Quality Schools in Montgomery County
Families relocating to Montgomery County, Kansas, will enroll in one of four public school districts, depending on where they live. There are also two community college systems to support students pursuing higher education coursework, professional certificates, and workplace training. Learn about the schools in Montgomery County and how they invest in student success.
Four Public School Systems
Kids and teens growing up in Montgomery County can follow their interests and develop a path for the future! From advanced placement coursework to athletics and clubs, kids and explore, learn, and play in a safe setting. Get to know the various districts across Montgomery County.
Caney Valley USD 436
Caney Valley USD 436, home of the Bullpups, is another quality school district in Montgomery County. It boasts a 14:1 student-teacher ratio and a 93.8% graduation rate with nearly 800 students. This is a one-to-one district, where each student has an iPad in every classroom.
Caney Valley USD 436 also works with the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Kansas to provide an afterschool program for kids who need it. This extra support can help working parents who need a few extra hours of childcare.
Cherryvale USD 447
Cherryvale USD 447 is home to Cherryvale Middle High School, Lincoln Central Elementary, and Thayer Schools K-8. This district supports nearly 700 students and has two preschools to help working parents meet their daycare needs.
Cherryvale boasts a student-teacher ratio of 9:1, and 100% of teachers are certified. A school counselor works across three schools, helping students find paths to success while preparing for life after graduation.
Independence USD 446
Independence USD 446 is one of the largest districts in Southeast Kansas, supporting nearly 2,000 students. However, it continues to perform well in reading and math scores, highlighting the district’s commitment to student success.
In 2022, Independence students “scored almost 10 percent higher than expected based on district size and student needs,” according to KASB, and had the second-highest scores in Kansas for districts ranging from 1,600 to 10,000 students.
Independence High School currently has a graduation rate of 82% with a goal to increase it to 90% by 2027. The USD also wants at least 80% of students to participate in at least one career readiness program, including workplace learning, Career and Technical Education pathways, and advanced placement classes or college coursework.
Independence High School also boasts a low student-teacher ratio of 13:1 and high overall ratings for educators.
West Elk USD 270
West Elk USD 270 serves 540 square miles in Southeast Kansas, including parts of Montgomery County. Its high school is located in Howard, to the west of Independence. It boasts an early childhood center for parents exploring preschool options and e-school for students who benefit from remote learning. This district supports 600 students with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1.
Two Accredited Community Colleges
The community colleges in Montgomery County work closely with the local high schools and employers across the region. They offer diverse coursework options to support students of all backgrounds. Learn how these colleges help residents get the education they need.
.jpg)
Coffeyville Community College
Coffeyville Community College has 19 academic programs, 18 technical programs, and 14 certificate programs. Students can choose between five associate options if they enroll in a degree-seeking program. CCC supports 3,000 students, of whom 54% live in Montgomery County.
CCC has been a valuable institution since 1923 and currently boasts three campuses in the region. The Main Campus is located in Downtown Coffeyville, the second campus is near Field Kindley High School, and the third is in Columbus, Kansas.
CCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It has been accredited since 1972 and is up for renewal during the 2025 school year.
In 2020, CCC was ranked first in the state for graduation rates out of all Kansas community colleges. It has a $20.2 million economic impact.
.jpg)
Independence Community College
Independence Community College is one of the leading higher education institutions in the region. It offers more than 35 degrees and certificates with a student-teacher ratio of 16:1. ICC awards more than $800,000 in scholarships each year, investing in the residents of Montgomery County.
The ICC Adult Education Center supports individuals who wish to complete their high school education and either pursue higher education or enter the workforce. It also offers GED testing.
ICC has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1957. Its most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was in 2017, and its next one is scheduled for 2027.
