Public Schools in Kansas: What You Need to Know

Best School Districts, Rankings, and What It Means for Your Next Move

Looking to move but not sure which Kansas neighborhood has the best schools? You’re not alone. In 2025, more than 60% of Kansas homebuyers ranked school quality as one of their top three decision factors. Whether you're relocating to Overland Park, Lawrence, or somewhere in between, understanding the best school districts in Kansas can help you make a smarter move, both financially and for your family's future.

As an AI-Certified Realtor serving Kansas City and surrounding areas, I help families find homes that align with their educational priorities. From top public districts to standout private schools, this guide breaks it all down.

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🔹 2. What Are the Best School Districts in Kansas?

When families search for a new home, school quality is often the tipping point, especially when choosing between private vs public schools in Kansas. So what makes a public school district truly stand out?

✅ Key Criteria:

• Academic performance (state test scores, graduation rates)

• Student-teacher ratios

• AP and honors programs

• Extracurriculars and STEM offerings

• Community support and funding

Top Public School Districts in Kansas (2025):

• Blue Valley USD 229 (Overland Park) – Widely recognized as one of the best school districts in Kansas for college prep and overall academic excellence.

• Shawnee Mission USD 512 – Offers a well-rounded curriculum and high public school rankings in Kansas.

• Lawrence USD 497 – Known for equity, arts, and progressive programming.

• Olathe USD 233 – Offers robust programs for gifted and special needs students.

Each of these districts consistently receives top marks in Kansas school district ratings, making them highly desirable for relocating families.

🔹 3. Pro Tips for Choosing the Right School District

You don’t need to be an education expert to make a smart move but these tips will help you narrow the field:

✅ Check Kansas Report Card: Use KansasReportCard.com to compare schools on everything from math scores to attendance.

✅ Focus on Future Resale Value: Homes in top-rated districts tend to hold their value better even in slower markets.

✅ Visit Schools in Person: Don’t just rely on stats. Walk the halls, talk to parents, and observe student engagement.

✅ Consider Commute and Boundaries: A great district doesn’t help if your home is zoned out of the best school.

✅ Look Beyond the Rankings: Sometimes, smaller or lesser-known schools offer a better fit, especially for kids with specific learning styles or needs.

➡️ Internal Link: Free Homebuyer Snapshot Tool

🔹 4. Moving Forward

Choosing the right home isn’t just about price and square footage — it’s about community, opportunity, and education. If you're moving to or within Kansas City, I can help you identify homes in the best school districts in Kansas that also align with your lifestyle and budget.

As an AI-Certified Realtor, I use smart data, school reports, and neighborhood trends to help you land the right home in the right district — without the guesswork.

📲 Ready to explore your options? Schedule a free consultation today.

🧮 Want to see what’s affordable in your target district? Try my Mortgage Calculator.

🔹 5. FAQs

Q: What is the #1 school district in Kansas?
A: Most rankings place Blue Valley USD 229 at the top for academic achievement, graduation rates, and college readiness.

Q: What is the best school district in Kansas City?
A: On the Kansas side of KC, Blue Valley and Shawnee Mission lead the pack. On the Missouri side, look into Park Hill and Liberty.

Q: What is the highest ranked high school in Kansas?
A: Blue Valley North and Blue Valley High are consistently top-ranked in the state for test scores and AP participation.

Q: What is Kansas ranked in public education nationally?
A: As of 2025, Kansas ranks in the top 20 states for public education, with particular strengths in graduation rates and early childhood programs.

Q: Should I choose public or private schools in Kansas?
A: That depends on your child’s needs and your budget. Top private schools in Kansas offer smaller class sizes and specialized programs, but many public schools here rival them in quality — especially in top-rated districts.