12 | Other | 378 |
| West Elk Virtual Academy | West Elk | KG–12 | Other | 173 |
| Elk Valley Elementary | Elk Valley | PK–5 | Primary | 66 |
| Elk Valley High School | Elk Valley | 6–12 | High | 47 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$16,438
State avg $9,009
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Elk County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Elk County?
How much does Elk County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Elk County, Kansas — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Elk County, Kansas?
Elk County operates 4 public schools across 2 school districts, serving a total of 664 students. The infrastructure includes one elementary school, one high school, and two specialized programs to meet local needs. This compact system maintains a very low student population, focusing on intimate learning environments.
How do schools in Elk County perform academically?
The county earns a strong school score of 71.1, significantly outperforming the Kansas state average of 57.2. While the 84.7% graduation rate is slightly below the national average of 87%, the county invests heavily in its students with per-pupil spending of $16,438. This expenditure is nearly double the state average of $9,009 and exceeds national benchmarks by over $3,000.
What are the major school districts in Elk County, Kansas?
The West Elk district is the primary provider in the county, managing two schools and 551 students. The Elk Valley district serves a smaller cohort of 113 students across two campuses. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county, as traditional public districts manage 100% of the local education.
What is the school experience like in Elk County?
Every school in Elk County is classified as rural, creating a close-knit community feel with an average school size of just 166 students. West Elk Schools is the largest campus with 378 students, while Elk Valley High School offers an incredibly small environment with only 47 students. Educational attainment data for Bachelor's degrees is currently unavailable for this area.
How can I find homes near good schools in Elk County, Kansas?
Families looking for high-quality instruction in a quiet, rural setting should consider Elk County's impressive school scores. With per-pupil investment far exceeding state levels, these schools offer a level of individual attention rarely found elsewhere. Explore homes near West Elk or Elk Valley to secure a place in this high-performing educational community.
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.