For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 407 students in Ness County, KS (there are 1 private school, serving 59 private students). 87% of all K-12 students in Ness County, KS are educated in public schools (compared to the KS state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Ness County, KS are Western Plains High School, Western Plains North Elementary School and Ness City Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ness County, KS public schools have an average math proficiency score of 33% (versus the Kansas public school average of 32%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 33% statewide average). Schools in Ness County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Kansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kansas public school average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Ness County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Western Plains High School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
100 School St.
Ransom, KS 67572
(785) 731-2352
Ransom, KS 67572
(785) 731-2352
Gr: 9-12 | 34 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #22.
Western Plains North Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
100 School St.
Ransom, KS 67572
(785) 731-2352
Ransom, KS 67572
(785) 731-2352
Gr: PK-8 | 62 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #33.
Ness City Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
500 E Chestnut
Ness City, KS 67560
(785) 798-2222
Ness City, KS 67560
(785) 798-2222
Gr: PK-6 | 155 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #44.
Western Plains South Elem/jr High School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
310 W. Burgess
Bazine, KS 67516
(785) 398-2535
Bazine, KS 67516
(785) 398-2535
Gr: PK-8 | 31 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #55.
Ness City High School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
200 N 5th
Ness City, KS 67560
(785) 798-3991
Ness City, KS 67560
(785) 798-3991
Gr: 7-12 | 122 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Ness County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
P.o. Box 218
Bazine, KS 67516
(785) 398-2535
Bazine, KS 67516
(785) 398-2535
Gr: 7-12 | 41 students Minority enrollment: 5%
311 W. Ogden
Ransom, KS 67572
(785) 731-2434
Ransom, KS 67572
(785) 731-2434
Gr: K-6 | 62 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Ness County, KS?
The top-ranked public schools in Ness County, KS include Western Plains High School, Western Plains North Elementary School and Ness City Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Ness County?
5 public schools are located in Ness County.
What percentage of students in Ness County go to public school?
87% of all K-12 students in Ness County are educated in public schools (compared to the KS state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Ness County?
Ness County public schools minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kansas public schools average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
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