McPherson County Schools & Education
McPherson County, Kansas
School Score
64/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
89.9%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
89.9%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.7%
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,152
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,009
School Score
64/100
Higher = better
State avg 61/100
State School Rank
#51
of 105 counties (1 = best)
Explore McPherson County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in McPherson County, Kansas
A Robust and Diverse Educational Hub
McPherson County features a significant educational footprint with 18 public schools serving 4,794 students. Five districts manage this infrastructure, which includes nine elementary, three middle, and five high schools. This variety provides families with multiple specialized paths, including one charter school option.
Strong Graduation Rates and Solid Investment
The county maintains a 89.9% graduation rate, beating both the Kansas average of 88.7% and the national average of 87%. Investment in students is high, with a per-pupil expenditure of $9,152 that exceeds the state average of $9,009. The local school score of 58.1 reflects a commitment to academic excellence.
McPherson District Sets the Pace
The McPherson district is the largest, supporting 2,270 students across six schools. Smoky Valley provides a secondary hub with 1,103 students and hosts the Smoky Valley Virtual Charter School, which enrolls 283 students. Moundridge also plays a vital role, managing three schools and 497 students.
Town Centers and Academic Diversity
Schools are split between 10 town-based campuses and eight rural locations, offering a blend of environments. McPherson High is the largest school with 709 students, while Soderstrom Elementary maintains a mid-sized feel with 321 students. The average school size of 266 students is higher than neighboring rural counties, reflecting its vibrant town centers.
Finding Your Neighborhood in McPherson
Prospective homeowners often look to the McPherson or Smoky Valley districts for their proven track records and extracurricular depth. High-performing schools and diverse campus options make this county a premier choice for growing families. Investing in a home here means joining a community that prioritizes per-pupil funding and high graduation standards.
School Overview
Total Schools
18
in McPherson County
Total Enrollment
4,794
students
School Districts
5
districts
Charter Schools
1
6% of total
School Type Breakdown
5 School Districts in McPherson County
McPherson
Smoky Valley
Moundridge
Inman
Canton-Galva
18 Public Schools in McPherson County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McPherson High | McPherson | 9–12 | High | 709 |
| McPherson Middle School | McPherson | 6–8 | Middle | 492 |
| Soderstrom Elem | Smoky Valley | PK–4 | Primary | 321 |
| Washington Elem | McPherson | PK–5 | Primary | 285 |
| Smoky Valley Virtual Charter School | Smoky Valley | KG–12 | Charter | 283 |
| Roosevelt Elem | McPherson | PK–5 | Primary | 266 |
| Eisenhower Elementary | McPherson | PK–5 | Primary | 265 |
| Smoky Valley High | Smoky Valley | 9–12 | High | 253 |
| Lincoln Elem | McPherson | PK–5 | Primary | 253 |
| Smoky Valley Middle School | Smoky Valley | 5–8 | Middle | 246 |
| Inman Elem | Inman | PK–6 | Primary | 236 |
| Canton-Galva Elementary | Canton-Galva | PK–6 | Primary | 204 |
| Inman Jr/Sr High School | Inman | 7–12 | High | 199 |
| Moundridge Elem | Moundridge | PK–3 | Primary | 188 |
| Moundridge Middle | Moundridge | 4–8 | Middle | 177 |
| Windom Elem | Little River | PK–6 | Primary | 148 |
| Canton-Galva Jr./Sr. High | Canton-Galva | 7–12 | High | 137 |
| Moundridge High | Moundridge | 9–12 | High | 132 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$9,152
State avg $9,009
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in McPherson County, Kansas — FAQ
What does the school system look like in McPherson County, Kansas?
McPherson County features a significant educational footprint with 18 public schools serving 4,794 students. Five districts manage this infrastructure, which includes nine elementary, three middle, and five high schools. This variety provides families with multiple specialized paths, including one charter school option.
How do schools in McPherson County perform academically?
The county maintains a 89.9% graduation rate, beating both the Kansas average of 88.7% and the national average of 87%. Investment in students is high, with a per-pupil expenditure of $9,152 that exceeds the state average of $9,009. The local school score of 58.1 reflects a commitment to academic excellence.
What are the major school districts in McPherson County, Kansas?
The McPherson district is the largest, supporting 2,270 students across six schools. Smoky Valley provides a secondary hub with 1,103 students and hosts the Smoky Valley Virtual Charter School, which enrolls 283 students. Moundridge also plays a vital role, managing three schools and 497 students.
What is the school experience like in McPherson County?
Schools are split between 10 town-based campuses and eight rural locations, offering a blend of environments. McPherson High is the largest school with 709 students, while Soderstrom Elementary maintains a mid-sized feel with 321 students. The average school size of 266 students is higher than neighboring rural counties, reflecting its vibrant town centers.
How can I find homes near good schools in McPherson County, Kansas?
Prospective homeowners often look to the McPherson or Smoky Valley districts for their proven track records and extracurricular depth. High-performing schools and diverse campus options make this county a premier choice for growing families. Investing in a home here means joining a community that prioritizes per-pupil funding and high graduation standards.
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.