4 of the 5 top school districts in Kansas are in JoCo, according to new rankings

The Blue Valley School District is the top district in Kansas and ranked 76th nationally, against 10,561 districts, according to data analytics website Niche.

The website recently announced its 2025 nationwide school ratings.

“Receiving this recognition is both an honor and a reminder of the tremendous responsibility we have to our students and community,” said Superintendent Tonya Merrigan. “It speaks to the collaborative spirit that defines Blue Valley — where educators, families and the community work together to create an environment that fosters an exceptional educational experience for all students.

“Our continued focus on excellence in teaching, learning and fostering meaningful connections will guide us as we prepare students for their future.”

Other rankings

Here are some other notable rankings listed in the announcement:

  • Blue Valley was also named No. 1 for districts with the best teachers by Niche.
  • Blue Valley ranked No. 1 among Kansas City metro schools.
  • On another list, Blue Valley ranked 3rd best district for student athletes behind Derby Public Schools and the Renwick School District in Andale.

How did Niche come up with the ranking?

The website ranked school districts using reviews from current students, alumni and parents, along with quantitative data from sources like the U.S. Department of Education.

Across Johnson County

Other school districts in the county ranked high at the state level.

  • Unified School District 232 in De Soto ranked No. 2 in Kansas and in the top 4% nationally.
  • Olathe Public Schools came in at No. 3.
  • The Shawnee Mission School District ranked No. 5.

About the author

Margaret Mellott
Margaret Mellott

Hi! I’m Margaret Mellott, a Report for America corps member and I cover K-12 education for the Johnson County Post.

I grew up in Shawnee and graduated from Mill Valley in 2017. I attended Johnson County Community College before transferring to Emporia State University, where I earned my degree in communication with a minor in journalism. After graduating in 2022, I interned with the Kansas Reflector before moving to central New York, where I covered local politics and health. I started freelancing for the Post shortly after moving back to Johnson County in 2024.

Have a story idea or a comment about our coverage you’d like to share? Email me at [email protected].

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