For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 1,139 students in Thomas County, KS (there are , serving 163 private students). 87% of all K-12 students in Thomas County, KS are educated in public schools (compared to the KS state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Thomas County, KS are Brewster High School, Colby Elementary School and Golden Plains High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Thomas County, KS public schools have an average math proficiency score of 23% (versus the Kansas public school average of 31%), and reading proficiency score of 25% (versus the 33% statewide average). Schools in Thomas County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Kansas public schools.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kansas public school average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Thomas County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Brewster High School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
127 Kansas Avenue
Brewster, KS 67732
(785) 694-2236
Brewster, KS 67732
(785) 694-2236
Gr: 9-12 | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #22.
Colby Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
210 N Grant Ave
Colby, KS 67701
(785) 460-5100
Colby, KS 67701
(785) 460-5100
Gr: PK-4 | 399 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #33.
Golden Plains High School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
335 School Street
Rexford, KS 67753
(785) 687-3265
Rexford, KS 67753
(785) 687-3265
Gr: 9-12 | 46 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #44.
Golden Plains Middle School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
335 School Street
Rexford, KS 67753
(785) 687-3265
Rexford, KS 67753
(785) 687-3265
Gr: 6-8 | 39 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #55.
Colby Middle School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
750 W Third St
Colby, KS 67701
(785) 460-5200
Colby, KS 67701
(785) 460-5200
Gr: 5-8 | 273 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #66.
Brewster Elementary School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
127 Kansas Avenue
Brewster, KS 67732
(785) 694-2236
Brewster, KS 67732
(785) 694-2236
Gr: PK-8 | 78 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #77.
Colby Senior High School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1890 S Franklin Ave
Colby, KS 67701
(785) 460-5300
Colby, KS 67701
(785) 460-5300
Gr: 9-12 | 272 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Thomas County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Thomas County, KS?
The top-ranked public schools in Thomas County, KS include Brewster High School, Colby Elementary School and Golden Plains High School.
How many public schools are located in Thomas County?
7 public schools are located in Thomas County.
What percentage of students in Thomas County go to public school?
87% of all K-12 students in Thomas County are educated in public schools (compared to the KS state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Thomas County?
Thomas County public schools minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Kansas public schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Multilingual Learner Growth Models & Accountability
Learn how multilingual learner growth models are reshaping school accountability systems and what it means for public schools in 2026.
School-Based Health Clinics: Funding, Billing, and Student Access
Learn how school-based health clinics are funded, how billing works, and how students access care in public schools.
Outdoor Learning in Urban Schools: Forest School Programs
Explore how urban districts adopt outdoor learning and forest school programs to boost student engagement, well-being, and academic success.