West Elk

Situated along State Highway 99 in Howard, Kansas, the West Elk school district serves as an essential educational anchor for its rural remote community. As an active, traditional public school system operating two dedicated learning campuses, West Elk offers a continuous educational pathway spanning from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district supports a total student body of 597 learners, fostering a close-knit academic environment across both elementary and secondary grade levels. Its student population reflects a diverse rural background, including 445 White students, 78 Hispanic students, 29 Black students, 23 students of two or more races, 17 American Indian students, and 5 Asian students, creating an inclusive atmosphere where young scholars build strong foundational connections from early childhood through high school graduation.

To ensure every learner receives individualized attention and comprehensive services, West Elk maintains an exceptionally strong workforce context, backed by nearly 215 full-time equivalent staff members. The instructional corps features approximately 76 full-time equivalent teachers, supported by nearly 40 instructional aides and nearly 100 dedicated operational and student support staff members. This high staff-to-student presence allows the district to deliver strong academic support, tailored learning assistance, and robust extracurricular opportunities characteristic of successful small-town Kansas education. For families, students, and researchers evaluating rural educational systems, West Elk offers a supportive, community-centered environment; additional information can be explored online at westelk.us or by contacting the district administration directly at (620) 374-2113.