The focus at the elementary level is to educate each child, not just all children. We strive for academic excellence and good citizens to have a passion for learning that will be carried throughout their lives. We teach students, not subjects!

Below are the descriptions of our three elementary schools which make up Ft. Larned. The Ft. Larned Elementary system is made up of three different buildings that focus on one very important goal of educating the young people of Larned, KS.

Hillside Elementary School

Just west of downtown Larned, Kansas, Hillside Elementary School is known for its nurturing Kindergarten classrooms. With all day Kindergarten, there is a strong emphasis on building a community of learners through teacher collaboration, good communication with parents, and a focus to build confident, responsible, and respectful learners for the future. The Lindamood Bell Reading program, in-school tutoring, and technology are just a few tools utilized to help these early learners achieve academic excellence. Hillside houses the Parents as Teachers program as well.

In its third year, Jump Start Preschool Program is housed at Hillside. With a morning and an afternoon session, taught by Lisa Spain, we provide an essential early childhood experience to get our students ready for Kindergarten. Lisa Spain has 16 years experience teaching Kindergarten in our school district and has the perfect perspective to give your child the experiences necessary to be successful.


Phinney Elementary School

Located in northeastern Pawnee County, Phinney Elementary is unique in its school population of first and second graders in Larned, Kansas. With the use of teacher collaboration, technology expansion, and a positive atmosphere, Phinney continues to strive for academic excellence. The school utilizes the Lindamood Bell Reading Program, along with guided reading, Title I math and reading services, in school tutoring, and continued professional development for teachers to achieve a learning environment for every child to succeed.

Northside Elementary School

Located in the Northwest corner of Larned, Northside Elementary School is home to all of the third and fourth grade students in the Fort Larned School District. Built in 1962, the building’s unique circular shape stands out against the other structures in the neighborhood. The circular hallway in the building can be disorienting, but the students know that if you just keep going you will eventually get back to where you began. Northside boasts a strong academic atmosphere, and has been awarded the Standard of Excellence for performance on State Assessment Tests.
Everyone associated with the school knows that when you walk through the doors you are there to learn. We believe that everyone can learn, and we offer as many opportunities as possible to allow learning to take place. We utilize Title programs, library programs, technology, and many other research based Best Practice programs to reach all of our students.