The Best Private Schools in Arlington, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Independent School
Independent
The Independent School is a highly regarded private school known for its rigorous academic curriculum and small class sizes, fostering personalized learning. It offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with strong emphasis on STEM, arts, and athletics. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic fields. Parent satisfaction is high due to its dedicated faculty, extensive extracurricular opportunities, and a supportive community environment. The school serves students from preschool through 12th grade and attracts families from Arlington and the broader Wichita metro area.
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Sunrise Christian Academy
Private Christian School
Sunrise Christian Academy is a respected private school that combines academic excellence with a faith-based education. It features a strong college preparatory curriculum, renowned athletic programs (particularly in basketball), and a variety of extracurricular activities. The campus includes modern classrooms, gymnasiums, and technology resources. With a focus on character development and community service, it has high parent satisfaction and serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade, including those from Arlington and surrounding regions.
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The Montessori School of Wichita
Montessori
The Montessori School of Wichita offers a child-centered education based on Montessori principles, emphasizing independence, hands-on learning, and holistic development. It provides programs from infancy through middle school, with a curriculum that includes language, math, cultural studies, and enrichment activities like art and music. The school features well-equipped classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and a nurturing environment. Highly rated for its teacher quality and parent involvement, it serves families from Arlington and the Wichita area, promoting academic and personal growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arlington, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Arlington, Kansas?
While Arlington itself is a small town, families in the area have access to several well-regarded private schools within a reasonable commuting distance. The most prominent options include The Independent School and Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita (approximately a 30-40 minute drive), and The Montessori School of Wichita. These schools offer distinct educational philosophies, from college-preparatory and faith-based to child-centered Montessori. For Arlington residents, private education typically involves planning for transportation to these nearby population centers, as there are no major private school campuses within the town limits of Arlington itself.
How does the tuition for private schools near Arlington, KS, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for private schools serving the Arlington area varies significantly by institution and grade level. For example, schools like The Independent School and Sunrise Christian Academy have tuition structures that are competitive with regional norms but may be above the Kansas state average for private schools due to their comprehensive programs and facilities. Annual tuition can range from approximately $8,000 to over $15,000. Importantly, Kansas does not have a state-funded voucher or tax-credit scholarship program, so financial aid is primarily offered directly by the schools themselves through need-based grants, merit scholarships, and sometimes multi-child discounts. It is crucial for Arlington parents to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific financial aid applications and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Arlington, Kansas, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Wichita area accessible to Arlington families often provide specialized programs that may not be available in smaller public school districts. For instance, Sunrise Christian Academy is nationally recognized for its elite basketball program and strong faith-based integration. The Independent School offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum with advanced placement and honors tracks, along with robust arts programs. The Montessori School of Wichita provides hands-on, individualized learning for younger children. These schools often feature smaller class sizes, which can allow for more personalized attention—a key consideration for parents in the Arlington community seeking specific educational approaches not found in the local public system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Arlington, Kansas, families?
The enrollment process for top private schools near Arlington, such as those in Wichita, often begins almost a full year in advance. Key deadlines for applications and financial aid typically fall between January and March for the following academic year. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student interview or assessment day. Given the competitive nature and limited seats at schools like The Independent School and Sunrise Christian Academy, Arlington parents are strongly advised to initiate inquiries in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. Many schools also host open houses in the autumn, which are valuable opportunities for families to visit and evaluate the commute from Arlington.
For an Arlington resident, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in Wichita?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. First is the daily commute, which can add 60-90 minutes of driving round-trip to Wichita, impacting family schedules and transportation costs. Second is cost: comparing no-tuition public education in the Arlington/Attica/USD 511 district against significant private school tuition and fees. Third is educational philosophy: Arlington's public schools offer a traditional, community-centered education, while private options provide alternative pedagogies (Montessori, faith-based, intensive college-prep). Finally, extracurricular opportunities may differ in scale and variety. Many Arlington families find value in the close-knit public system, while others seek the specialized programs and resources of larger private institutions, accepting the trade-offs involved.