For the 2026-27 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 (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Thunder Ridge Elementary School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
128 S Kansas Street
Kensington, KS 66951
(785) 476-3241
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:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
216 South Jefferson
Smith Center, KS 66967
(785) 282-6614
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:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
209 East Ash
Kensington, KS 66951
(785) 476-2217
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:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
300 Roger Barta Way
Smith Center, KS 66967
(785) 282-6609
Smith Center, KS 66967
(785) 282-6609
Gr: 7-12 | 183 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Smith County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
128 S Kansas
Kensington, KS 66951
(785) 476-3241
Kensington, KS 66951
(785) 476-3241
Gr: K-6 | 79 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
209 E Ash
Kensington, KS 66951
(785) 476-2217
Kensington, KS 66951
(785) 476-2217
Gr: 7-12 | 89 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
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).
Recent Articles
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.