For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 3,434 students in Hays, KS (there are 3 private schools, serving 624 private students). 83% of all K-12 students in Hays, KS are educated in public schools (compared to the KS state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Hays, KS are Kathryn O'loughlin Mccarthy Elementary School, Woodrow Wilson Elementary School and Roosevelt Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hays, KS public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Kansas public school average of 32%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 33% statewide average). Schools in Hays have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Kansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kansas public school average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Hays, KS (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Kathryn O'loughlin Mccarthy Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1401 Hall
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2510
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2510
Gr: K-5 | 371 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #22.
Woodrow Wilson Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
101 E 28th
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2550
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2550
Gr: K-5 | 364 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #33.
Roosevelt Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2000 Macarthur
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2520
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2520
Gr: K-5 | 420 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #44.
Hays Middle School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
201 W. 29th
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2450
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2450
Gr: 6-8 | 726 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #55.
Hays High School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2300 E 13th
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2600
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2600
Gr: 9-12 | 1,017 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #66.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1906 Ash
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2500
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2500
Gr: PK-5 | 274 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: n/an/a
201 E 7th St
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2400
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 623-2400
Gr: K-12 | 262 students Student-teacher ratio: 262:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Hays, KS?
The top-ranked public schools in Hays, KS include Kathryn O'loughlin Mccarthy Elementary School, Woodrow Wilson Elementary School and Roosevelt Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Hays?
7 public schools are located in Hays.
What percentage of students in Hays go to public school?
83% of all K-12 students in Hays are educated in public schools (compared to the KS state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Hays?
Hays public schools minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kansas public schools average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Hays are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Hays include: Roosevelt Elementary School vs. Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, Kathryn O'loughlin Mccarthy Elementary School vs. Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, Woodrow Wilson Elementary School vs. Kathryn O'loughlin Mccarthy Elementary School
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.