Kansans Have a Lot to Be Proud of in Their Public Schools

Posted Date: 08/30/2023

Kansas students, teachers and families have a lot to be proud of in their Kansas public schools. 

More Kansas students than ever are graduating high school and more of them are finishing school with the skills they need to be successful in life. 

A record nine out of 10 Kansas students are graduating on-time and that includes almost all subgroups of students. 

This is important because a high school diploma provides higher earnings and further learning and training opportunities. 

With more students completing high school, the number of postsecondary credentials awarded to students under age 24 by Kansas colleges and universities has increased 34 percent in recent years. 

The number of industry credentials while still in high school through dual and concurrent enrollment programs has increased 128 percent since 2009. That means about one in six high school graduates has earned a college degree or certificate at the same time they receive a high school diploma.  

But that’s not all. Kansas was one of the few states that saw ACT scores holding steady through the disruptive COVID-19 pandemic.  

An in-depth analysis of student outcomes compared with other states, shows that Kansas ranks 13th in student outcomes while ranking 28th in per pupil spending.  

With the new school year underway, we urge Kansans to support their local schools as we work together to drive student success.