The Best Private Schools in Assaria, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Assaria. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Salina area and surrounding communities including Assaria. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and service learning alongside academic excellence, with strong college placement rates and diverse extracurricular opportunities including competitive sports teams, music programs, and academic clubs.
Programs:
St. Mary's Grade School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
St. Mary's Grade School provides exceptional private education for students in preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout Saline County including Assaria. The school features a strong foundational curriculum with emphasis on literacy, mathematics, and faith formation. Modern facilities include smart classrooms, a dedicated computer lab, library, and gymnasium. The school maintains high academic standards with dedicated faculty and offers comprehensive extracurricular programs including sports, choir, and community service opportunities. Parent satisfaction is notably high with families appreciating the nurturing environment and strong community values.
Programs:
Salina Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Salina Christian Academy offers comprehensive private education from preschool through high school, serving students from Assaria and surrounding communities. The school integrates faith-based learning with rigorous academics, featuring small class sizes and individualized instruction. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, computer labs, and athletic spaces. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and character development while preparing students for college success. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports, music programs, drama productions, and various clubs. The school is known for its strong parent-teacher partnerships and commitment to academic excellence within a Christian environment.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Assaria, Kansas
What are the private school options for families living in Assaria, Kansas, and are there any located directly in town?
Families in Assaria, Kansas, have access to several private school options, though none are physically located within the small town of Assaria itself. The primary institutions serving the area are in nearby Salina, approximately a 15-20 minute drive north. These include Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School (grades 7-12, Catholic), St. Mary's Grade School (PreK-6, Catholic), and Salina Christian Academy (K-12, interdenominational Christian). This means commuting is a standard consideration for Assaria residents seeking private education, but the close proximity to Salina provides viable and established choices.
How does tuition at private schools serving Assaria, KS, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the private schools serving Assaria is generally below the national average but aligned with regional Kansas costs. For the 2024-2025 school year, expect a range of approximately $4,000 to $7,000 per student for the Salina-area schools, with lower grades often at the lower end and high school at the higher end. Kansas offers the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which can provide scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools. Additionally, the individual schools, particularly the Catholic institutions, usually have parish subsidies for active members, need-based financial aid, and multi-child discounts. It's essential to contact each school's admissions office for the most current tuition schedules and aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Assaria offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools near Assaria offer distinct programs rooted in their missions. Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School provides a college-prep curriculum with a strong emphasis on Catholic values and offers unique electives like theology and philosophy. Salina Christian Academy integrates a biblical worldview across all subjects and may offer specific programs in agriculture or fine arts that align with its community. St. Mary's Grade School focuses on foundational education in a faith-based setting. A common differentiator from the public Central Plains USD 112 system is the smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention, and the integration of religious education throughout the school day, which is a primary reason families choose these options.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Sacred Heart or Salina Christian Academy for a family moving to Assaria?
The enrollment process for schools serving Assaria typically begins in January or February for the following academic year, with priority often given to siblings of current students and active parishioners (for the Catholic schools). For families moving to Assaria outside this window, it's crucial to contact the schools directly, as they may have rolling admissions if space is available. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing academic records from previous schools, a family interview, and sometimes placement testing. Given the small size of these schools, especially in specific grade levels, early inquiry is strongly recommended. Touring the campuses in Salina is a key step to understanding the commute and environment.
For an Assaria resident, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Central Plains USD 112) and a private school in Salina?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Central Plains USD 112 public schools offer the convenience of very short, local commutes within the Assaria/Holyrood area and no tuition costs. The private schools in Salina require a daily commute but offer an education infused with specific religious values (Catholic or Christian), often with smaller class sizes. Academically, both sectors can provide quality education, but the private schools' curricula are shaped by their faith missions. Extracurricular opportunities may differ in scale; the public high school is part of a consolidated district for sports, while private schools like Sacred Heart compete in the KSHSAA but may have smaller teams. Ultimately, families must weigh the importance of faith-based education, community, and budget against the practicality of distance and cost.