Let’s take a look at the 8 best high schools in Kansas based on academic and athletic performance. In our opinion, attending any one of these 8 high schools will set an attentive student up for success when they enter college or start their career.
The Best Public High Schools in Kansas
When looking for a high school in Kansas, it’s important to consider the academic and athletic performance of each school. Public schools in Kansas have a variety of options when it comes to providing an excellent education and extracurricular activities. We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 public high schools in Kansas based on our opinion of their overall performance.
To determine our rankings, we considered each school’s performance by looking at data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). We also looked at the number of athletic awards as well as any programs offered catering to students with specific interests or talents.
1. Blue Valley High School, Stilwell
Blue Valley High School is a highly acclaimed high school that has consistently ranked among the best in the nation since 2005. This fact makes them one of the top choices for parents looking for an excellent academic program combined with competitive athletics. Blue Valley offers special STEM programs that provide hands-on learning experiences for students interested in science and engineering fields. The Tigers boast nine state championships in various sports, including football and basketball.
2. Shawnee Mission North High School, Overland Park
Shawnee Mission North‘s renowned International Baccalaureate program and extensive selection of Advanced Placement courses offer something for everyone from arts to sciences to humanities. Additionally, Shawnee Mission Bisons have won four state championships across multiple sports, including basketball and tennis.
3. Lawrence Free State High School, Lawrence
Lawrence Free State High School‘s academics are rigorous but rewarding. Offering over 30 AP classes, a variety of electives can be taken outside the traditional classroom, such as robotics or creative writing courses. The Firebirds have won five state championships across multiple sports, including volleyball and soccer teams that compete nationally every year!
4. Wichita East High School, Wichita
Wichita East High is known for its diverse student body representing nearly 100 countries around the world! Academically speaking, this school offers many AP classes as well as career tech classes. Wichita East High students can learn skills applicable to their future careers, such as automotive technology or digital media production. Blue Aces have also earned four state championships across multiple sports. Their wrestling and baseball programs consistently rank among some of the best in the nation!
5. Olathe South High School, Olathe
Olathe South offers more than 22 AP classes along with over 20 electives, such as Spanish language instruction or psychology courses! The Falcons also excel athletically, earning two state championship titles over recent years!
More Great Kansas High Schools
- Blue Valley North High School, Overland Park
- Manhattan High School, Manhattan
- Olathe North High School, Olathe
- Washburn Rural High School, Topeka
The Best Parochial High Schools in Kansas
When it comes to finding the best of the best in parochial high schools, Kansas has a lot to offer. Here are 3 of them.
6. Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, Overland Park
Saint Thomas consistently ranks highly in both academics and athletics, with its football team having won multiple state titles in recent years. St. Thomas Aquinas High School also provides students with a comprehensive curriculum, from AP courses to career-technical education, such as computer programming and robotics engineering. The Saints also boast championship-winning teams across multiple sports.
7. Bishop Miege High School, Shawnee Mission
Yes, Bishop Miege High School stands out for its innovative academic program combining STEM courses with religious studies. Bishop Miege’s website says, “…our Athletic Programs have been very successful, with 18 different programs winning at least 1 State Championship and 8 of those programs have won 5 or more State Titles. In total, the school has won 121 State Championships. Go Stags Go!”
8. St. James Academy, Lenexa
Recognized for its holistic approach to education, St. James Academy is another excellent choice that excels academically and athletically. St. James was named National Champions by USA Today due to their outstanding academic performance. Thunder boasts numerous titles across all sports, including basketball, tennis, and volleyball.
Other Excellent Parochial Schools in Kansas
- Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, Wichita – Provides strong Catholic education with solid academics.
- Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, Wichita – Has a history of both academic and athletic achievements.
- Hayden Catholic High School, Topeka – Offers rigorous academics in a faith-based setting.
- Trinity Catholic High School, Hutchinson – Focuses on faith and academic excellence.
- Sacred Heart Junior/Senior High School, Salina – Values both spiritual growth and academic achievement.
- Thomas More Prep-Marian, Hays – Offers a faith-centered education with a tradition of excellence.
The Best High Schools in Kansas Await You
The 8 best high schools in Kansas excel in both academics and athletics. A well-rounded education is essential in today’s competitive world. Attending a school with a strong academic program combined with a strong sports program provides an ideal foundation for success.
Kansas has many excellent public and parochial high schools offering outstanding educational opportunities. From Blue Valley High School’s impressive test scores to Saint Thomas Aquinas High School’s awesome college acceptance rate, Kansans have access to some of the best educational institutions in the country. Just reach out to them to find out which one suits you best.
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