Schools

McPherson has a K-12 public school district and 2 private 4-year colleges. There is a total of 7, 4-year colleges, 1 state university, and 3 junior/community colleges within 60 miles of McPherson.

Public Schools

McPherson USD 418
514 N. Main
(620) 241-9400
www.mcpherson.com
The district operates an early education center, four elementary schools, a middle school, a high school, an alternative high school program, and is also the sponsoring district of the McPherson County Special Education Cooperative. Enrollment (K-12) in the McPherson schools is approximately 2400.

The four neighborhood elementary schools—kindergarten through 5th grade—have an average regular education class size of 19 students. Each of the McPherson USD 418 elementary schools offers a comprehensive program, including library services, art, vocal and instrumental music, computer-assisted instruction, and special education. Curriculum is developed cooperatively by teachers throughout the district.

McPherson Middle School, grades 6-8, offers a broad program of academic and elective exploratory courses. Middle school regular education classes average 23 students. Activities in drama, student government, and athletics are provided for students.

McPherson High School, grades 9-12, offers a strong college preparatory program as well as vocational education and career planning services. A wide selection of co-curricular and extracurricular programs is available for students.

2007 ACT Score Comparison

	McPherson H.S.	Kansas	National
English	22.4	21.4	20.4
Mathematics	22.7	21.6	20.7
Reading	23.2	22.4	21.3
Science Reasoning	22.3	21.7	20.9
Composite Score	22.8	21.9	20.9

Test experts predict that with more students taking a nationally-normed test, such as the ACT, composite scores are expected to DECREASE. Yet, in addition to McPherson’s overall increase, scores have INCREASED as well. In fact, McPherson has significantly outpaced the state and national gains over the past 20 years.

Student Achievement

• McPherson schools achieved TEN Standards of Excellence from the State of Kansas!
• The dropout rate in McPherson was 0.8, almost HALF of the state dropout rate!
• The graduation rate in McPherson was 93.6%, almost 6% higher than the state average!
• That McPherson offers ELEVEN Advanced Placement courses and have plans to add many more!
• That McPherson students took 98 Advanced Placement exams and that 72% of those scores received college credit for advanced placement in college!
• Roosevelt Elementary and Lincoln Elementary schools were named as recipients of the 2004 Confidence in Kansas Public Education Challenge Award!
• That McPherson high school students have TRADITIONALLY scored above the state and national average on the ACT test!
• That McPherson Middle School students obtained the Standard of Excellence in BOTH reading and mathematics!
• Over the past twenty years, McPherson schools have produced MORE national merit finalists per enrollment than ANY other school in the old Ark Valley League!

Higher Education

Central Christian College
1200 S. Main Street
(620) 241-0723
www.centralchristian.edu
Central Christian College (1884) is a distinctly Christian college committed to excellence in education. Central's primary mission is to prepare students to be academically competent, socially responsible, professionally astute, service orientated, and spiritually mature.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1974, Central offers three bachelor degrees with majors in accounting, communication, general ministry, English, exercise science, liberal studies, management, music, natural science, pastoral ministry, psychology, small business, social science, sports management and youth ministry. Central also offers associate in arts degrees, associate in general studies degrees and an adult degree completion program that results in a bachelor of science in business degree with a management major and organizational leadership emphasis or a bachelor of science in ministry degree with a major in ministry leadership.

McPherson College
1600 E. Euclid
(620) 242-0400
www.mcpherson.edu
McPherson College has blended the traditional liberal arts education with a career-oriented curriculum that engages students in real-life experiences to supplement and complement classroom learning. Our Career Oriented Liberal Arts provides students with opportunities to grow and develop as a whole person through participation in internships, international travel, interdisciplinary studies, athletics and special interest groups. Regardless of their academic majors, they are encouraged to explore – to step outside their own experiences and their own cultures as they prepare for the ever-changing world in which they will live, work, and serve.

McPherson College offers the only accredited four-year degree in automotive restoration in the US and is recognized internationally for teaching authentic auto restoration at its best.