- Berryton Elem — 3.0 mi · Grades PK–6 · 560 students
- Shawnee Heights Elem — 4.4 mi · Grades PK–6 · 429 students
- Tecumseh South Elem — 4.5 mi · Grades PK–6 · 464 students
- Shawnee Heights High — 5.3 mi · Grades 9–12 · 1,218 students
- Shawnee Heights Middle — 5.6 mi · Grades 7–8 · 540 students
- Tecumseh North Elem — 6.5 mi · Grades PK–6 · 435 students
| Metric | Shawnee Heights Unified School District 450 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 3,752 | 3,544 | ≈ Near average |
| Number of Schools | 6 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $13,277/yr | $17,619/yr | ↓ 25% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 6/10 — Average | — | Near average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shawnee Heights Unified School District 450 (this district) | 6/10 | 51st | 3,752 |
| Auburn-Washburn Unified School District 437 | 7/10 | 66th | 6,069 |
| Topeka Public Schools Unified School District 501 | 1/10 | 6th | 12,858 |
| Seaman Unified School District 345 | 7/10 | 64th | 3,895 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 283 rated districts in KS → 51st percentile → 6/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Shawnee Heights Unified School District 450
Zip code 66609 in Topeka, Kansas is served by Shawnee Heights Unified School District 450 for public school enrollment. The district covers grades Pre-K–12th. This page provides a data-driven overview of Shawnee Heights Unified School District 450’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 6/10 Rating
Shawnee Heights Unified School District 450 has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 6/10, placing it in the average tier. 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.
Shawnee Heights Unified School District 450 falls near the middle of Kansas on state assessment results, with reading and math proficiency close to the state median. Average-rated districts provide foundational public education, and many families find they deliver solid day-to-day learning — particularly when parents stay engaged. If you're considering this area, look beyond the overall rating: visit schools, talk to current parents, and research the specific school your child would attend. Average districts often have individual schools that significantly outperform the district mean.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 66609
Children in zip code 66609 are assigned to Shawnee Heights Unified School District 450 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 66609, 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 Shawnee Heights Unified School District 450 at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. 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
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Shawnee Heights Unified School District 450 serves zip code 66609, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 66609. 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 Shawnee Heights Unified School District 450 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 66609.
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 Shawnee Heights Unified School District 450 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 66609 data.