Kansas City Families Seek Best Schools: 2025 Rankings Released

Colorful school buildings with cheerful families and children.

Kansas City Families Seek Best Schools: 2025 Rankings Released

In the search for the best education, new parents and families relocating to the Kansas City area often ask a pivotal question: Where are the best schools? The recent release of the 2025 school rankings by Niche, a school and neighborhood data aggregator, aims to answer that inquiry. The rankings pull information from a myriad of sources and include reviews from both current and former students.

Who is Affected?

The families moving to the Kansas City metro, particularly those with school-age children, are significantly impacted by the quality of local high schools. Understanding the school landscape is crucial for parents making decisions about their child’s education.

What are the Rankings?

The 2025 list of best public high schools in the Kansas City metro mirrors the 2024 rankings, with schools in Overland Park predominantly leading the way. Notably, nine of the top ten schools are located in Kansas. The Blue Valley Unified School District stands out, with all four of its high schools claiming the top spots:

1. Blue Valley North High School – Ranked #1 in both the Kansas City area and the state.
2. Blue Valley West High School – Ranked #2.
3. Blue Valley High School – Held the #3 position.
4. Blue Valley Northwest High School – Coming in at #4.

Why is This Important?

The importance of these rankings lies in their implications for families as they navigate educational options in their new environment. The Blue Valley schools not only received an A+ rating from Niche but also feature the lowest student-to-teacher ratios in the region, specifically at 14 students per full-time teacher. All four schools boast a student body of approximately 1,400, contributing to a robust educational experience.

Where Do Other Schools Rank?

Interestingly, the 2025 rankings break ground for Missouri schools, as one made it into the top ten. Lee’s Summit High School earned the distinction of being the 10th best public high school in the area, achieving an A rating and recognized as having the fifth-best public school teachers in Missouri. Additionally, it stands as the best public high school in Jackson County.

Other notable public high schools included in the Niche rankings are:

6. Blue Valley Southwest High School
7. Olathe North High School
8. Sumner Academy of Arts & Science
9. Shawnee Mission Northwest High School

Like their counterparts, these schools also received an A grade from Niche. Despite the improvements for Missouri schools, the higher rankings have mostly been dominated by Kansas institutions. Following the list, Lee’s Summit West High School came in at 12th, while Lee’s Summit North High School was at 14th. The first Missouri public high school on the rankings, Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, was positioned at 15th.

Conclusion

As new families settle into the Kansas City metro area, navigating educational opportunities remains essential. With the latest rankings from Niche highlighting school performances, parents can make informed decisions regarding their children’s educational futures. For those wishing to delve deeper into the specifics of education in the area, engagement with local resources and communities remains crucial.