The Best Private Schools in Burdett, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Burdett. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Thomas More Prep-Marian
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Thomas More Prep-Marian is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving western Kansas, including the Burdett area. With over a century of educational excellence, TMP offers a rigorous academic curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. The school features both day and boarding options, modern facilities including science labs and performing arts spaces, and a strong commitment to character development. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and excellent college acceptance rates.
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St. Francis Community School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
St. Francis Community School provides exceptional Catholic education serving families throughout northwest Kansas, including the Burdett community. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade education with a strong foundation in academics, faith formation, and character development. Features include modern classrooms, technology integration, competitive sports programs, and a close-knit community atmosphere. The school is known for its dedicated teachers, family-oriented environment, and strong academic preparation for higher education.
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Central Plains Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Central Plains Catholic School serves families throughout central and western Kansas, including the Burdett area, with a comprehensive K-8 education grounded in Catholic values. The school features modern facilities, technology-enhanced classrooms, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes strong academic foundations, religious education, music, art, and physical education. Known for its supportive community and dedicated faculty, the school provides individualized attention and prepares students well for high school. Parent satisfaction is high due to the school's commitment to academic excellence and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Burdett, Kansas
What are the private school options for families living in or near Burdett, Kansas?
Families in the Burdett area have a few primary private school options, all with a religious affiliation. The most prominent is Thomas More Prep-Marian (TMP-M) in Hays, which is a Catholic, co-educational junior-senior high school (grades 7-12) and is about a 30-minute drive from Burdett. For younger students, Central Plains Catholic School, with campuses in nearby Claflin and Holyrood, offers a Pre-K through 6th grade education. St. Francis Community School, located in St. Francis, is a significant distance away and is generally not a practical daily commute from Burdett. Due to the rural nature of the area, most private schooling requires a commitment to transportation to neighboring towns.
How does the tuition for private schools near Burdett, KS, compare, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Thomas More Prep-Marian has a parishioner tuition rate of approximately $6,500 and a non-parishioner rate near $9,500 for high school. Central Plains Catholic School's tuition is lower, typically around $3,000-$4,000 for elementary grades, with parish subsidies available for member families. Both schools actively offer need-based financial aid, scholarships, and multi-child discounts. Kansas also has the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which can provide scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools, making these options more accessible for Burdett residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Burdett students offer?
The private schools accessible to Burdett families emphasize a values-based education with unique programs. Thomas More Prep-Marian is known for its strong college preparatory curriculum, a 1:1 technology program, and distinctive offerings like its Monarch Leadership Program and competitive athletics in the Mid-Continent League. Central Plains Catholic School provides a foundational education with integrated faith formation and often has smaller class sizes than area public schools, allowing for more individualized attention. A notable aspect for rural Kansas families is the strong sense of community and network these schools build across multiple small towns.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like TMP-M or Central Plains Catholic for a family from Burdett?
The process typically begins in the winter or early spring prior to the desired school year. For Thomas More Prep-Marian, prospective families should attend an open house (often held in the fall and winter), submit an application by a stated deadline (usually in the spring), and provide records from the current school. Central Plains Catholic School has a similar rolling admissions process but encourages early registration. Both schools require a placement assessment for new students and an interview with school administration. It's crucial for Burdett families to inquire about transportation options or carpool networks during the enrollment process, as bus service is not typically provided from outside the school's immediate district.
For a family in Burdett, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (USD 495 - Pawnee Heights) and a private school like TMP-M?
The decision hinges on several factors specific to rural Kansas life. The local public school, Pawnee Heights, offers the convenience of proximity, no tuition, and the community center of the local district. Choosing a private school like TMP-M involves a commitment to a daily commute to Hays (about 25 miles), tuition costs, and a desire for a specific religious and college-prep environment. Parents should consider the academic and extracurricular opportunities: TMP-M may offer more advanced placement courses and a wider variety of sports/activities due to its larger size, while Pawnee Heights provides the intimate setting of a very small K-12 school. The cultural and faith-based formation is the most significant differentiator for private schools in this area.