For the 2025 school year, there are 11 public elementary schools serving 2,109 students in Cherokee County, KS.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Cherokee County, KS are Central Elementary School, Southeast Elementary School and Galena Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cherokee County, KS public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the Kansas public elementary school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 34% statewide average). Elementary schools in Cherokee County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Kansas public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is less than the Kansas public elementary school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Cherokee County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1501 Park Ave
Baxter Springs, KS 66713
(620) 856-3311
Baxter Springs, KS 66713
(620) 856-3311
Gr: 3-6 | 222 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #22.
Southeast Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
303 S Humbert
Weir, KS 66781
(620) 396-8211
Weir, KS 66781
(620) 396-8211
Gr: PK-4 | 175 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #33.
Galena Middle School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
624 East 8th Street
Galena, KS 66739
(620) 783-4499
Galena, KS 66739
(620) 783-4499
Gr: 6-8 | 174 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #44.
Riverton Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
7166 Se 70th
Riverton, KS 66770
(620) 848-4078
Riverton, KS 66770
(620) 848-4078
Gr: PK-5 | 306 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #55.
Liberty Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
624 E. 8th Street
Galena, KS 66739
(620) 783-4499
Galena, KS 66739
(620) 783-4499
Gr: 3-5 | 155 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #66.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
810 S High School Avenue
Columbus, KS 66725
(620) 429-3943
Columbus, KS 66725
(620) 429-3943
Gr: 4-6 | 208 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #77.
Riverton Middle School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
7144 Se 70th
Riverton, KS 66770
(620) 848-3355
Riverton, KS 66770
(620) 848-3355
Gr: 6-8 | 163 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: n/an/a
801 Lincoln
Baxter Springs, KS 66713
(620) 856-3322
Baxter Springs, KS 66713
(620) 856-3322
Gr: PK-2 | 233 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: n/an/a
724 E Garfield Street
Columbus, KS 66725
(620) 429-3905
Columbus, KS 66725
(620) 429-3905
Gr: PK-1 | 216 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: n/an/a
1900 Galena Ave.
Galena, KS 66739
(620) 783-4499
Galena, KS 66739
(620) 783-4499
Gr: PK-2 | 216 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: n/an/a
100 N. Miliary
Baxter Springs, KS 66713
(620) 856-3366
Baxter Springs, KS 66713
(620) 856-3366
Gr: 6-12 | 41 students Minority enrollment: 19%
Cherokee County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1520 Cleveland
Baxter Springs, KS 66713
(620) 856-3355
Baxter Springs, KS 66713
(620) 856-3355
Gr: 6-8 | 229 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
720 East 7th St
Galena, KS 66739
(620) 783-4499
Galena, KS 66739
(620) 783-4499
Gr: 9-12
9155 Sw 30th Street
Columbus, KS 66725
(620) 674-8593
Columbus, KS 66725
(620) 674-8593
Gr: K-4 | 40 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
319 N High School St
Columbus, KS 66725
(620) 429-3032
Columbus, KS 66725
(620) 429-3032
Gr: 2-3 | 136 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
280 Ne 90th Street
Galena, KS 66739
(620) 389-2344
Galena, KS 66739
(620) 389-2344
Gr: PK-6 | 91 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Box 90
West Mineral, KS 66782
(620) 827-6237
West Mineral, KS 66782
(620) 827-6237
Gr: 1-3 | 7 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Cherokee County, KS?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Cherokee County, KS include Central Elementary School, Southeast Elementary School and Galena Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Cherokee County?
11 public elementary schools are located in Cherokee County.
What is the racial composition of students in Cherokee County?
Cherokee County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is less than the Kansas public elementary schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Cherokee County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Cherokee County include: Lincoln Elementary School vs. Riverton Elementary School, Riverton Elementary School vs. Lincoln Elementary School, Spring Grove Primary Center vs. Galena Middle School
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
