Wyoming is the 10th largest state in the nation, yet the least populated, with 576,851 residents, per the 2020 decennial census. The state runs a robust public education system under the Wyoming Department of Education. Wyoming operates a decentralized system divided into 59 semi-autonomous school districts in charge of 359 schools serving roughly 93,093 kids in K-12.
As a parent, you want to ensure your kids receive the best education possible. However, navigating the school selection process can be challenging, time-consuming, and even stressful. The ideal school depends on your family’s needs and should align with your children’s interests and learning needs.
Fortunately, we’ve researched and compiled a list of the ten top-rated schools in Wyoming today. We’ve considered academic performance, student-teacher ratios, faculty experience, extracurricular opportunities, and overall student satisfaction.
The schools are divided into three clusters, ranked in ascending order within the respective categories. Here are the ten best schools in Wyoming to help you make an informed decision for your family.
Best Elementary Schools
Big Horn Elementary School
333 Us Highway 335, Big Horn, WY 82833
Big Horn Elementary is a top-rated public school under the Sheridan County School District 1. The school serves approximately 212 kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. Big Horn aims to foster a love for learning among the students while creating meaningful relationships between the staff, teachers, and kids. The school earns a 9/10 rating from GreatSchools.org.
Students at the school perform exceedingly well in Wyoming’s Test of Proficiency and Progress (WY-TOPP) assessments, with most attaining the proficiency requirements set for their respective grade level. 77% of the kids gain proficiency in English, 85% in math, and 78% in science. All these scores are far above the state averages.
Students at the school can also enroll in enrichment programs that help grow their artistic talents and interests. Some of the special courses offered include art, music, physical education, and technology. Big Horn also employs several paraprofessionals that run the special education department.
The school enjoys relatively small classes, with one teacher for every thirteen kids. Additionally, the faculty team is highly qualified, with all full-time instructors holding certifications and 93% having over three years of experience.
Parents at the school expressed satisfaction with the school, with one hailing the staff, who work hard to make students successful. The parent also indicated that bullying issues are handled immediately and satisfactorily, creating a safe environment for all kids to thrive.
Southeast Elementary School
1 Lacy St, Yoder, WY 82244
Southeast Elementary School is a high-achieving public elementary school in a rural setting under the Goshen County School District 1. It serves roughly 104 kids in kindergarten through sixth grade. The school received a 9/10 overall rating from GreatSchools.org.
Southeast Elementary was designated as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2003. The student’s performance on the WY-TOPP assessments speaks highly of the quality of education provided at the school. 81% of the kids attain proficiency in math assessments, 80% in science, and 74% in English.
The school boasts an excellent student-teacher ratio, with one teacher for every ten kids. It allows the teachers to provide individualized attention and feedback to each child. In addition, all teachers are highly experienced, with over three years of experience and holding certifications. The school also employs a part-time nurse to cater to the kid’s needs.
A former student at the school praised the school, giving it a 5/5 star rating on GreatSchools.org. Here’s what the alum had to say: “Being a student here at Southeast, I love it. It's a great school and I wouldn’t do anything to change it!!!! The teachers are great and I learn something different every day! This school also has many sports that are all soooo much fun. Everyone here at Southeast is one big family!!!!”
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Poder Academy
2201 Morrie Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001
Poder Academy is a top-rated public charter school within Laramie County School District 1. The school educates roughly 163 kids from kindergarten through sixth grade. The school uses a unique and innovative pedagogy to prepare students for college life and beyond as the kids progress through its high school section.
Poder Academy received the National Blue Ribbon designation in 2020. Students at the school excel in state assessment tests, with most performing at or above their grade level in specific core subjects. From the 2022 WY-TOPP data, 93% attain proficiency in math, 92% in science, and 84% in English.
The school allows kids to participate in extracurricular activities by offering tailored tennis and chess programs. Students receive lessons from a professional instructor as part of their school day. The students have an opportunity to participate in intramural tennis tournaments around the state.
The children also receive instruction in chess playing, honing the mental edge required to succeed academically. All teachers at the school are certified and have over three years of teaching experience. Poder Academy also has a part-time nurse, psychologist, and social worker.
