The Best Private Schools in Bartlett, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bartlett. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. James Academy
Catholic Archdiocese of Kansas City
St. James Academy is a highly-rated Catholic college preparatory high school serving families throughout the Kansas City area, including Bartlett. Founded in 2005, the school combines rigorous academics with faith-based education in a modern campus setting. St. James offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement options and a dedicated STEM academy. The school features excellent athletic facilities, performing arts spaces, and technology-integrated classrooms. With strong parent satisfaction ratings and a commitment to developing well-rounded students, St. James maintains a vibrant community atmosphere and impressive college acceptance records.
Programs:
The Barstow School
Independent
The Barstow School is a highly-regarded independent day school serving the Greater Kansas City area, including families from Bartlett. Founded in 1884, it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and exceptional faculty. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Barstow is known for its strong STEM program, International Baccalaureate Diploma option, and comprehensive arts education. The school maintains a 8:1 student-teacher ratio and has a 100% college acceptance rate to selective institutions nationwide.
Programs:
Pembroke Hill School
Independent
Pembroke Hill School is a prestigious independent school formed from the merger of two historic institutions. Serving the Kansas City metropolitan area including Bartlett families, the school offers a comprehensive Advanced Placement curriculum with outstanding college preparation. The campus features modern academic buildings, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. Pembroke Hill emphasizes character education alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in athletics, visual and performing arts, and community service. The school maintains small class sizes and has a tradition of sending graduates to top-tier colleges and universities.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bartlett, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available for families in Bartlett, Kansas, and how accessible are they?
While Bartlett itself is a very small city, families in the area typically look to nearby communities for private school options. The top schools you'll hear about, like The Barstow School and Pembroke Hill School, are located in the Kansas City metro area, approximately 30-40 miles east of Bartlett. St. James Academy is also in the KC metro, in Lenexa, KS. For Bartlett residents, this means a significant daily commute is a primary consideration. Some families may also explore Catholic or other faith-based options in closer towns like Ottawa or Paola. Transportation is almost always the responsibility of the parents, as these schools do not provide district-wide busing to Bartlett.
How does tuition for Kansas City-area private schools compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available for Bartlett families?
Tuition for the premier Kansas City-area private schools like Barstow and Pembroke Hill is significantly higher than the Kansas state average for private education, often ranging from $20,000 to $25,000+ per year for upper grades. Kansas has a unique financial aid option called the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships funded by donations from businesses that receive a tax credit. Bartlett families should apply for financial aid directly through each school's portal (like SSS) and also investigate this state program. Additionally, some schools offer sibling discounts. The commute cost (fuel, vehicle wear) from Bartlett should be factored into the total financial picture.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs draw Bartlett students to private schools in the Kansas City region?
The draw for Bartlett families is access to programs not typically available in smaller public school districts. The Barstow School is renowned for its STEM-focused curriculum and global studies program. Pembroke Hill School offers a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and exceptional arts programs. St. James Academy, while having a strong Catholic identity, is also known for its competitive athletics within the Eastern Kansas League. For a student in Bartlett with a specific passion in robotics, performing arts, or elite-level sports, these schools provide resources and peer groups that are hard to find locally. The trade-off is the extensive daily travel time to access these specialized environments.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a Bartlett student applying to a Kansas City metro private high school like St. James Academy?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For a fall entry, families from Bartlett should start researching in the summer before the application year (e.g., summer before 8th grade for 9th-grade entry). Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines, taking entrance exams (like the HSPT for St. James), and scheduling interviews. For Bartlett residents, it's crucial to communicate clearly about your location during the application process. Schools are used to students commuting from a distance, but they will want to ensure your family understands the commitment. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are typically released in March.
For a family living in Bartlett, what are the key factors when comparing the local public school experience to a private school in the Kansas City metro?
The comparison is stark and goes beyond academics. The **Bartlett Public Schools** (USD 435) offer a very small, close-knit community with minimal commute. The **private school option** offers vast academic choices, facilities, and extracurriculars but requires a 60-90 minute round-trip commute daily. Key factors include: your child's social needs (thriving in a small town vs. a large, competitive environment), the family's time and logistics for driving or carpooling, the total financial cost (tuition + commute), and educational philosophy (e.g., college preparatory focus vs. a more general curriculum). Many Bartlett families choose private schools for a specific academic or athletic opportunity that justifies the significant lifestyle investment.