Russell County Schools & Education
Russell County, Kansas
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
44/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
84.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
84.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.7%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,222
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,009
School Score
44/100
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
#87
of 105 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Russell County
School Verdict
Russell County has average school quality (score: 44/100) with a graduation rate of 84.0%, indicating room for improvement in student outcomes.
Funding Context
Russell County spends $8,222 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 Russell County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 28% below the Kansas average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 4.7 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 9% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Russell County, Kansas
Unified education across Russell County towns
Russell County's public education is delivered through five schools serving 915 students. The system is streamlined under a single district, featuring three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.
Steady performance with focused local spending
The graduation rate stands at 84.0%, which is slightly lower than the national benchmark of 87.0%. With $8,222 spent per pupil, the county's investment is below the Kansas average of $9,009, resulting in a composite school score of 53.0.
A single district serving the entire community
The Russell County district manages the vast majority of local students, with 778 children enrolled across its four primary schools. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring a centralized approach to public learning.
Small-town atmosphere with consolidated campuses
Four of the five schools are located in town settings, contributing to an average school size of 183 students. Bickerdyke Elementary is the largest with 228 students, while Lucas/Sylvan Elementary Unified remains the smallest with 137.
Centralized schooling for easy home searches
The unified district structure in Russell County makes it easy for homebuyers to find properties close to their preferred campus. Small school sizes and a town-centric feel are key advantages for families moving to the area.
School Overview
Total Schools
5
in Russell County
Total Enrollment
915
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Russell County
Russell County
5 Public Schools in Russell County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bickerdyke Elem | Russell County | 2–5 | Primary | 228 |
| Russell High | Russell County | 9–12 | High | 207 |
| Ruppenthal Middle | Russell County | 6–8 | Middle | 186 |
| Simpson Elem | Russell County | PK–1 | Primary | 157 |
| Lucas/Sylvan Elementary Unified | Sylvan Grove | PK–6 | Primary | 137 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,222
State avg $9,009
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Russell County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Russell County?
How much does Russell County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Russell County, Kansas — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Russell County, Kansas?
Russell County's public education is delivered through five schools serving 915 students. The system is streamlined under a single district, featuring three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.
How do schools in Russell County perform academically?
The graduation rate stands at 84.0%, which is slightly lower than the national benchmark of 87.0%. With $8,222 spent per pupil, the county's investment is below the Kansas average of $9,009, resulting in a composite school score of 53.0.
What are the major school districts in Russell County, Kansas?
The Russell County district manages the vast majority of local students, with 778 children enrolled across its four primary schools. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring a centralized approach to public learning.
What is the school experience like in Russell County?
Four of the five schools are located in town settings, contributing to an average school size of 183 students. Bickerdyke Elementary is the largest with 228 students, while Lucas/Sylvan Elementary Unified remains the smallest with 137.
How can I find homes near good schools in Russell County, Kansas?
The unified district structure in Russell County makes it easy for homebuyers to find properties close to their preferred campus. Small school sizes and a town-centric feel are key advantages for families moving to the area.
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.