Back to School and Building Bright Futures in Smith County
- Choose Smith County
- Aug 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 20
There’s something special about back-to-school season.
Freshly sharpened pencils, new backpacks, first-day photos and the excitement of seeing friends again signal the start of a brand-new year. Across Smith County, students, teachers and families are settling into new routines and looking forward to all that another school year will bring.
But here, back to school is about more than returning to the classroom. It’s a reminder of the opportunities available to students and the people who come together to help them succeed.
Schools Building a Bright Future
In Smith County, we believe a strong education is the foundation of a thriving community. Our schools are committed to nurturing the next generation, providing students with the tools they need to succeed in academics and in life.
From early childhood through high school, Smith County students benefit from quality instruction, individual attention, extracurricular opportunities and a community that shows up for its schools.
Smith Center USD 237
At Smith Center USD 237, “Together, We Are Champions” is more than a motto. It represents the teamwork between dedicated staff, engaged students, supportive parents and the greater Smith Center community.
Serving approximately 420 students across 599 square miles, the district includes Smith Center Elementary School, serving PreK-6 students, and Smith Center Junior-Senior High School, serving grades 7-12.
Students have opportunities to excel inside and outside the classroom, with a long history of success in academics, athletics, Forensics, FCCLA, FFA and other activities.
That commitment to student success continues as graduation approaches. In 2024, Smith Center seniors received $489,517 in local scholarships, averaging $23,310 per student who applied. When scholarships from colleges and universities were included, the total reached an impressive $895,000.
Students can also explore their future careers before graduation through nine Career and Technical Education pathways and opportunities to earn CTE certifications.
Thunder Ridge USD 110
Serving Kensington, Athol, Agra, Kirwin and surrounding rural areas, Thunder Ridge USD 110 provides students with a close-knit educational experience built around cooperation, opportunity and excellence.
One of the advantages of a smaller district is the opportunity for individualized attention. Thunder Ridge boasts an 11:1 student-to-teacher ratio, giving educators the ability to know their students and help them grow.
The district has plenty to celebrate, too. Thunder Ridge has an award-winning K-12 music program, has received Kansans Can Star Recognition, and its middle school received the Kansas Challenge Award in 2021.
Students have opportunities to get involved through athletics, KAYS, STUCO and other activities, while a 1:1 Chromebook and iPad initiative helps provide access to technology in the classroom.
For students preparing for life after high school, Thunder Ridge offers online college credit courses and dual-credit classes through Cloud County Community College. The district also awards an average of $176,750 in scholarships per senior class.
Learn more about Thunder Ridge USD 110. A Place Worth Coming Home To
For many who grew up in Smith County, graduation is the beginning of a new adventure. College, careers and new experiences may take you elsewhere for a season, but home will always be here.
And returning home doesn’t mean leaving opportunity behind.
Smith County continues to grow opportunities for young professionals, families and those ready to bring their skills and experiences back to the community that helped shape them. Here, you can build a career, raise your family near grandparents and lifelong friends, get involved in your community and give your own children the chance to grow up with many of the same experiences you did.
Sometimes the next chapter takes you somewhere new. And sometimes, it brings you right back home.
Start Your Next Chapter in Smith County
Great schools are an important part of building a place where families can thrive. Pair them with career opportunities, strong community connections and the quality of life that comes with calling rural Kansas home, and Smith County has a lot to offer families looking for their next chapter.
And right now, local employers are looking for talented people to join their teams, including both of our school districts.
The Choose Smith County Job Board brings employment opportunities from across the county together in one convenient place, making it easier to discover a career that could bring you — or bring you back — to Smith County.
Whether you’re considering a move, looking for a new opportunity close to home or know someone who would be a great fit for our community, take a look at what’s available.
A great education for your kids. A career opportunity for you. A community for your family.
Explore current opportunities on the Choose Smith County Job Board.
Comments