A Lifetime of Learning

Higher Education

Changing lives since 1863, EMPORIA STATE UNIVERSITY (emporia.edu) offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate academic programs within its four colleges: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Library & Information Management, and the Teachers College. ESU’s total enrollment is 5,324 which includes 2,740 undergraduate students and 2,584 graduate students.

Founded in 1963, FLINT HILLS TECHNICAL COLLEGE (fhtc.edu) continually adapts to meet the needs of today’s workforce. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, FHTC offers innovative programs in the areas of health, arts, information technology and industry technology as well as short-term certificates and general education courses.

K-12 Education

EMPORIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS (usd253.org) serves students from preschool through high school, including adult students seeking high school diplomas later in life. The district has a new early childhood center for 3 and 4-year-olds, six neighborhood elementary schools, one middle school for grades 6-8, one high school for grades 9-12, and the Flint Hills Learning Center for adult learners. All K-12 students are provided with a Chromebook. The district is finalizing construction projects that were made possible when voters approved a $78 million bond in November 2019. Each school received upgrades and safety enhancements as a part of the bond.

SOUTHERN LYON COUNTY USD 252 (usd252.org) serves schools located in Hartford, Neosho Rapids, and Olpe. The district recently passed a $14 million bond for district-wide facilities improvements and additions in all three communities. Early childhood centers are established in Olpe and Neosho Rapids offering preschool and daycare for children six weeks to five years of age. Afterschool programming offers enrichment and daycare options to families during the school year.

NORTH LYON COUNTY USD 251 (usd251.org) provides educational services to six rural communities throughout the district along with the households in the county outside of those communities. Those communities are Admire, Allen, Americus, Bushong, Miller, and Reading. North Lyon County Early Learning Center is a preschool, serving 4-year-olds, The Americus school serves K-8, and Northern Heights High School serves grades 9-12 in Allen.

Private Schools

EMPORIA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (emporiachristianschool.org) exists for the purpose of educating children in spirit, mind, and body. The school’s primary goals are to develop academic excellence, moral integrity, and spiritual depth. Christian precepts and teachings are presented as an integral part of the curriculum. Emporia Christian School offers preschool and childcare, Kindergarten through eighth grade.

SACRED HEART (shsemporia.org) is a Catholic school, serving the grades of kindergarten through fifth. Sacred Heart offers a licensed child care center and preschool, along with extended care after school. While Sacred Heart is steeped in Catholic tradition and values, they welcome families from all faiths. Scholarships and financial aid are available to families who qualify.