| Metric | Paola Unified School District 368 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 1,815 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 4 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $11,500/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | ↓ 31% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 7/10 — Good | — | Above average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paola Unified School District 368 (this district) | 7/10 | 61st | 1,815 |
| Topeka Public Schools | 1/10 | 6th | 14,000 |
| Blue Valley School District | 10/10 | 97th | 23,000 |
| Olathe Public Schools | 9/10 | 85th | 30,000 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 283 rated districts in KS → 61st percentile → 7/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Paola Unified School District 368
Paola Unified School District 368 serves zip code 66071, covering Paola, Kansas with grades K–12. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Funding and Resources
Public school districts in Kansas spend approximately $11,500 per student per year on average (state-level estimate; district-level figures vary), below the national average (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Below-average funding can mean larger class sizes, fewer elective offerings, and limited extracurricular programs. Families with specialized needs should verify specific program availability directly with the district. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
At 4 schools serving grades K–12, Paola Unified School District 368 qualifies as a mid-sized district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 1,815 students in total. Mid-sized districts strike a balance between community-scale relationships and sufficient program breadth. Most offer core academic tracks, basic extracurricular programs, and adequate student support services.
Understanding the 7/10 Rating
With a rating of 7/10 (good), Paola Unified School District 368 ranks among Kansas’s above-average-rated school systems. 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.
Paola Unified School District 368 earns an above-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates stronger than most other districts in Kansas. Above-average districts generally show solid and consistent academic results across their schools. Families considering this area will find a district with meaningful academic strengths. Research the specific schools assigned to your address — even above-average districts have variation between individual buildings.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 66071
Children in zip code 66071 are assigned to Paola Unified School District 368 for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 66071, 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 Paola Unified School District 368 at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. 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 Paola
For families considering a purchase in the Paola area, district assignment matters financially. Because Paola Unified School District 368 serves zip code 66071, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 66071. 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 Paola Unified School District 368 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 66071.
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, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Paola Unified School District 368 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 66071 data.