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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Smith County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 518 students in Smith County, KS.
The top-ranked public schools in Smith County, KS are Thunder Ridge Elementary School, Smith Center Elementary School and Thunder Ridge 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 32%), 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 40% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Smith County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Thunder Ridge Elementary School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
128 S Kansas Street
Kensington, KS 66951
(785) 476-3241
Gr: K-3 | 38 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #22.
Smith Center Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
216 South Jefferson
Smith Center, KS 66967
(785) 282-6614
Gr: PK-6 | 253 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #33.
Thunder Ridge High School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
209 East Ash
Kensington, KS 66951
(785) 476-2217
Gr: 9-12 | 60 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #44.
Smith Center Jr Sr High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
300 Roger Barta Way
Smith Center, KS 66967
(785) 282-6609
Gr: 7-12 | 183 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 10%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Smith County, KS?
The top-ranked public schools in Smith County, KS include Thunder Ridge Elementary School, Smith Center Elementary School and Thunder Ridge 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 40% (majority Hispanic).

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