Salina, KS - District Data

Original Research by School Decision on Salina

Salina Public Schools serves roughly the entire span of PK-12 across Saline County. It is one of four districts in the county, and it covers both the city of Salina and the smaller community of New Cambria. The district operates more than a dozen schools, including several elementary campuses, two middle schools, two traditional high schools, and a virtual academy. The student body exceeds six thousand, making it the largest district in the county by enrollment.

The student population is predominantly white, with a substantial share of Hispanic students and a smaller but noticeable group of students who identify as two or more races. Black and Asian students each make up a modest portion of the enrollment. Data on the share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, receive special education services, or are learning English are not reported here, so a family would need to contact the district directly to understand the extent of those support needs.

State test results are available for grades three through eight in math and English language arts, and for grades five and eight in science. In math, proficiency rates range from roughly three in ten students in grade seven to just under four in ten in grade six. English language arts rates are somewhat higher, with the strongest showing in grade four where close to half of students meet the state standard, while other grades cluster around the low forties. Science scores are lower, with about a third of fifth graders and a little more than a third of eighth graders scoring proficient or above. Across all tested subjects and grades, the district’s overall proficiency places it above the midpoint when compared to the small number of Saline County districts that reported data. That said, the county comparison is limited, and these results are well below state averages, a point a parent may want to explore further with the school.

Chronic absenteeism is a clear concern. The district’s rate is in the bottom quartile among county districts, meaning a larger share of students are missing significant instructional time than is typical for the area. Per-pupil current spending, on the other hand, is in the upper range among county peers, suggesting that the district invests above average in its operations. A graduation rate was not available in the data, so it is not possible to assess how well students complete high school.

A district bond issue passed through a public vote in late 2023, according to local news reports. That signals a recent investment in facilities or infrastructure, though the specific scope of the bond is not detailed here.

Housing in the district area offers a range. Home values in Salina are below the typical Kansas home price, and values in the smaller town of New Cambria are somewhat higher but still below the state benchmark. Rents in Salina are moderate, and the overall price-to-income ratio suggests that homeownership is more accessible here than in many parts of the country. The local unemployment rate is near the national average, and median household incomes have been rising gradually over the past decade.

For a family considering this district, the picture is mixed. The schools serve a broad age range and offer multiple high school options, including a virtual academy. Academic proficiency, however, is below the state average, and chronic absenteeism is elevated. The recent bond passage indicates a community willing to invest in school infrastructure. Without data on advanced coursework, career pathways, or student support services, it is difficult to assess the full academic experience, particularly at the high school level. A parent would want to visit individual schools and talk to administrators about course offerings, special programs, and the district’s strategies for improving attendance and achievement.

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District Context

Officially reported figures, 2024-25.

Enrollment

6,791

Grades

PK–12

Schools

Student body

Hispanic 27%

Black 3%

White 57%

Asian 2%

Two+ 11%

Am. Indian / AK Native 0%

Hawaiian / Pac. Isl. 0%

By economic status

Percent proficient by grade, as reported

Economically disadvantaged

Not disadvantaged

ELA

Gr 3

33%

63%

Gr 4

35%

62%

Gr 5

32%

54%

Gr 6

34%

49%

Gr 7

31%

53%

Gr 8

29%

53%

Math

Gr 3

25%

50%

Gr 4

24%

54%

Gr 5

29%

55%

Gr 6

32%

51%

Gr 7

24%

44%

Gr 8

25%

47%

Science

Gr 5

26%

46%

Gr 8

29%

51%

Schools in this District

13 schools are officially reported under this district.

Coronado Elem

Heusner Elem

Meadowlark Ridge Elem

Oakdale Elem

Stewart Elem

Sunset Elem

Cottonwood Elementary School

Lakewood Middle School

Salina Virtual Innovation Academy

Academic Performance

Percent of students meeting or exceeding state standards, by grade.

Mathematics

6 grades reported

34%

Grade 3

35%

Grade 4

39%

Grade 5

39%

Grade 6

32%

Grade 7

33%

Grade 8

English Language Arts

6 grades reported

44%

Grade 3

45%

Grade 4

41%

Grade 5

40%

Grade 6

40%

Grade 7

39%

Grade 8

Science

2 grades reported

34%

Grade 5

37%

Grade 8

Housing & Real Estate

Data as of April 2026 | District-weighted from constituent ZIP codes

Home Values

Typical home value$181,807

Year-over-year change+4.5%

Range across 2 ZIP codes$176K to $239K

vs. state typical0.74x

vs. national typical0.49x

Home value trend (12 months)

ZIP code home values (2 ZIP codes)

ZIP	City	Value	YoY	Weight
67401	Salina	$176K	+4.0%	90.1%
67470	New Cambria	$239K	+9.5%	9.8%

Rental Market

Typical monthly rent$1,038/mo

Year-over-year change+6.5%

Rent trend (12 months)

ZIP code rents (1 ZIP codes)

ZIP	City	Rent/mo	YoY	Weight
67401	Salina	$1,038	+6.5%	90.1%

Affordability

Est. monthly mortgage (20% down at 6.48%)$917/mo

Home price / national median income2.2x

Annual rent / national median income14.9%

Rent exceeds est. mortgage by$121/mo

Comparison

State typical home value$246,369 (+3.7% YoY)

National typical home value$368,198 (+0.6% YoY)

State ZHVI trend (12 months)

National ZHVI trend (12 months)

Economic Context

30-year fixed mortgage rate6.48%

National unemployment rate4.3%

National median household income$83,730

CPI: Rent of shelter (index)447.05

30-year fixed mortgage rate (12 months)

National unemployment rate (12 months)

National median household income (12 months)

CPI: Rent of shelter (index) (12 months)

Sources: Zillow Home Value Index and Zillow Observed Rent Index (Zillow Group), Realtor.com via Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED)

Data Currently Unavailable

Civil Rights Data (CRDC)

This profile is derived exclusively from publicly available federal and state datasets. It may not reflect the most current information available. We encourage parents and families to supplement this data with information published directly on the school’s website, which may include more recent figures, additional programs, or updated enrollment data.