Topeka USD 501, also known as Topeka Public Schools, is a
publicunified school district headquartered in
Topeka, Kansas, United States.[1][4] It is one of four school districts that serve the city of Topeka. Serving 13,430 students in the 2019-2020 school year, the district comprises 5 high schools, 6 middle schools, 15 elementary schools, and 7 other schools focused on serving other Pre-K-12 students. It has the highest enrollment of all school districts in
Shawnee County. Topeka Public Schools is widely known for its role in the landmark
Brown v. Board of Education school desegregation case.
Administration
The school district is currently under the administration of Superintendent Tiffany Anderson.[5]
Board of education
The Board of Education is currently under the leadership of President Scott Mickelsen and Vice President John Williams.[6]
Current schools
The school district operates the following schools:[1]
Kansas Preschool Program at Quinton Heights Education Center
Parents As Teachers at Quinton Heights Education Center
Early Childhood Special Education at Lundgren Education Center
Sheldon Child Development Center - Head Start
Pine Ridge Prep - State Pre-K Program
Shaner Early Learning Academy
Closed Schools
Avondale East Elementary School - closed after 2011-12 school year
Avondale West Elementary School - students moved to Jardine Elementary Aug. 2017
Bishop Elementary School - students moved to Jardine Elementary Aug. 2017
Linn Elementary School - closed, due to budget cuts
Lundgren Elementary School - Now the Social Work building
Quinton Heights Elementary School - now Quinton Heights Preschool Program
Shaner Elementary School - students moved to Jardine Elementary Aug. 2017
Other Facilities
Adult Education Center at Washburn Tech
Sheldon Head Start
Hope Street Academy
Capital City School
Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers
Current facilities
Several buildings and facilities are operated by Topeka Public Schools in support of learning, including:[7]
McKinley L. Burnett Administrative Center
Chandler Field, adjacent to the former school building, used as a practice field
Erickson Suite, a suite of 5 buildings on the former Kansas State Hospital grounds, hosting the USD 501 Campus Police, Hummer Sports Park management, and several program offices
Hummer Sports Park, a six-sport facility available for outside use as well as by TPS athletic programs
TPS Service Center
Bishop Professional Development Center
Quick facts
81.3% Graduation rate in 2020
4,400 Students use district transportation every day
14,500 Meals served at breakfast and lunch (72% Free or reduced lunch)
2,471 District employees (19 district administrators, 67 building administrators, 1305 certified personnel, 1706 classified personnel)