The Best Private Schools in Alexander, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Alexander. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Patrick Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Dodge City
St. Patrick Catholic School serves students from preschool through 8th grade and is located approximately 30 miles from Alexander. As the premier Catholic school in the region, it offers a comprehensive academic program rooted in faith-based education. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and modern facilities including science labs, technology integration, and athletic programs. Families from Alexander frequently commute for the strong community atmosphere, rigorous academics, and values-based education that prepares students for high school success.
Programs:
Thomas More Prep-Marian
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Thomas More Prep-Marian is a renowned Catholic college preparatory school serving students in grades 6-12, located approximately 35 miles from Alexander. The school offers both day and boarding options and is known for its rigorous academic curriculum, competitive athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. With a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, TMP provides personalized attention and college counseling. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts center, and comprehensive athletic facilities, making it a top choice for families throughout central Kansas.
Programs:
Holy Family Elementary School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Holy Family Elementary School serves students in preschool through 6th grade and is located approximately 25 miles from Alexander in Ellis, Kansas. This well-regarded Catholic school provides a nurturing environment with strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. The school features updated technology resources, dedicated teaching staff, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes religion, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Holy Family is known for its tight-knit community atmosphere and commitment to developing the whole child through spiritual, academic, and social growth.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Alexander, Kansas
What are the private school options for families living in or near Alexander, Kansas?
Alexander itself is a very small community, so most private school options are located in nearby Hays, Kansas, which is a major regional hub. The primary private schools serving the Alexander area are St. Patrick Catholic School (PreK-6), Holy Family Elementary School (PreK-6), and Thomas More Prep-Marian (7-12), all in Hays. These schools are part of the Catholic Diocese of Salina and are the closest private options for Alexander residents. For families seeking non-religious private education, options within a daily commuting distance are extremely limited, often requiring a longer drive to larger cities.
How does tuition at private schools like TMP-Marian in Hays compare to the Kansas state average, and what financial aid is available?
Tuition at Thomas More Prep-Marian (TMP-Marian) for the 2024-2025 academic year is approximately $6,500 for parishioners and $8,900 for non-parishioners, which is generally below the national average for private high schools but representative of regional costs in western Kansas. The elementary schools (St. Patrick and Holy Family) have lower tuition rates. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Kansas has the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which can provide scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools. Additionally, many families fund tuition through parish subsidies, fundraising, and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the Hays-area private schools offer that benefit students from Alexander?
The private schools in Hays provide programs that leverage their larger community resources. Thomas More Prep-Marian offers a notable 1:1 laptop program, college dual-credit courses through partnerships with Fort Hays State University and Benedictine College, and a strong emphasis on leadership and service learning. For younger students, St. Patrick and Holy Family Elementary integrate faith-based learning with STEM initiatives and art. A unique aspect for Alexander families is the close-knit, values-oriented environment that these schools maintain, often featuring smaller class sizes than what might be found in larger public districts, alongside competitive athletics and activities in the Mid-Continent League.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Patrick or Holy Family Elementary for a family moving to Alexander?
Enrollment for the Hays Catholic schools typically opens in January for the following academic year, with priority given to current families and registered parishioners. For a family moving to Alexander, it is recommended to contact the school office as soon as possible, as spaces, particularly in specific grade levels, can be limited. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates, recent academic records, and a registration fee. A tour and meeting with the principal is encouraged. Given Alexander's proximity to Hays (about a 30-minute drive), discussing transportation options—whether carpooling or the school's limited bus service from designated areas—is an important part of the enrollment conversation.
For a family in Alexander, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school, Otis-Bison USD 403, and a private school in Hays?
The decision hinges on several factors specific to living in a rural area like Alexander. The local public school, Otis-Bison, offers the convenience of very close proximity, a tight-knit community, and no tuition. Choosing a private school in Hays involves a significant daily commute (approximately 30 miles each way) and tuition costs, but provides a distinct faith-based education, often different extracurricular opportunities (like specific sports or clubs), and a different peer network drawn from a wider region. Academically, both paths can lead to success; the choice often centers on educational philosophy, religious formation, and the family's willingness to manage the logistics and financial commitment of the private school option in the neighboring city.