By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
There are 7,011 students enrolled in Geary USD 475 schools. That was one of the many facts reported to a Military Affairs Council Breakfast audience in Junction City on Thursday by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Reginald Eggleston.
There are 1,735 students in grades 9-12 at Junction City High School, 1,432 in grades 6-8 at the two middle schools combined, 3,65 in grades K-5 and 537 early childhood students.
In the category "Who We Are" the District noted that 50% of students are military connected, 50% diversity and 58% poverty. More than 70% of students are attending classes in a new building or one that has had a major renovation over the past 12 years. There are 12 elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school and one alternative school. There is a robust early childhood program with one center and seven satellite locations.
There have been eight Blue Ribbon schools, 16 career pathways at Junction City High School, five new schools since 2012, 49 different languages are spoken by students in USD 475 and the district is the first one in Kansas to receive a Purple Star. The latter designation helps schools respond to educational and social emotional challenges faced by military connected children during their transition to a new school.
Niche ranked the district 23rd among best school districts in Kansas. USD 475 received an A+ in diversity and ranks 20th nationally as one of the most diverse school districts.