For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 518 students in Smith County, KS.
The top-ranked public schools in Smith County, KS are Smith Center Elementary School, Thunder Ridge High School and Smith Center Jr Sr High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Smith County, KS public schools have an average math proficiency score of 25% (versus the Kansas public school average of 31%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 33% statewide average). Schools in Smith County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Kansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Kansas public school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Smith County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Smith Center Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
216 South Jefferson
Smith Center, KS 66967
(785) 282-6614
Smith Center, KS 66967
(785) 282-6614
Gr: PK-6 | 255 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Thunder Ridge High School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
209 East Ash
Kensington, KS 66951
(785) 476-2217
Kensington, KS 66951
(785) 476-2217
Gr: 9-12 | 63 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #33.
Smith Center Jr Sr High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
300 Roger Barta Way
Smith Center, KS 66967
(785) 282-6609
Smith Center, KS 66967
(785) 282-6609
Gr: 7-12 | 200 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Smith County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
128 S Kansas
Kensington, KS 66951
(785) 476-3241
Kensington, KS 66951
(785) 476-3241
Gr: K-6 | 79 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
209 E Ash
Kensington, KS 66951
(785) 476-2217
Kensington, KS 66951
(785) 476-2217
Gr: 7-12 | 89 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
128 S Kansas Street
Kensington, KS 66951
(785) 476-3241
Kensington, KS 66951
(785) 476-3241
Gr: K-3 | 45 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Smith County, KS?
The top-ranked public schools in Smith County, KS include Smith Center Elementary School, Thunder Ridge High School and Smith Center Jr Sr High School.
How many public schools are located in Smith County?
3 public schools are located in Smith County.
What is the racial composition of students in Smith County?
Smith County public schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Kansas public schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
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