The Best Private Schools in Altamont, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Altamont. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Colgan Catholic Schools
Catholic Diocese of Pittsburg
Serving students from across southeast Kansas, St. Mary's Colgan Catholic Schools in Pittsburg (approximately 30 miles from Altamont) represents one of the region's most highly-regarded private educational institutions. The school system offers comprehensive education from preschool through high school with an exceptional college preparatory program, achieving nearly 100% college acceptance rates. Facilities include modern science labs, technology centers, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. With strong academic traditions, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular opportunities, Colgan attracts students from throughout the region seeking rigorous academic preparation in a values-based environment.
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St. Patrick Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Wichita
Located just 7 miles from Altamont in neighboring Parsons, St. Patrick Catholic School has served families throughout Labette County for over six decades. This accredited private institution offers a comprehensive faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade, featuring small class sizes, individualized attention, and strong moral development. The curriculum integrates traditional academics with technology, STEM initiatives, and fine arts. The school maintains excellent teacher-student ratios and has a reputation for strong parent satisfaction and community involvement, making it a popular choice for Altamont-area families seeking private education.
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Labette County High School
USD 506 Labette County
As the primary public high school serving the Altamont community within USD 506, Labette County High School provides comprehensive educational programs for local students. The school offers a robust curriculum including college preparatory courses, career technical education pathways, and Advanced Placement opportunities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic complexes. The school serves as an educational hub for Labette County with strong community support and various extracurricular activities including competitive sports, music programs, and student organizations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Altamont, Kansas
What are the private school options available for families living in or near Altamont, Kansas?
In the Altamont, Kansas area, private education is primarily offered through faith-based institutions. The notable options include St. Patrick Catholic School, which typically serves elementary and middle grades, and St. Mary's Colgan Catholic Schools in nearby Pittsburg, which offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade program. It's important to note that Labette County High School is a public school, not a private one. For families in Altamont seeking private education, exploring schools in neighboring communities like Pittsburg is often necessary, as purely secular private day schools are very limited in this region of Southeast Kansas.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Altamont, KS area compare, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for private schools serving Altamont families is generally more affordable than in major metropolitan areas, reflecting the local cost of living. For example, parish-supported Catholic schools like St. Patrick often have lower tuition rates for active members of the affiliated church. St. Mary's Colgan also structures tuition with considerations for parish membership and multiple-child families. Financial aid is typically available through the individual schools and may be funded by parish subsidies, endowed scholarships, or diocesan assistance programs. Kansas also offers the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which can provide scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools, a valuable resource for qualifying Altamont-area families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Altamont, Kansas offer?
Private schools in the Altamont area often leverage their smaller size and faith-based missions to offer distinctive programs. St. Mary's Colgan, for instance, is known for its strong athletic traditions within the Kansas high school landscape. Academically, these schools typically integrate religious education into the core curriculum and may emphasize character development and community service. Due to their connections to the Diocese of Wichita, they often have access to shared academic resources and standardized testing programs. While they may not have the vast array of electives found in large public schools, they often provide robust participation in activities like speech, music, and sports, where students can take on leadership roles.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like St. Patrick in Altamont?
The enrollment process for private schools in the Altamont area, such as St. Patrick Catholic School, usually begins in the early spring (January-March) for the following academic year. Priority is often given to current students, siblings of current students, and active parishioners of the supporting Catholic church. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing records from a previous school, and possibly a family interview or student assessment. For schools like St. Mary's Colgan that serve a wider region, transportation considerations from Altamont should be discussed during enrollment. It's highly recommended to contact the school office directly in the fall or winter to express interest, receive specific dates, and inquire about space availability, as classes are small and can fill quickly.
For an Altamont resident, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school option?
The key considerations for an Altamont parent include proximity, cost, educational philosophy, and community. The Labette County public school district provides a tuition-free education with a broad curriculum and is deeply integrated into the local community. Opting for a private school like St. Patrick or St. Mary's Colgan involves a financial commitment, potential daily transportation to a neighboring town, and a desire for an education infused with specific religious values. The private school environment often features smaller class sizes, which can mean more individual attention. Parents should also consider the long-term path: a local private elementary school may feed into a regional Catholic high school, whereas public education continues within the unified Labette County district. Visiting both types of schools is essential to feel the difference in community and approach firsthand.