For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 916 students in Clay County, KS.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Clay County, KS are Lincoln Elementary School, Garfield Elementary School and Clay Center Community Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clay County, KS public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the Kansas public elementary school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 33% (versus the 35% statewide average). Elementary schools in Clay County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Kansas public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kansas public elementary school average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Clay County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1020 Grant
Clay Center, KS 67432
(785) 632-2156
Clay Center, KS 67432
(785) 632-2156
Gr: PK-3 | 341 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #22.
Garfield Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
815 4th St
Clay Center, KS 67432
(785) 632-2125
Clay Center, KS 67432
(785) 632-2125
Gr: 4-5 | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #33.
Clay Center Community Middle School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
935 Prospect Street
Clay Center, KS 67432
(785) 632-3232
Clay Center, KS 67432
(785) 632-3232
Gr: 6-8 | 226 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #44.
Wakefield Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
502 Third
Wakefield, KS 67487
(785) 461-5437
Wakefield, KS 67487
(785) 461-5437
Gr: K-8 | 129 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Clay County, KS?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Clay County, KS include Lincoln Elementary School, Garfield Elementary School and Clay Center Community Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Clay County?
4 public elementary schools are located in Clay County.
What is the racial composition of students in Clay County?
Clay County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kansas public elementary schools average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.