The Best Private Schools in Almena, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Almena. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving the Almena area from nearby Norton. Founded in 1959, this established institution offers comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with an average of 15+ years teaching experience, and a well-rounded curriculum including STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, small class sizes, and strong community values. The school maintains excellent academic standards with students consistently performing above state averages on standardized testing.
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Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior-Senior High School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Thomas More Prep-Marian is a prestigious Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Almena and surrounding regions. As one of Kansas' oldest and most respected private schools, TMP offers both day and boarding options for grades 7-12. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, championship athletic teams, and extensive fine arts offerings. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, TMP provides personalized attention and boasts a 100% college acceptance rate. The campus includes state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. The school is particularly noted for its strong moral development programs and leadership training.
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Colby Christian School
Independent Christian School
Colby Christian School serves the Almena community from nearby Colby, offering comprehensive Christian education for Pre-K through 12th grade. Established in 1999, the school has built a strong reputation for academic excellence within a faith-based environment. The curriculum emphasizes college preparation with integrated technology, advanced mathematics and science courses, and comprehensive language arts. The school features modern facilities including computer labs, science laboratories, and a full gymnasium. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports, music ensembles, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's dedicated teachers, safe environment, and strong student achievement outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Almena, Kansas
What are the private school options for families living in or near Almena, Kansas, and are there transportation services available?
For families in Almena, the primary private school options are located in nearby communities, as Almena itself is a very small town. The closest are St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School (K-6) in Norton, about 15 miles away, and Colby Christian School (K-12) in Colby, approximately 25 miles away. For secondary education, Thomas More Prep-Marian (7-12) in Hays is a highly-regarded option, though it's about 65 miles from Almena and offers boarding. Most families in this rural area provide their own transportation, as organized bus services from Almena are typically not offered by these schools. Carpooling with other local families is a common solution.
How does tuition at private schools serving Almena, KS, compare, and are there financial aid programs specific to Kansas families?
Tuition varies significantly among the schools accessible to Almena residents. Colby Christian School and St. Francis of Assisi generally have lower tuition rates, often ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 annually for parishioners or members, reflecting their local community-based models. Thomas More Prep-Marian, as a college-prep junior-senior high school, has higher tuition, which can exceed $10,000 for day students. All these schools typically offer need-based financial aid, and Kansas has the "Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program," which provides scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. Additionally, many schools offer multi-child discounts, which can be helpful for larger families in the area.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Almena, KS, region that cater to a rural student population?
Private schools in this region tailor programs to their rural context. Thomas More Prep-Marian in Hays offers robust college preparatory courses, agriculture-related electives, and strong theology and fine arts programs, alongside competitive athletics that draw from a wide geographic area. Colby Christian School emphasizes a Bible-based curriculum and may integrate agricultural science. St. Francis of Assisi provides a foundational Catholic education with small class sizes, ensuring personalized attention. A notable aspect for Almena-area students is the strong sense of community and character education in these schools, which often includes community service projects relevant to rural life, such as supporting local farms or food pantries.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Almena, Kansas, and when should parents start planning?
Given the limited seats in these small schools, planning should begin a full year in advance, ideally in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. The formal process often opens in January or February. For St. Francis of Assisi and Colby Christian School, the process typically involves submitting an application, providing records from previous schools, and possibly a family interview. Thomas More Prep-Marian has a more comprehensive process that may include entrance exams and earlier deadlines, especially for boarding applicants. It's crucial for Almena parents to contact these schools directly as soon as possible, as some grades have very few openings and priority may be given to siblings of current students or members of the supporting church community.
For an Almena family considering the choice, what are the key differences between the local public school (Almena-Norton County USD 399) and the available private school options?
The key differences center on educational approach, community, and logistics. The public school district, USD 399, provides a tuition-free education with a broad range of state-funded programs and is the central community school for the area. The private options offer a specific faith-based education (Catholic or Christian) with integrated religious instruction and often smaller class sizes, which can mean more individualized attention. However, choosing a private school like Colby Christian or TMP-Marian requires a significant commute from Almena, which impacts daily logistics and extracurricular participation. Academically, TMP-Marian offers a more extensive selection of honors and Advanced Placement courses than a small rural public high school might. The decision often hinges on a family's values, willingness to commute, and desire for a specific religious foundation versus the convenience and comprehensive local offerings of the public system.
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