The top reported proficiency rate is 36% in Science. The lowest is 24% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on W a White Elem
W A White Elementary serves students from prekindergarten through fifth grade in Emporia, a mixed-use micropolitan city that functions as a college town, county seat, and industrial center. The school is one of six elementary buildings in the Emporia district. Emporia itself is home to Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College, giving the community a notable student population alongside large employers like Hostess Brands, Hopkins Manufacturing, and Simmons Pet Food. The February 2025 closure of the Tyson Foods beef-packing plant, which had been the city’s largest employer for many years, represents a major economic shift that families moving to the area may want to factor in when considering the local job market and long-term growth. The city sits at the intersection of several major highways and retains a traditional downtown grid with historic structures and river-adjacent parks.
The student body at W A White is diverse in background. White students make up a significant share of the population, and Hispanic students account for a substantial portion as well. Students who identify with two or more races also form a meaningful part of the community, while Asian and Black students each represent a much smaller presence. A large majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating that the school serves a population with considerable economic need. The school is not a charter and does not operate as a magnet. Data on special education identification and English learner status was not available, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about the supports available for those groups.
On state assessments administered in the 2024-25 school year, results show a range of proficiency rates across grades and subjects. In math, the share of students scoring proficient or above was notably low in third grade, with fourth grade showing a somewhat higher share and fifth grade reaching a higher level still. In English language arts, third grade had a moderate share of students meeting the proficient threshold, fourth grade had a smaller share, and fifth grade matched its math result with a higher share. In science, which is tested only in fifth grade, the share of students scoring proficient was similar to fifth grade English language arts. Across all tested subjects and grades, the school’s overall proficiency index placed it in the bottom quartile when compared with other districts in Lyon County. A parent may want to look into this further with the school to understand what academic supports and interventions are in place.
Because W A White serves only prekindergarten through fifth grade, there is no graduation rate to report. That metric simply does not apply to this school.
The district itself is Emporia Public Schools. No recent, parent-relevant changes such as bond issues, curriculum shifts, or facility projects were found in available public reporting, so that dimension remains unclear. Housing in the school’s area is relatively affordable compared with state and national benchmarks, with home values and rents that are noticeably lower than the Kansas median. The cost of renting is well below what a typical household would spend on housing, and buying a home is also on the accessible side of the market, though the monthly cost of a mortgage for a median-priced home is somewhat higher than renting.
For a family considering W A White, the picture is of an elementary school serving a high-poverty student population in a city that is undergoing economic transition after the loss of its largest industrial employer. Academic proficiency on state tests generally falls below the county median, particularly in early elementary math and reading. The school operates within a district that did not publicize any recent major changes. The surrounding community offers a college-town atmosphere, a historic downtown, and affordable housing, but also faces uncertainty about its economic trajectory. A parent focused on academic outcomes may want to ask about the school’s instructional approach in the primary grades and what targeted programs exist for students who are below grade level.
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