PRAIRIE HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Prairie Heights Elementary School is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the Morris County school district, located in Alta Vista, KS with about 93 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 6th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 10 teachers, Prairie Heights Elementary School has a student/teacher ratio of about 9:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Prairie Heights Elementary School, located at 801 Center Street in Alta Vista, Kansas, is a foundational component of the Morris County Unified School District 417. Serving the local community, the school is dedicated to fostering a supportive learning environment that emphasizes academic growth, character development, and student engagement. As a rural elementary institution, it typically benefits from smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention and a close-knit community atmosphere where staff, students, and families can collaborate effectively.

The school operates under the broader mission of USD 417, which focuses on preparing students for future success through a comprehensive curriculum and extracurricular opportunities. By integrating modern educational standards with the values of the Alta Vista community, Prairie Heights Elementary aims to provide a safe and enriching space for children to build their educational foundations. For parents and community members interested in specific policies, school calendars, or current district initiatives, the official website at [www.usd417.net](http://www.usd417.net) serves as the primary resource for updates and information.

For more information, contact Prairie Heights Elementary School at (785) 499-6313 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.