- Whitson Elem — 0.4 mi · Grades PK–5 · 416 students
- Hope Street Charter Academy — 0.6 mi · Grades 10–12 · 103 students
- Randolph Elem — 0.9 mi · Grades PK–5 · 346 students
- McCarter Elem — 1.2 mi · Grades PK–5 · 401 students
- Topeka West High — 1.2 mi · Grades 9–12 · 971 students
- Landon Middle School — 1.5 mi · Grades 6–8 · 430 students
- Lowman Hill Elem — 1.7 mi · Grades PK–5 · 294 students
- McClure Elem — 1.7 mi · Grades K–5 · 301 students
| Metric | Topeka Public Schools Unified School District 501 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 12,858 | 3,544 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 26 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $16,981/yr | $17,619/yr | ≈ Near avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 1/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topeka Public Schools Unified School District 501 (this district) | 1/10 | 6th | 12,858 |
| Seaman Unified School District 345 | 7/10 | 64th | 3,895 |
| Shawnee Heights Unified School District 450 | 6/10 | 51st | 3,752 |
| Auburn-Washburn Unified School District 437 | 7/10 | 66th | 6,069 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 283 rated districts in KS → 6th percentile → 1/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Topeka Public Schools Unified School District 501
Topeka Public Schools Unified School District 501 is the public school district assigned to zip code 66604 in Topeka, Kansas. Serving students from Pre-K–12th, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 66604. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Understanding the 1/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates Topeka Public Schools Unified School District 501 1 out of 10 — low-rated among Kansas public school districts. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Kansas is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Topeka Public Schools Unified School District 501 holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Kansas on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 66604
Children in zip code 66604 are assigned to Topeka Public Schools Unified School District 501 for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 66604, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Topeka Public Schools Unified School District 501 at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Kansas districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Topeka
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Topeka Public Schools Unified School District 501 serves zip code 66604, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 66604. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Kansas, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Topeka Public Schools Unified School District 501 programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 66604.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Topeka Public Schools Unified School District 501 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 66604 data.