Education in Lawrence, KS
Updated 2026 • Schools and education data
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023 estimates (Population 25+: 54,295)
Education Levels (Age 25+)
Median Earnings by Education Level
Annual median earnings for full-time workers aged 25+
School Enrollment
Education in Lawrence
Education plays a vital role in Lawrence, KS's community. With 55% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, this is a highly educated area (well above the national average). The area is served by 19 schools across elementary, middle, and high school levels. This page covers school options, graduation rates, and educational resources.
Schools in Lawrence, KS
Showing 19 schools — including public, private, and charter schools with student-teacher ratios and graduation rates.
| School Name | District | Level | Teachers | Students | Ratio | Grad. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflower Elementary | Lawrence | Elementary | 29 | 468 | 1/16 | — |
| Prairie Park Elem | Lawrence | Elementary | 25 | 376 | 1/15 | — |
| Lawrence Southwest Middle School | Lawrence | Middle | 45 | 641 | 1/14 | — |
| Lawrence Free State High | Lawrence | High | 90 | 1777 | 1/19 | 89.7% |
| Broken Arrow Elem | Lawrence | Not reported | 18 | 266 | 1/14 | — |
| Cordley Elem | Lawrence | Elementary | 23 | 275 | 1/11 | — |
| Deerfield Elem | Lawrence | Elementary | 27 | 457 | 1/16 | — |
| Hillcrest Elem | Lawrence | Elementary | 32 | 346 | 1/10 | — |
| New York Elem | Lawrence | Elementary | 21 | 416 | 1/19 | — |
| Pinckney Elem | Lawrence | Not reported | 16 | 212 | 1/13 | — |
| Schwegler Elem | Lawrence | Elementary | 23 | 314 | 1/13 | — |
| Woodlawn Elem | Lawrence | Elementary | 14 | 211 | 1/14 | — |
| Lawrence Liberty Memorial Central Mid School | Lawrence | Middle | 32 | 422 | 1/13 | — |
| Billy Mills Middle School | Lawrence | Middle | 40 | 516 | 1/12 | — |
| Lawrence West Middle School | Lawrence | Middle | 42 | 609 | 1/14 | — |
| Lawrence High | Lawrence | High | 87 | 1589 | 1/18 | — |
| Quail Run Elementary | Lawrence | Elementary | 25 | 393 | 1/15 | — |
| Langston Hughes Elem | Lawrence | Elementary | 24 | 476 | 1/19 | — |
| Lawrence Virtual School | Lawrence | Other | 34 | 766 | 1/21 | — |
Sunflower Elementary
ElementaryLawrence
Prairie Park Elem
ElementaryLawrence
Lawrence Southwest Middle School
MiddleLawrence
Lawrence Free State High
HighLawrence
Broken Arrow Elem
Not reportedLawrence
Cordley Elem
ElementaryLawrence
Deerfield Elem
ElementaryLawrence
Hillcrest Elem
ElementaryLawrence
New York Elem
ElementaryLawrence
Pinckney Elem
Not reportedLawrence
Schwegler Elem
ElementaryLawrence
Woodlawn Elem
ElementaryLawrence
Lawrence Liberty Memorial Central Mid School
MiddleLawrence
Billy Mills Middle School
MiddleLawrence
Lawrence West Middle School
MiddleLawrence
Lawrence High
HighLawrence
Quail Run Elementary
ElementaryLawrence
Langston Hughes Elem
ElementaryLawrence
Lawrence Virtual School
OtherLawrence
Pros & Cons
Pros
- •Friendly community vibe
- •Diverse cultural events
- •Safety in neighborhoods
- •Rich history and art scene
- •Nearby outdoor activities
- •Supportive local businesses
- •Active nightlife scene
- •Strong local schools
- •Affordable housing options
- •Good job market availability
Cons
- •Some areas lacking nightlife
- •Higher crime rates in some areas
- •Political divide among residents
- •Few options for upscale dining
- •Seasonal job fluctuations
- •Less diversity in some neighborhoods
- •Some residents report racism
- •Limited public transport options
- •Limited family activities
- •Weather can be extreme
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lawrence, KS? ▼
The cost of living in Lawrence, KS is 0% equal to the national average, with a cost of living index of 100 (where 100 represents the U.S. average). Housing typically accounts for the largest portion of living expenses. See full cost of living breakdown →
Is Lawrence, KS a safe place to live? ▼
Lawrence, KS is average in terms of safety, with crime rates near the national average. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood. View detailed Lawrence crime statistics →
How are the schools in Lawrence, KS? ▼
Lawrence, KS has 19 schools serving the community, including public, private, and charter options. School quality varies, so we recommend checking specific school ratings and test scores. See Lawrence school ratings →
What are the best neighborhoods in Lawrence, KS? ▼
The best neighborhoods in Lawrence, KS depend on your priorities. For families, look for areas near top-rated schools with lower crime rates. For affordability, neighborhoods vary in price depending on proximity to amenities and schools.
How are the taxes in Lawrence, KS? ▼
Tax rates in Lawrence, KS include state and local components. The cost of living index of 100 reflects a moderate cost environment compared to the national average. View detailed Lawrence tax information →
How does Lawrence, KS compare to nearby cities? ▼
Lawrence, KS offers comparable costs to nearby communities. With a cost of living index of 100, median home prices of $0, and a crime rate of 0 per 1,000 residents, you can compare these metrics side-by-side. Use the compare feature to evaluate specific cities.
What is the weather like in Lawrence, KS? ▼
Weather in Lawrence, KS varies by season. Climate data varies by season. View detailed Lawrence climate & environment data →
How do schools in Lawrence, KS compare to state average? ▼
School quality in Lawrence, KS varies by district and individual school. We recommend checking specific school ratings, test scores, and parent reviews for the neighborhoods you're considering.
📅 Last Updated: February 2026
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023), National Center for Education Statistics