About
We are a growing, 5A school district proud to serve the communities of Valley Center, Park City, Kechi, and Wichita. Home of the Hornets, our district is built on strong community support and a commitment to excellence in education. Ranked as the 4th best school district in the Wichita area and the #2 best district to teach in by Niche.com, we take pride in the achievements of our award-winning staff and students.
Whether you're a current member of our Hornet family or new to the district, we are excited to continue building a bright future together!
USD 262 has a pre-kindergarten program, three elementary schools (grades Pre-K-3), an intermediate school (grades 4-5), a middle school (grades 6-8), and a 5A high school (grades 9-12). In addition, we offer virtual and adult learning opportunities at The Learning Center, which assists students of all ages to earn their high school diplomas. The district has many partnerships with post-secondary institutions to help prepare students for college, career, and/or military life after high school.
USD 262 employs over 600 staff including teachers and part-time teachers, 75 substitute teachers, and 20 Rule 10 coaches all of whom strive to make our district’s vision a reality: “To be a premier school district known for excellence in education, innovative instruction, outstanding programs, and dedication to students.” Our staff is committed to excellence and is what makes our district an award-winning school system:
- District – Full Kansas Education Systems Accreditation, 2021 Commissioners Award for Post-Secondary Success, #4 Best School District in the Wichita area by Niche.com
- Wheatland Elementary School - 2023 National ESEA Distinguished School
- Valley Center High School – Gold Standard Award from Next Gen Personal Finance
- Valley Center Middle School - Rated One of the Best Public Middle Schools in the Wichita area by Niche.com
- USD 262 is ranked the #2 best place to teach in the Wichita area by Niche.com.
- Valley Center Intermediate School - Rated in the Top 10 Middle Schools in the state of Kansas by U.S. News and World Report
- Wheatland and Abilene Elementary Schools – Rated in the Top 30% of Elementary Schools in the state of Kansas by U.S. News and World Report
- Abilene Elementary ranked the #2 Best Elementary School in the Wichita area by Niche.com.
- Public School Review ranks all Valley Center Elementary Schools in the top 30%
- Multiple Award Winning Staff Members.
We are proud of all our schools have to offer and that we provide a caring, safe place for our students to receive a quality education!
USD 262 does not discriminate on the base of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.