Sagebrush Elementary School
1685 Hill Pond Dr, Sheridan, WY 82801
Sagebrush Elementary is a top-performing public school within the Sheridan County School District 2. It is home to approximately 329 kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. The school received a 10/10 rating on GreatSchools.org, with Niche.com and US News ranking it as the best elementary school in the state.
The school is a recipient of the National Blue Ribbon designation in two different years, in 2009 and, more recently, in 2018. The award conferred to high-performing schools is a testament to the quality of instruction and learning at Sagebrush. 92% of the kids attain proficiency in math and 87% in reading.
The school also runs a gifted and talented program that provides the necessary support and challenge to intellectually gifted kids. Other notable programs at the school include special education, reading recovery, math recovery, and English learners.
Sagebrush has an elementary orchestra program that allows kids to explore their musical talents. The school has an excellent student-teacher ratio, with one teacher for every eleven students. Sagebrush also has a part-time nurse and psychologist on staff.
All reviews on Google, GreatSchools.org, and Niche.com are 5/5 stars, with parents expressing their satisfaction with their experiences with the school. Parents rave about the supportive staff and numerous course offerings.
In the News
On May 25, 2023, Sheridan Media reported that Sagebrush Elementary hosted a jog-a-thon to raise funds for the school. Each grade spent half an hour jogging around the field behind their building. The fundraiser was able to raise $15,000 for the school, a significant amount towards the education of its students. Justin Rohrer, the school's principal, credited the idea to Woodland Park.
For more stories involving Sagebrush Elementary, check out this story from March 2023 and this story from January 2023.
Best Middle Schools
Powell Middle School
369 E 3rd St, Powell, WY 82435
Powell Middle is a highly-rated public school under the Park County School District 1. The school serves roughly 421 “Cubs” in sixth through eighth grade. Powell Middle was a recipient of the National Blue Ribbon Award in 2021.
The school offers an academically rigorous environment that pushes kids to explore their full potential. Data from the 2022 WY-TOPP assessment shows that 68% of the kids attain proficiency in math, English, and science.
Your child may be able to participate in several extracurricular activities while at the school. The school has ten clubs and organizations they may be interested in, including robotics, drama, band, Jazz Band, Knowledge Bowl, and Math Counts.
Students can also explore their talents on the field, with Powell Middle having over ten athletic teams. Your child can enroll in track, football, volleyball, soccer, cheerleading, basketball, wrestling, swimming, club tennis, or cross country.
The school has average-sized classes, with one teacher for every fourteen kids. 97% of the instructors have over three years of experience, and all hold certifications. The school has a full-time nurse, a part-time psychologist, and a part-time law enforcement officer.
An alum at the school praised it on Niche.com, indicating they learn a lot from here. The student highlighted the foundation on writing and music provided at Powell Middle helped nudge them towards majoring in music and minoring in English at college.
In the News
On May 3, 2023, Big Horn Basin Media reported that Powell Middle School students were invited to the Western Edge FIRST LEGO League Open robotics competition in California. The competition is invitation only; teams come from across the world. Powell Middle School came in second overall at their state's robotics competition; since the first team declined to attend the competition, that meant Powell students got the chance to go. The goal of this competition is to stimulate children's interest in STEM.
For other stories involving Powell Middle School, check out this story from February 2023 and this story from January 2023.
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Southeast Junior High School
1 Lacy Street, Yoder, WY 82244
Southeast Junior High School is a top-rated public school in Yoder that falls under the Goshen County School District 1. The school operates under the Southeast Schools umbrella and serves roughly 47 kids in seventh and eighth grades.
Students at the school are performing better than most of their peers across the state. 69% of the students attain proficiency in math, 67% in English, and 65% in science. The school also runs a gifted and talented program to identify and support academically gifted kids.
The small school size allows the students to form meaningful relationships with their peers and instructors, which may translate to better educational outcomes. The school has one teacher for every eight kids, allowing students to receive individualized attention. All teachers are certified and have over three years of teaching experience. The school also has a part-time nurse on its payroll.
Big Horn Middle School
333 Us Highway 335, Big Horn, WY 82833
Big Horn Middle School is a public school within the Sheridan County School District 1. The school serves roughly 137 students in sixth and eighth grades. The school received an 8/10 rating from GreatSchools.org.
