For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 3,434 students in Hays, KS (there are 3 private schools, serving 624 private students). 83% of all K-12 students in Hays, KS are educated in public schools (compared to the KS state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Hays, KS are Kathryn O'loughlin Mccarthy Elementary School, Woodrow Wilson Elementary School and Roosevelt Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hays, KS public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Kansas public school average of 32%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 33% statewide average). Schools in Hays have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Kansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kansas public school average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Hays, KS (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Kathryn O'loughlin Mccarthy Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1401 Hall
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2510
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2510
Gr: K-5 | 371 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #22.
Woodrow Wilson Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
101 E 28th
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2550
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2550
Gr: K-5 | 364 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #33.
Roosevelt Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2000 Macarthur
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2520
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2520
Gr: K-5 | 420 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #44.
Hays Middle School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
201 W. 29th
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2450
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2450
Gr: 6-8 | 726 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #55.
Hays High School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2300 E 13th
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2600
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2600
Gr: 9-12 | 1,017 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #66.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1906 Ash
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2500
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2500
Gr: PK-5 | 274 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: n/an/a
201 E 7th St
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2400
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2400
Gr: K-12 | 262 students Student-teacher ratio: 262:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Hays, KS?
The top-ranked public schools in Hays, KS include Kathryn O'loughlin Mccarthy Elementary School, Woodrow Wilson Elementary School and Roosevelt Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Hays?
7 public schools are located in Hays.
What percentage of students in Hays go to public school?
83% of all K-12 students in Hays are educated in public schools (compared to the KS state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Hays?
Hays public schools minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kansas public schools average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Hays are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Hays include: Roosevelt Elementary School vs. Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, Kathryn O'loughlin Mccarthy Elementary School vs. Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, Woodrow Wilson Elementary School vs. Kathryn O'loughlin Mccarthy Elementary School
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