Lawrence Free State High School is a public secondary school in Lawrence, Kansas, United States. It is operated by Lawrence USD 497 school district, and serves students in grades 9 to 12. It is one of two public high schools within the city limits of Lawrence. The current enrollment is 1,820 students.
Serving 1,774 students in grades 9-12, Lawrence Free State High School ranks in the top 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 29% (which is lower than the Kansas state average of 31%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 37% (which is higher than the Kansas state average of 32%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Kansas state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is lower than the Kansas state average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,774 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 30%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 20% in KS)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 37% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 43% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Lawrence Free State High serves the northeast part of Lawrence, KS, covering an area of approximately 21.8 square miles. Families in this zone typically have a 5-10 minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge located 6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KS Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Lawrence Free State High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Kansas for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Lawrence Free State High School's student population of 1,774 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 108 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,774 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
108 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1997
School Rankings
Lawrence Free State High School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,269 schools in Kansas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Lawrence Free State High School is 0.49, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.58. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#562 out of 1269 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
31%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
32%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
31%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
2%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
4%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
9%
23%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓
Black
5%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓
White
70%
60%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
10%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
91%
88%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)39.2%
24.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
24%
41%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Green, Silver, Hunter green
School Mascot
Freddy The Firebird
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KS Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lawrence Free State High School's ranking?
Lawrence Free State High School is ranked #562 out of 1,269 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Kansas.
What schools are Lawrence Free State High School often compared to?
Lawrence Free State High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lawrence High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 31% KS state average), while 37% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 32% KS state average).
What is the graduation rate of Lawrence Free State High School?
The graduation rate of Lawrence Free State High School is 91%, which is higher than the Kansas state average of 88%.
How many students attend Lawrence Free State High School?
1,774 students attend Lawrence Free State High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
70% of Lawrence Free State High School students are White, 10% of students are Two or more races, 9% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Black, 4% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lawrence Free State High School?
Lawrence Free State High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Kansas state average of 13:1.
What grades does Lawrence Free State High School offer ?
Lawrence Free State High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Lawrence Free State High School part of?
Lawrence Free State High School is part of Lawrence School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
this is the best damn school.
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