Photo: Richard Bauer · CC BY 2.0Colby’s public schools score below 54% of Kansas districts on tests and graduation
On the state reading tests, 24% of Colby’s students scored proficient, below the Kansas average (32%). The grade covers the public school district serving Colby, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Kansas, not nationally.
From Kansas state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Colby’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 24% of tested students were proficient in reading and 28% in math, against 32% and 29% statewide; 100% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
90–94% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88% across Kansas (the state reports Colby’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $14,841 per student, against $14,966 across Kansas (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and one high school
From grade 5 the district’s path is Colby Middle School, then Colby Senior High. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Sacred Heart School (private) and Heartland Christian School (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Colby’s grade
B−: better than 46% of Kansas school districts, #100 of 151 Kansas towns. Graduation is above the Kansas average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Colby, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Colby
Colby Elem
Grades PK–4 · 369 students · 15:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Colby
Colby Elem
Grades PK–4 · 369 students · 15:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Colby
Colby Elem
Grades PK–4 · 369 students · 15:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Colby
Colby Elem
Grades PK–4 · 369 students · 15:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Colby
Colby Elem
Grades PK–4 · 369 students · 15:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Colby
Colby Senior High
Grades 9–12 · 296 students · 14:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Colby
Colby Senior High
Grades 9–12 · 296 students · 14:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Colby
Colby Senior High
Grades 9–12 · 296 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Colby’s public schools are run by Colby Public Schools Unified School District 315, which also serves Barrett, East Hale, Gem and Lacey and others. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Colby vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Kansas towns that share Colby’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Colby | B− | Colby Public Schools Unified School District 315 |
Every school in Colby
5 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Kansas’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
1 duplicate private-school records merged.
Questions about Colby’s schools
Are Colby’s schools good?
On Kansas’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Colby children attend score below 54% of Kansas’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B− Schools grade, #100 of 151 Kansas towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 44%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Colby in?
Colby Public Schools Unified School District 315, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 958 students in 3 schools (2024–25).
Where do Colby kids go to high school?
Colby Senior High, with 296 students; its own test results earn a C−.
What is Colby’s graduation rate?
90–94% of the class of 2023 in Colby Public Schools Unified School District 315 graduated in four years, against 88% across Kansas.
How much does Colby spend per student?
$14,841 in Colby Public Schools Unified School District 315 (FY2024), against $14,966 across Kansas. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Colby?
Yes: Sacred Heart School (Catholic, grades PK–5, 96 students) and Heartland Christian School (religious, grades PK–11, 80 students).
Parents talk
What Colby families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Colby → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Kansas. Stars are from neighbors.