For the 2026 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 6,678 students in Salina, KS (there are 3 private schools, serving 689 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in Salina, KS are educated in public schools (compared to the KS state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Salina, KS are Meadowlark Ridge Elementary School, Stewart Elementary School and Coronado Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Salina, KS public schools have an average math proficiency score of 29% (versus the Kansas public school average of 32%), and reading proficiency score of 28% (versus the 33% statewide average). Schools in Salina have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Kansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Kansas public school average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Salina, KS (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Meadowlark Ridge Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2200 Glen Ave
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-4300
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-4300
Gr: PK-5 | 431 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #22.
Stewart Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2123 Roach
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-4450
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-4450
Gr: PK-5 | 406 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #33.
Coronado Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2725 Ray Ave
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-4100
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-4100
Gr: PK-5 | 389 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #44.
Ell-saline Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1757 N Halstead Rd
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 827-8891
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 827-8891
Gr: PK-6 | 237 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #55.
Heusner Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1300 Norton
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-4200
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-4200
Gr: PK-5 | 392 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #66.
Schilling Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
3121 Canterbury
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-4400
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-4400
Gr: PK-5 | 376 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #77.
Oakdale Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
811 E Iron
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-4310
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-4310
Gr: PK-5 | 282 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #88.
Cottonwood Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
215 S Phillips
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-4600
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-4600
Gr: PK-5 | 326 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #99.
Salina South Middle School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2015 Simmons
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-3900
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-3900
Gr: 6-8 | 782 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #1010.
Lakewood Middle School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1135 Lakewood Cir
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-4000
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-4000
Gr: 6-8 | 647 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #1111.
Salina High Central
(Math: 17% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
650 E Crawford
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-3500
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-3500
Gr: 9-12 | 934 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #1212.
Salina High South
(Math: 18% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
730 E Magnolia Rd
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-3700
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-3700
Gr: 9-12 | 1,046 student Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #1313.
Sunset Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1510 W Republic
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-4520
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-4520
Gr: PK-5 | 380 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #1414.
Salina Virtual Innovation Academy
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
811 E Iron
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-4369
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 309-4369
Gr: 6-12 | 50 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Salina, KS?
The top-ranked public schools in Salina, KS include Meadowlark Ridge Elementary School, Stewart Elementary School and Coronado Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Salina?
14 public schools are located in Salina.
What percentage of students in Salina go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in Salina are educated in public schools (compared to the KS state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Salina?
Salina public schools minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Kansas public schools average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Salina are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Salina include: Salina South Middle School vs. Lakewood Middle School, Lakewood Middle School vs. Salina South Middle School, Salina High Central vs. Salina High South
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.