Northern Valley High

Northern Valley High is one of the minimally staffed secondary schools in Almena, Kansas, part of Northern Valley, with 41 students on its rolls from grades 9 through 12. That puts it 90% leaner than the typical public school in Kansas, which averages around 410 students.

Across the 3 schools in Northern Valley (150 students total), Northern Valley High accounts for its share of the district's footprint.

Demographically, Northern Valley High lists that the student body is overwhelmingly White (93%); the rest reads as 5% Black, 2% Hispanic. Compared to Norton County overall, the school's racial mix sits in roughly the same range.

Looking at the economic backdrop, Northern Valley High logs 7 full-time-equivalent teachers, putting the student-to-teacher ratio at about 6.2:1. The state averages around 11.9:1, so this campus is tighter than the state norm typical. Around 44% of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, often used as a Title I proxy. Set against Norton County (around 53%), the school's rate is south of typical.

Zooming out to the county, ACS estimates for Norton County put median household income runs about $54,050, 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and the poverty rate sits near 6%. In all, Norton County runs 5 public schools (combined enrollment of about 820 students), of which Northern Valley High is one.

The closest other public school is Almena Elem, roughly 0.0 miles away.

The school occupies a small-town site.

Five-year trend. Looking back 7 years, enrollment at Northern Valley High has contracted 23%, going from 53 students in 2018 to 41 in 2025. Class-load math has tightened: from 11.7:1 in 2018 to 6.2:1 in 2025.

In the discussion threads here, the page collects discussion, questions, and updates around classroom updates, athletics, and weather closures. Members of the school community can share what they know.