Derby High School is a public high school in Derby, Kansas, United States, operated by Derby USD 260 public school district, and serves students in grades 9-12. The current principal is Gretchen Pontious. The school colors are green and white. It is the only public high school in the school district.
Serving 2,156 students in grades 9-12, Derby High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Kansas for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 14% (which is lower than the Kansas state average of 29%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 18% (which is lower than the Kansas state average of 32%).
The student:teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the Kansas state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Kansas state average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,156 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 36%
- Graduation Rate: 90% (Top 50% in KS)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KS Dept. of Education
School Overview
Derby High School's student population of 2,156 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 107 teachers has declined by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,156 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
107 teachers
Year Founded
1911
Colors
White, Black, Green
School Rankings
Derby High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,280 schools in Kansas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Derby High School is 0.56, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1115 out of 1280 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
29%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
32%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
31%
Student : Teacher Ratio
20:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
4%
3%
Hispanic
17%
22%
Black
6%
7%
White
64%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90%
89%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KS Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Panther
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Derby High School's ranking?
Derby High School is ranked #1115 out of 1,280 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Kansas.
What schools are Derby High School often compared to?
Derby High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like East High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 29% KS state average), while 18% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 32% KS state average).
What is the graduation rate of Derby High School?
The graduation rate of Derby High School is 90%, which is higher than the Kansas state average of 89%.
How many students attend Derby High School?
2,156 students attend Derby High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
64% of Derby High School students are White, 17% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Black, 4% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Derby High School?
Derby High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the Kansas state average of 13:1.
What grades does Derby High School offer ?
Derby High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Derby High School part of?
Derby High School is part of Derby School District.
School Reviews
2 11/28/2014
I am former graduate of derby and am dissappointed how much they have changed since then. The schools are so overcrowded that kids just blend in. Teacher actually tell kids they aren't going to help them and loose assignments beyond belief. The admin staff bully the kids but then say they support the anti-bully acts. The school has become overtaken by troubled kids that seem to be a bad influence on the good ones. We moved one of our kids to the Rose Hill school district and couldn't be happier!! The teachers work with the kids one on one and know when they have a kid who is struggling.
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