The Best Private Schools in Atchison, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Atchison. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. James Academy
Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
St. James Academy is a top-rated Catholic high school located in the Kansas City metropolitan area, serving families from throughout the region including Atchison. The school boasts exceptional academic programs with extensive AP course offerings, a dedicated STEM academy, and outstanding fine arts facilities. With state championship athletic programs and modern campus amenities, St. James provides a comprehensive educational experience. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and is known for its strong community atmosphere and commitment to developing well-rounded students.
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Immaculata High School
Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
Located just 15 minutes from Atchison in Leavenworth, Immaculata High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the regional community. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with advanced placement courses, strong fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. With a focus on academic excellence and faith formation, Immaculata maintains small class sizes and personalized attention. The school has excellent college acceptance rates and provides robust extracurricular opportunities including theater, music, and community service programs.
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Maur Hill-Mount Academy
Catholic Private School
Maur Hill-Mount Academy is a premier Catholic college preparatory school offering both day and boarding programs. With over a century of educational excellence, the school provides a rigorous academic curriculum including International Baccalaureate programs, advanced STEM courses, and comprehensive college preparation. The campus features modern facilities, small class sizes, and a strong emphasis on character development. The school serves students from grades 9-12 and has a diverse student body with both local and international boarding students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Atchison, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available for families in Atchison, Kansas, and what grade levels do they serve?
Atchison, KS, is home to a small but distinct set of private, faith-based schools. The primary options are Maur Hill-Mount Academy (a Catholic, co-educational boarding and day school for grades 9-12), Immaculata High School (a Catholic, co-educational day school for grades 9-12), and St. James Academy (a Catholic elementary school serving Pre-K through 8th grade). This structure means families often transition from St. James to either Maur Hill-Mount Academy or Immaculata for high school. There are no large, secular private school networks in Atchison, so the educational landscape is defined by these parish-supported institutions.
How does tuition at Atchison's private schools compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Kansas families?
Tuition varies between schools and often depends on parish membership. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition at Maur Hill-Mount Academy is approximately $10,000-$12,000, while Immaculata High School typically ranges from $6,000-$8,000, with lower rates for active parishioners. St. James Academy's elementary tuition is generally lower. All schools offer need-based financial aid through their foundations. Critically, Kansas parents can utilize the **Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program**, which provides scholarships funded by donations from businesses that receive a state tax credit. Additionally, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas offers some need-based assistance, making private education more accessible for qualifying Atchison families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Atchison's private high schools offer that leverage the local community or history?
Atchison's private schools integrate the city's rich history and river-town identity into their programs. Maur Hill-Mount Academy, with its boarding program, offers a global perspective but also emphasizes local heritage. Its campus on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River provides a distinctive setting. Immaculata High School, deeply connected to the local Catholic parishes, often incorporates Atchison's history (like the Amelia Earhart connection) into project-based learning. Both high schools have strong partnerships with Benedictine College, a prominent local liberal arts university, offering dual-credit courses and access to facilities, which is a significant advantage not commonly found in smaller Kansas towns.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Atchison, and are there considerations for transfer students mid-year?
The primary enrollment period for Atchison's private schools runs from January to March for the following fall, with re-enrollment of current students taking priority. Open houses are typically held in early winter. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, pastor/teacher recommendations (for the Catholic schools), and often a family interview. For the high schools, placement tests may be required. Given the small size of the schools, spaces can be limited, especially in specific grades. Mid-year transfers are considered on a case-by-case basis if space is available, which is more likely than in larger urban private schools. Families moving to Atchison, perhaps due to the nearby prison or other employment, should contact the school directly as soon as possible.
For families considering the choice between Atchison Public Schools and the local private schools, what are the key differentiating factors?
The key differentiators are class size, religious education, and specific program offerings. Atchison Public Schools serve a broader population with larger class sizes and offer standard public school curricula and extracurriculars. The private schools, all Catholic, provide much smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower), a values-based education integrated with daily religion classes, and a tight-knit community feel. For high school, Maur Hill-Mount Academy offers a unique boarding program and a more college-preparatory, international environment, which is unparalleled in the public system. The decision often hinges on a family's desire for a faith-based environment and personalized attention versus the no-tuition model and diverse offerings of the public district. The availability of state tax-credit scholarships can help bridge the cost gap for eligible families.