For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 1,464 students in Rice County, KS.
The top-ranked public schools in Rice County, KS are Sterling Grade School, Chase High School and Little River Junior High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Rice County, KS public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Kansas public school average of 31%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 33% statewide average). Schools in Rice County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Kansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kansas public school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Rice County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Sterling Grade School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
218 S 5th
Sterling, KS 67579
(620) 278-3112
Sterling, KS 67579
(620) 278-3112
Gr: PK-6 | 271 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
Chase High School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
313 East Avenue C
Chase, KS 67524
(620) 938-2923
Chase, KS 67524
(620) 938-2923
Gr: 8-12 | 49 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #33.
Little River Junior High School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
430 Waverly
Little River, KS 67457
(620) 897-6201
Little River, KS 67457
(620) 897-6201
Gr: 7-8 | 44 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #44.
Lyons Central Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
501 W. Lincoln
Lyons, KS 67554
(620) 257-5612
Lyons, KS 67554
(620) 257-5612
Gr: 3-5 | 150 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #55.
Little River High School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
430 Waverly
Little River, KS 67457
(620) 897-6201
Little River, KS 67457
(620) 897-6201
Gr: 9-12 | 79 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #66.
Sterling Junior High/senior High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
308 E Washington
Sterling, KS 67579
(620) 278-2171
Sterling, KS 67579
(620) 278-2171
Gr: 7-12 | 240 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #77.
Lyons Middle School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
501 E American Road
Lyons, KS 67554
(620) 257-3961
Lyons, KS 67554
(620) 257-3961
Gr: 6-8 | 174 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #88.
Chase Raymond Primary Intermediate School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
312 Ash
Chase, KS 67524
(620) 938-2996
Chase, KS 67524
(620) 938-2996
Gr: PK-7 | 80 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #99.
Lyons High School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
601 E. American Road
Lyons, KS 67554
(620) 257-5114
Lyons, KS 67554
(620) 257-5114
Gr: 9-12 | 213 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: n/an/a
121 S. Workman
Lyons, KS 67554
(620) 257-5624
Lyons, KS 67554
(620) 257-5624
Gr: PK-2 | 164 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rice County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
500 S. Main St.
Bushton, KS 67427
(620) 562-3596
Bushton, KS 67427
(620) 562-3596
Gr: 5-8 | 92 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
430 Waverly
Little River, KS 67457
(620) 897-6201
Little River, KS 67457
(620) 897-6201
Gr: 6-12 | 2 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1
500 South Main St
Bushton, KS 67427
(620) 562-3596
Bushton, KS 67427
(620) 562-3596
Gr: 9-12 | 61 students Student-teacher ratio: 61:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
313 East Avenue C
Chase, KS 67524
(620) 938-2923
Chase, KS 67524
(620) 938-2923
Gr: 6-8 | 33 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
125 West Cooper
Sterling, KS 67579
(620) 278-4215
Sterling, KS 67579
(620) 278-4215
Gr: K-6 | 28 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
412 North 5th St
Sterling, KS 67579
(620) 278-3646
Sterling, KS 67579
(620) 278-3646
Gr: 7-8 | 83 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Rice County, KS?
The top-ranked public schools in Rice County, KS include Sterling Grade School, Chase High School and Little River Junior High School.
How many public schools are located in Rice County?
10 public schools are located in Rice County.
What is the racial composition of students in Rice County?
Rice County public schools minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kansas public schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Rice County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Rice County include: Sterling Grade School vs. Lyons Central Elementary School, Lyons Central Elementary School vs. Sterling Grade School, Sterling Junior High/senior High School vs. Lyons High School
Recent Articles
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Key Questions
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Questions Every Parent Should Ask to support academic growth, social development, and 2026 classroom goals.
Prepare for Spring Tests Without Anxiety
Learn how to prepare for spring standardized tests without increasing anxiety using proven strategies for families and schools.
Why Public Schools Are Launching Marketing Campaigns in 2026
Discover why public schools are launching marketing campaigns in 2026 and how enrollment shifts, school choice, and funding pressures are driving change.
