Education

Unified School District 281 serves the entire Graham County. USD 281 has administrative offices in Hill City and operates one high school and one middle school in Hill City and one elementary school in Hill City. There is also an adult learning center located at 215 West Main in Hill City.

Student enrollment K-12 is 483 with a student-teacher ratio of 10.7:1. USD 281 is classified 2A by the KSHSAA and is a member of the Mid-Continent League. Special programs for the severely mentally handicapped, behavior disorders, hearing impaired, speech defects, and gifted students are available. A total of 24 credits are required for high school graduation.

Sports programs include football, volleyball, cross country, basketball, wrestling, track, and golf. Dropout rates are below 3%, with none reported some years.

Additional information and a schedule of classes and events may be obtained from Supt. Steve Nilhaus at Rt. 2, Box 309, Hill City. [785] 421-2135 or FAX at [785] 421-5657

Graham County students have scored above average on ACT exams and nearly 80% have continued their education beyond high school. Both districts have Interactive Television labs providing staff training and adult education opportunities through Fort Hays State University. Resident night and Saturday adult education classes from both Colby Community College and Ft. Hays State University are also available.

All schools and administrative offices feature internet connections through RuralNet, a service of Rural Telephone Service Company.

Post high school education is available within an hour’s commuting distance at Ft. Hays State University and Colby Community College. Graham County is a participating district for the Goodland Area Vocational-Technical School, located 100 miles west at Goodland.