Lawrence Free State High School are known as the "Firebirds". Extracurricular activities are also offered in the form of performing arts, school publications, and clubs. Lawrence Free State was established in 1997 in response to overcrowding at Lawrence High School, the only public high school in Lawrence at the time. The College Board recognized Free State High with the 2007-08 Siemens Award for Advanced Placement participation and performance. One high school in each state receives this honor and a $1,000 grant for math and science education. The Firebirds compete in the Sunflower League and are classified as a 6A school, the largest classification in Kansas
Sunflower County Consolidated School District of education, said in a Board of Education meeting in Jackson, Mississippi said that "Of all the districts we're working with right now, Sunflower is the one with the most serious situation." In 2010 State of Mississippi officials said that the management of the district should be taken over by the state government because of the existence of allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of federal funds. On April 19, 2010, the Mississippi Department of Education took control of the school district. In February 2012 the Mississippi Senate voted 43-4 to pass Senate Bill 2330, to consolidate the Sunflower County