The McPherson Unified School District 418 is recognized as one of the leading school districts in Kansas. The McPherson schools are served by three central office administrators, a full-time special education director, nine building administrators, a food service director, a buildings and grounds director, 252 certified staff and 283 classified staff.
The district operates an early education center, four elementary schools, a middle school, a high school, an alternative high school program, and is also the sponsoring district of the McPherson County Special Education Cooperative. Enrollment (K-12) in the McPherson schools is approximately 2350.
The four neighborhood elementary schools—Pre-K through 5th grade—have an average regular education class size of 19 students. Each of the McPherson USD 418 elementary schools offers a comprehensive program, including library services, art, vocal and instrumental music, computer-assisted instruction, and special education. Curriculum is developed cooperatively by teachers throughout the district.
McPherson Middle School, grades 6-8, offers a broad program of academic and elective exploratory courses. Middle school regular education classes average 23 students. Activities in drama, student government, and athletics are provided for students.
McPherson High School, grades 9-12, offers a strong college preparatory program as well as vocational education and career planning services. The average regular education class size at McPherson High School is 22 students. A wide selection of co-curricular and extracurricular programs is available for students.