The top reported proficiency rate is 44% in Science. The lowest is 22% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Macksville High
Macksville High is a small rural public school serving grades seven through twelve in the town of Macksville, Kansas, roughly midway between Larned and Dodge City along US Highway 50. The school is part of Macksville USD, a three-district county system, and its entire enrollment fits a single small building. For a family considering this area, the school’s size and setting are its defining features.
Academically, the state testing picture for the most recent year shows that in both math and English language arts, the share of students meeting proficiency was low across the seventh and eighth grades—the only tested grade levels reported. Science results for eighth grade were notably stronger, with a higher proportion of students reaching proficiency. The state changed the cut scores for math and ELA in this testing cycle, so comparisons with prior years are not possible. The school’s overall proficiency index, which averages results across all tested subjects and grades, placed it in the bottom quartile relative to the other districts in Stafford County. A parent may want to ask the school how it supports students who are below grade level and whether the small class sizes allow for targeted intervention.
The student body reflects the surrounding agricultural community. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Racially and ethnically, the school is roughly split between white students and Hispanic students, with a small number of American Indian or Alaska Native students and very few Black or multiracial students. Because the school combines middle and high school grades into one campus, the peer group spans a wide age range, which is typical for a small rural district. No data on special education or English learner populations was reported.
Macksville itself is a tiny community built around agriculture and local services. Housing values are well below national and state benchmarks, and the local economy is centered on farming, health care, and the school district. The town’s population is small and has shown modest fluctuation in recent estimates. There are few commercial establishments, and daily life requires a car. The school district had no publicly reported recent changes such as bond referendums, curriculum shifts, or property-tax adjustments, so the educational offering has been stable in the short term.
Several pieces of information are absent from the available data. There is no graduation rate, which a school serving grades seven through twelve would typically report; its absence may be due to a data gap rather than the school’s grade band, since the school does include seniors. No chronic absenteeism or discipline data appeared. No course access information—such as Advanced Placement, dual credit, or career and technical education pathways—was available, so families interested in those options will need to contact the school directly. Staffing ratios and teacher qualifications were also not reported.
Macksville High is best understood as a small, rural institution where the community and school are tightly linked. The academic results are below county averages, but the school’s size could mean more individualized attention for students who need it. The housing market is among the most affordable in the state, and the town offers a quiet, agricultural lifestyle. A parent considering this school should weigh the low cost of living and close-knit environment against the limited academic performance indicators and the lack of detailed program information. Visiting the school and speaking with staff about course offerings and student support would be a practical next step.
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