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 2,172 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 22% (which is lower than the Kansas state average of 31%). 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 18:1 is higher than the Kansas state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Kansas state average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,172 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 39%
- Graduation Rate: 86% (Top 50% in KS)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 22% (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 2,172 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 124 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,172 students
Total Classroom Teachers
124 teachers
Year Founded
1911
Colors
White, Black, Green
School Rankings
Derby High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,269 schools in Kansas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Derby High School is 0.59, which is more 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
#962 out of 1269 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
31%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
32%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
31%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
4%
3%
Hispanic
18%
23%
Black
7%
7%
White
61%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
86%
89%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KS Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Panther
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Derby High School's ranking?
Derby High School is ranked #962 out of 1,269 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?
22% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 31% 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 86%, which is lower than the Kansas state average of 89%.
How many students attend Derby High School?
2,172 students attend Derby High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of Derby High School students are White, 18% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Two or more races, 7% 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 18:1, 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 10/10/2025
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.
Review Derby High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
