Kansas City, September 16, 2025
News Summary
U.S. News and World Report has unveiled its rankings of the best public high schools in the United States, highlighting the exceptional performance of several schools in the Kansas City area. Sumner Academy of Arts and Science leads the local rankings, achieving an impressive national rank of 143 and a perfect graduation rate of 98%. Other notable schools include Lincoln College Preparatory Academy and several Blue Valley institutions, all of which exhibit strong academic achievements. Concerns about legislative changes affecting district resources add to the dialogue on education in the community.
Kansas City, MO
U.S. News and World Report has released its 2025 rankings of the best public high schools across the United States, revealing that several schools in the Kansas City area excel in performance and college readiness. The rankings evaluated over 350 schools from Missouri and 290 from Kansas, using a variety of criteria to measure their effectiveness.
The top high school in the Kansas City metropolitan area is Sumner Academy of Arts and Science, located in Kansas City, Kansas. This institution is not only the highest-ranked in Kansas but also stands out nationally, holding the 143rd position with an impressive overall score of 99.2 out of 100. Sumner Academy boasts a remarkable graduation rate of 98% and ranks first in the nation for performance on state assessments.
Following closely is Lincoln College Preparatory Academy in Kansas City, Missouri, which ranks third in the state and 388th nationally, earning an overall score of 97.83 out of 100. This academy has achieved a perfect graduation rate of 100% and is recognized for its strong college readiness programs.
Other notable schools in the Kansas City area that received high rankings include Blue Valley High School, Blue Valley Northwest High School, Shawnee Mission East High School, and Blue Valley North High School. These institutions have graduation rates around 98%, while Blue Valley West reported a graduation rate of 95%. Notably, Sumner Academy consistently demonstrates high participation in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, registering a participation rate of 99%.
The Kansas City metropolitan area has shown significant academic prowess, as student populations in these top high schools generally range from 800 to 1,700. This academic success is accompanied by concerns from educators and parents about recent legislative changes in Missouri, particularly related to a new congressional map that could lead to the division of the Kansas City Public Schools system.
Concerns have arisen regarding how such a split might disproportionately impact vulnerable students and the programs essential to their support. Parents have voiced worries about potential disparities in resources stemming from the division. Local educators emphasize the importance of maintaining control of school districts to ensure that existing support for low-income students and other underserved populations continues effectively.
As the Kansas City area celebrates its academic achievements, the focus remains strong on ensuring that the district maintains its ability to serve all students equitably, particularly as changes emerge from state-level legislative actions.
Key Statistics of Top Schools
| School Name | Location | State Rank | National Rank | Overall Score | Graduation Rate | IB Participation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sumner Academy of Arts and Science | Kansas City, KS | 1 | 143 | 99.2 | 98% | 99% |
| Lincoln College Preparatory Academy | Kansas City, MO | 3 | 388 | 97.83 | 100% | N/A |
| Blue Valley High School | Overland Park, KS | N/A | N/A | N/A | 98% | N/A |
| Shawnee Mission East High School | Shawnee Mission, KS | N/A | N/A | N/A | 98% | N/A |
| Blue Valley Northwest High School | Overland Park, KS | N/A | N/A | N/A | 98% | N/A |
FAQs
What are the criteria used for the U.S. News high school rankings?
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Additional Resources
- Kansas City News Article
- Wikipedia: Kansas City
- High School Football Incident
- Google Search: Kansas City high schools
- Kansas City School District Map Changes
- Google Scholar: Kansas City schools
- Top High Schools in Kansas City
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kansas City
- Families Preparing for School
- Google News: Kansas City education
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