According to GreatSchools.org, students at Big Horn Middle are making more academic progress than their peers across the state. 82% of the students attain proficiency in reading and 72% in math. The students can also enroll in enrichment courses in fine arts and physical education.
Big Horn Middle has one teacher for every thirteen kids, allowing the students to receive personalized instruction and guidance. All teachers have at least three years of teaching experience and are certified. The school also has a part-time nurse and counselor on staff.
The school also has a robust special education department with several paraprofessionals on staff. Kids can participate in several sports, including football, volleyball, cross-country, basketball, wrestling, and track.
Former students at the school gave the school a 5/5 star rating on GreatSchools.org, expressing their satisfaction with their experience at the school. The school is an excellent pick for families living in Big Horn.
Best High Schools
Sheridan High School
1056 Long Dr, Sheridan, WY 82801
Sheridan High is a public high school within the Sheridan County School District 2. The school is home to approximately 624 students in ninth through twelfth grade. Sheridan focuses on providing a rigorous curriculum focused on core academics alongside other unique offerings.
The school has a high school graduation rate of 88%. 71% of the students proceed to college or vocational training. Sheridan High records an average score of 21 on ACT. The students excel in core offerings, with 70% attaining proficiency in English and 68% in math.
Sheridan High offers 14 advanced placement courses in which 19% of the students participate. The AP program allows students to earn college credits while in high school. The students can also earn college credits through the dual enrollment program, which sees a 6% participation rate.
The school has over 13 clubs and organizations that allow students to enhance their leadership and social skills through extracurricular activities. Sheridan High also has 13 athletic teams in the WHSAA athletic league.
The school has average-sized classes, with one teacher for every thirteen students. The school also has a nurse, psychologist, and law enforcement officer on staff.
Laramie High School
1710 Boulder Dr, Laramie, WY 82070
Laramie High School is a top-rated public high school under the Albany County School District 1. It serves roughly 1,092 students in grades 9-12. The school provides challenging, high-quality offerings that prepare students for college life and beyond.
The school has a four-year high school graduation rate of 90%, with 77% of the graduates proceeding to college or vocational training. 61% of the students at Laramie High attain proficiency in math and 64% in reading.
The school offers numerous unique offerings, including 22 advanced placement programs. The AP courses enjoy a 21% AP participation rate, granting the participants a chance to earn college credits. Laramie also has a robust dual enrollment program, with 13% of the students participating.
Students interested in STEM careers can undertake the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) engineering curriculum. Outside the classroom, your child can participate in one of the numerous extracurricular opportunities available.
Laramie has twenty-two clubs and organizations that the students can join. The school also has a robust sports program, fielding over 19 sports teams.
The school has one teacher for every fourteen students. Teachers at Laramie High are highly qualified, with 90% having over three years of experience and 99% holding certifications. The school is an excellent pick for families in Laramie searching for an all-rounded education for their children.
Jackson Hole High School
1910 High School Rd, Jackson, WY 83001
Jackson Hole High School is a top-rated public high school within the Teton County School District 1. The school serves approximately 794 students in ninth through twelfth grade. Jackson Hole was a recipient of the National Blue Ribbon School in 2013.
The school has a 98% high school graduation rate. 72% of the graduates enroll in a college or vocational training program. Students at the school had an average ACT score of 21.
Jackson Hole offers 20 advanced placement courses, with 36% of the students participating. 62% of the students participate in dual enrollment classes. The advanced placement and dual enrollment programs allow the students to earn college credits while in high school.
The school also offers the PLTW engineering curriculum to students interested in STEM courses. Jackson Hole High also runs a Spanish dual immersion program where participating students receive instruction in English and Spanish.
The school is ideal for families searching for an academically rigorous environment for their child in Jackson, Wyoming.
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Finding The Right School For Your Child
Wyoming has a robust educational scene, with numerous nationally distinguished and prestigious schools. Families have multiple options, from top-performing charter schools with unique pedagogies to highly-rated high schools offering traditional curricula.
The schools on this list have excellent academic performances alongside numerous extracurricular opportunities. The guide can help your family make the right choice for your child’s educational needs.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Just dance/Shutterstock.com.