USD 257 is a public school district located in Iola Kansas and serves the towns of Iola, Gas, and LaHarpe.

Noteworthy Achievements

Our mission statement clearly indicates that student success is a priority in USD 257.  It is our belief that the requirements of Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) serve merely as a starting point in determining that success.  Student successes in all academic and extracurricular programs are essential and will extend far beyond a child’s K-12 years. 

In the past few years our students have consistently participated in Character Education initiatives, qualified as State Scholars, earned top ratings in State Music & Band Festivals, and have competed in and won state tournaments in a number of extracurricular activities.  Each of our schools continue to show significant achievements in additional testing, as well as improvement on the State Assessments.  Our district participation in the Fine Arts has been a constant with our student population, and something we value as a community.

Maintaining this level of success with current financial limitations will be a difficult task.  However, it is one the Board, staff, and communities of USD 257 are committed to achieving.  We believe the pride we have in our students’ achievements is justified, and we look forward to the challenges of the future.