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Topeka Public Schools (USD 501)
Every Topeka Public Schools school, plus the district news that matters if you’re buying here. USD 501 serves central Topeka in Shawnee County and is one of four public school districts serving the city of Topeka (Wikipedia).
Schools
Every school in the district
Tap an address for directions, or jump to a school’s website. Attendance is set by address, so confirm assignments for a specific home with the district.
Early childhood
Shaner Early Learning Academy
Elementary schools
Highland Park Central
Jardine Elementary School
Lowman Hill Elementary
McCarter Elementary School
McClure Elementary School
McEachron Elementary School
Meadows Elementary School
Quincy Elementary School
Randolph Elementary School
Scott Dual Language Magnet Elementary School
State Street Elementary School
Whitson Elementary School
Williams Science & Fine Arts Magnet Elementary School
Middle schools
Eisenhower Middle School
High schools
Capital City High School
Highland Park High School
Topeka West High School
Topeka Center for Advanced Learning & Careers + College Prep Academy
Alternative programs
District office
Topeka Public Schools District Office
Homes for sale
Homes in USD 501
Homes for sale in Topeka right now, live from the MLS. District boundaries don’t follow city lines, so confirm the school assignment for any address.
District news
What’s new in USD 501
Board reviews draft 2026-2031 strategic plan before classes start
At its Aug. 6 meeting, the USD 501 board laid out a draft strategic plan covering the 2026 through 2031 school years, including mental health supports and transportation needs. Kindergarten, sixth and ninth grade started Aug. 11, with all other grades starting Aug. 12.
School resource officer program continues for 2026-27
The city’s school resource officer arrangement with USD 501 stays in place for the 2026-27 school year under an existing contract, with the city covering about 76% of the cost. City staff are discussing alternative approaches because of budget pressures; the district also operates its own police department.
Snow days push the 2024-25 last day of school to May 29
January winter-storm closures used up the district’s built-in inclement weather days. The 2024-25 school year ended with a half day on Thursday, May 29, to meet the state’s 1,116-hour instruction requirement.
USD 501 FAQ
Questions buyers ask about USD 501
How many schools are in Topeka Public Schools?
The district website lists 30 school sites: 3 early childhood centers, 14 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, 5 high school campuses and 2 alternative academies, plus Topeka Virtual School. High school campuses include Topeka High, Topeka West, Highland Park, Capital City and the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning & Careers (TCALC).
When did USD 501 last pass a bond?
Voters approved a roughly $143 million bond in April 2014. It funded storm shelters at schools that lacked them, security upgrades, the TCALC career center and a new elementary school next to Jardine Middle School.
How much is the district's annual budget?
The 2025-26 budget lists about $255.1 million in total expenditures. The Kansas State Department of Education budget summary also shows outstanding bonded debt of about $131.9 million.
How do I confirm which school serves a specific home?
Call the Topeka Public Schools district office at 785-295-3000. Attendance boundaries can change, so confirm the assigned school for an exact address before you buy.
Sources: Topeka Public Schools: Schools · KSDE Budget at a Glance 2025-26 · AP: Topeka voters pass bond (2014) · Wikipedia: Topeka USD 501 · Hero photo: Dylan Edwards Kswx29, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. School information only; we don’t publish school ratings. Confirm boundaries with the district.
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