For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 255 students in Smith County, KS.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Smith County, KS are Thunder Ridge Elementary School and Smith Center Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Smith County, KS public elementary school have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the Kansas public elementary school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 35% statewide average). Elementary schools in Smith County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Kansas public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Kansas public elementary school average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Smith County (2026)
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%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Smith County, KS?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Smith County, KS include Thunder Ridge Elementary School and Smith Center Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Smith County?
1 public elementary schools are located in Smith County.
What is the racial composition of students in Smith County?
Smith County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Kansas public elementary schools average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
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.