Shawnee County Schools & Education
Shawnee County, Kansas
School Score
46/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
87.6%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.6%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.7%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,600
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,009
School Score
46/100
Higher = better
State avg 61/100
State School Rank
#83
of 105 counties (1 = best)
Explore Shawnee County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Shawnee County, Kansas
A Diverse Infrastructure for Thousands of Students
Shawnee County manages a robust network of 53 public schools, including 31 elementary, 10 middle, and 11 high schools. Seven different districts serve a massive total enrollment of 27,422 students across the capital region.
Graduation Success Amidst Budget Challenges
The county achieves an 87.6% graduation rate, which beats the national average of 87.0% but falls slightly behind the state's 88.7% benchmark. This performance comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $7,600, which is significantly lower than the $13,000 national average.
Capital City Schools Lead the Way
Topeka Public Schools is the dominant provider, educating 12,351 students across 26 different schools. The county also offers school choice through one charter school, which represents about 1.9% of the total educational landscape.
From Urban Centers to Rural Classrooms
The area features a mix of 29 city schools, 16 rural schools, and 8 suburban sites with an average school size of 517 students. Washburn Rural High is the largest facility with 1,884 students, offering a large-campus experience contrasted by smaller rural options.
Build Your Future in a Shawnee School District
Whether you prefer the energy of Topeka or the quiet of the rural outskirts, this county provides diverse educational pathways. Homebuyers often prioritize these districts for their stable graduation rates and wide variety of extracurricular programs.
School Overview
Total Schools
53
in Shawnee County
Total Enrollment
27,422
students
School Districts
7
districts
Charter Schools
1
2% of total
School Type Breakdown
7 School Districts in Shawnee County
Topeka Public Schools
Auburn Washburn
Seaman
Shawnee Heights
Kaw Valley
Silver Lake
Department of Corrections
53 Public Schools in Shawnee County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washburn Rural High | Auburn Washburn | 9–12 | High | 1,884 |
| Topeka High | Topeka Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,514 |
| Shawnee Heights High | Shawnee Heights | 9–12 | High | 1,293 |
| Seaman High | Seaman | 9–12 | High | 1,239 |
| Topeka West High | Topeka Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,085 |
| Washburn Rural Middle School | Auburn Washburn | 7–8 | Middle | 943 |
| Highland Park High | Topeka Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 857 |
| Jardine Elementary | Topeka Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 743 |
| Logan Elementary | Seaman | PK–6 | Primary | 624 |
| Farley Elementary | Auburn Washburn | PK–6 | Primary | 621 |
| Seaman Middle School | Seaman | 7–8 | Middle | 585 |
| Jay Shideler Elementary | Auburn Washburn | KG–6 | Primary | 567 |
| Ross Elementary | Topeka Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 558 |
| Jardine Middle School | Topeka Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 542 |
| Shawnee Heights Middle | Shawnee Heights | 7–8 | Middle | 538 |
| Berryton Elem | Shawnee Heights | PK–6 | Primary | 511 |
| Tecumseh South Elem | Shawnee Heights | PK–6 | Primary | 492 |
| Eisenhower Middle School | Topeka Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 486 |
| Wanamaker Elem | Auburn Washburn | PK–6 | Primary | 484 |
| Indian Hills Elementary | Auburn Washburn | KG–6 | Primary | 474 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,600
State avg $9,009
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Shawnee County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
Search on Zillow →Find a Tutor in Shawnee County
Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.
Find a Tutor →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Shawnee County, Kansas — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Shawnee County, Kansas?
Shawnee County manages a robust network of 53 public schools, including 31 elementary, 10 middle, and 11 high schools. Seven different districts serve a massive total enrollment of 27,422 students across the capital region.
How do schools in Shawnee County perform academically?
The county achieves an 87.6% graduation rate, which beats the national average of 87.0% but falls slightly behind the state's 88.7% benchmark. This performance comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $7,600, which is significantly lower than the $13,000 national average.
What are the major school districts in Shawnee County, Kansas?
Topeka Public Schools is the dominant provider, educating 12,351 students across 26 different schools. The county also offers school choice through one charter school, which represents about 1.9% of the total educational landscape.
What is the school experience like in Shawnee County?
The area features a mix of 29 city schools, 16 rural schools, and 8 suburban sites with an average school size of 517 students. Washburn Rural High is the largest facility with 1,884 students, offering a large-campus experience contrasted by smaller rural options.
How can I find homes near good schools in Shawnee County, Kansas?
Whether you prefer the energy of Topeka or the quiet of the rural outskirts, this county provides diverse educational pathways. Homebuyers often prioritize these districts for their stable graduation rates and wide variety of extracurricular programs.
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.