National Recognition in Theatre & Music Education

TPS Earns National Recognition for Excellence in Theatre & Music Education

Posted on 05/28/2025

TPS Earns National Recognition for Excellence in Theatre & Music Education

We are excited to announce that Topeka Public Schools has been nationally recognized as a Premiere Community for Theatre Education by the Educational Theatre Association and as one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation.

This is the second time Topeka West High School has earned the theatre distinction, remaining the only school in Kansas to achieve this from 2022–2025, and the first time the district as a whole has been honored.

Additionally, Topeka Public Schools has been recognized for its music education for the seventh consecutive year, more than any other district in Kansas.

These awards reflect the district’s dedication to fostering student creativity and excellence in the arts, from theatre productions to outstanding band and choir programs. We thank the students and educators who make these achievements possible, and we are proud to be a state and national leader in fine arts education!

Engage students in the highest quality of learning • Prepare students for responsible, productive citizenship • Inspire excellence for a lifetime

We Support Equal Opportunities

The Topeka Public Schools, Unified School District No. 501 is committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity. No person shall, on the basis of age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, national origin or ancestry be denied lawful access to any appropriate educational service, program, or activity provided by the school district. For students, the Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 compliance coordinator is the General Counsel for the district. For employment, the EEO/AA and Title VII compliance officer is the general director of human resources. Compliance coordinators may be contacted at 624 S.W. 24th Street, Topeka, KS 66611-1294, (785) 295-3000. The clerk of the Board of Education has been designated to receive and redirect or handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, regulations, and procedures. The clerk may be contacted by calling (785) 295-3059 or by writing to 624 S.W. 24th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66611-1294.