Topeka Homes Guide

Schools and Education

The Topeka Public School system has a total of 35 schools that are comprised of 21 elementary schools, six middle schools, three high schools, and five other schools designed to reach students outside of the mainstream K-12 education. Topeka Public Schools strive to be community-based and keep small class-sizes. Steve Case, the Chairman and CEO of AOL, Inc. says, “Every shred of evidence tells us that the number one predictor of improved student learning is increased parental involvement.” Keeping that in mind, the TPS encourages as much parental and community involvement in the school system as possible. In fact, they have several programs available to do just that.

Volunteers in Schools in Topeka (VISIT) is a hands-on program providing pen-pals, reading partners, classroom assistance, guest speakers, mentors for Topeka students.

The YouthFriends program is a partnership between adults and individual students that promotes a direct learning and sharing experience. Partners in Education (PIE) is designed to place a community partner in every Topeka Public School and is a perfect way for local businesses and organizations to create links to schools and students. School Wishes helps aid schools and students receive the supplies needed to further education.

The Parent Advisory Committee to the Indian Education Program (PACIEP) is a parental committee dedicated to increasing attendance, reducing dropouts, and increasing graduation rates for Native American students.

Higher Education: Washburn University is the prime source for higher education in Topeka. They retain a high academic standard while keeping a small class environment. The faculty to student ratio at Washburn is 15:1, with an average lower division class size of 22 and upper division class size of only ten. There are over 100 clubs and organizations at the university, one of which is bound to meet every student’s interest. Washburn is very well funded and quite affordable, in fact, the tuition is well below the national average. More than $42 million is available in financial aid for students annually and university scholarships total over $4.2 million.

Topeka is also the home to many cosmetology schools and technical colleges, including the Kaw Area Tech School and Topeka Technical College.