The Best Private Schools in Basehor, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Basehor. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Pembroke Hill School
Independent
Pembroke Hill is a highly respected independent school serving the Kansas City metropolitan area, including families from Basehor. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. With small class sizes averaging 15 students, personalized attention is a hallmark. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with a diverse student body and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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St. James Academy
Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
St. James Academy is a Catholic college preparatory high school that serves students throughout the Kansas City area, including Basehor families. The school combines strong academic preparation with faith formation, offering 23 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM program. The 47-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, fine arts facilities, and athletic complexes. St. James has consistently high college acceptance rates and emphasizes service learning as part of its Catholic identity. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and supportive environment.
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Xavier Elementary School
Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
Xavier Elementary School provides Catholic education for students in preschool through 8th grade, serving families from Basehor and surrounding communities. The school offers a strong academic foundation with integrated technology, small class sizes, and dedicated teachers. The curriculum includes religion, core academic subjects, Spanish, music, art, and physical education. The school features modern facilities including smart classrooms, a STEM lab, and gymnasium. Xavier emphasizes character development and community service while preparing students for success in high school and beyond. The close-knit community and family atmosphere are frequently praised by parents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Basehor, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Basehor, Kansas, and are they located within the city limits?
While Basehor itself is a smaller community, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the broader Kansas City metro area. The schools you mentioned, such as St. James Academy in Lenexa, KS (a Catholic high school) and The Pembroke Hill School in Kansas City, MO, are popular choices but require a commute. Xavier Elementary School is located in Leavenworth, KS. There are very few, if any, private K-12 institutions physically located within Basehor city limits. Therefore, most Basehor parents considering private education look to schools in nearby cities like Leavenworth, Lansing, Shawnee, and the Kansas City metro, factoring in transportation into their decision.
How does the tuition for Kansas City-area private schools compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available for Kansas residents?
Tuition for the top private schools in the Kansas City region serving Basehor families is typically higher than the Kansas state average for private schools, due to their programs, facilities, and location in a major metro area. For example, annual tuition can range from approximately $5,000-$8,000 for parish-supported Catholic elementary schools to over $20,000 for independent college-preparatory schools. Kansas residents should explore two key state-specific options: 1) **Tax-Credit Scholarships** via the Kansas Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships funded by donations from businesses that receive a tax credit, and 2) **Savings Account Programs** for students with special needs. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Basehor, KS, that might not be available in local public schools?
Private schools in the region often provide specialized programs that attract Basehor families. For instance, St. James Academy offers a strong focus on Catholic college-prep with extensive theology and service learning. The Pembroke Hill School provides a rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program continuum from elementary through high school, which is rare in the area. Many schools also feature distinctive offerings like comprehensive robotics teams, competitive speech and debate leagues, specialized arts conservatories, or unique language immersion programs (e.g., Chinese or Spanish). These programs are often supported by lower student-to-teacher ratios, allowing for more individualized project-based learning.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like St. James Academy, and how far in advance should Basehor parents plan?
The enrollment process for sought-after private high schools in the Kansas City area is highly structured and begins early. For a fall entry, the process typically starts in the summer or early fall of the preceding year (e.g., starting in August for entry the following August). Key steps include: attending open houses (often in September-October), submitting applications by December or January, taking entrance exams (like the HSPT), and completing interviews. Financial aid applications usually have a winter deadline. Admissions decisions are often released in February or March. Therefore, Basehor parents should begin researching and visiting schools at least 12-18 months before the desired enrollment date, especially for competitive high school placements.
For a family living in Basehor, what are the key considerations when deciding between the Basehor-Linwood public school district and a private school in the metro area?
The decision hinges on several local factors. The Basehor-Linwood USD 458 district is well-regarded, offering the convenience of proximity, no tuition, and strong community ties. Choosing a private school often involves a significant daily commute (20-45 minutes) to cities like Lenexa or Kansas City, plus substantial tuition. Parents must weigh the value of a specific religious education, specialized academic programs (like IB), or different learning environments against these practicalities. Transportation logistics, after-school activity schedules, and the child's social network are major practical considerations. Many families make the choice based on aligning the school's core values and educational approach with their own, which for some justifies the added investment and commute from Basehor.
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