The Best Private Schools in Burns, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Burns. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John's Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
St. John's Lutheran School is a highly-regarded Christian private school located approximately 20 miles from Burns in McPherson. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive academic program integrated with Christian values. The curriculum emphasizes strong foundational skills in core subjects while incorporating technology, music, art, and physical education. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the school maintains excellent parent satisfaction ratings. Extracurricular activities include sports, choir, and various academic competitions, making it a popular choice for families in the Burns area seeking faith-based education.
Programs:
St. Mary's Grade School
Catholic Diocese of Wichita
Located in Marion approximately 15 miles from Burns, St. Mary's Grade School provides Catholic education for students in preschool through 8th grade. The school is known for its strong academic program that consistently produces students who excel in high school. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, science, social studies, and religious education. The school features modern facilities, dedicated teachers, and a supportive community environment. Parents consistently praise the school's commitment to academic excellence and character development, with many families commuting from surrounding rural areas including Burns.
Programs:
Tabor Mennonite School
Mennonite Church USA
Tabor Mennonite School, located in the rural Marion area approximately 12 miles from Burns, offers a unique Anabaptist education for students in kindergarten through 8th grade. The school combines strong academic fundamentals with practical skills and Christian values. Notable programs include agricultural science, vocational training, and an excellent music program. The school serves families from multiple surrounding communities and is particularly known for its tight-knit community atmosphere and emphasis on service learning. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Tabor provides personalized education that prepares students well for high school while maintaining strong ties to the local agricultural community.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Burns, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Burns, Kansas?
Within the Burns, Kansas community, there are three primary private, faith-based schools. St. John's Lutheran School (Lutheran) and St. Mary's Grade School (Catholic) are both located in nearby Marion, serving the broader county area including Burns. Tabor Mennonite School is located in rural Burns itself. These schools typically offer education from preschool through 8th grade. For high school, families often consider private options in larger nearby cities like Newton, McPherson, or Wichita, or transition to the public Centralia-Burns USD 397 system. This limited selection underscores the close-knit, community-focused nature of private education in this region.
How does tuition at private schools in the Burns, Kansas area compare, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for the private schools serving Burns is generally more affordable than in major metropolitan areas, reflecting the local cost of living. For the 2023-2024 year, tuition at schools like St. John's Lutheran or St. Mary's Grade School often ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 annually for parishioners, with slightly higher rates for non-members. Tabor Mennonite School, as a Mennonite institution, may operate on a different tuition model or suggested donation basis. All typically offer multi-child discounts. Kansas has a Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which can provide scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools. Additionally, many schools have internal aid funded by their congregations or donors, so it's essential to inquire directly about application processes.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Burns area offer?
Given their small size, private schools in the Burns area prioritize core academics within a values-based framework and leverage their rural setting. Common strengths include small class sizes (often 10-15 students per grade), individualized attention, and strong foundational curricula in reading, math, and religion. St. Mary's Grade School integrates Catholic sacramental preparation. Tabor Mennonite School emphasizes peace studies, agriculture, and practical arts consistent with Mennonite traditions. Extracurriculars are often community-oriented and may include choir, spelling bees, science fairs, and sports through cooperative leagues with other small schools. The intimate environment fosters close student-teacher relationships and a strong sense of community belonging.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Burns, Kansas?
Enrollment processes are straightforward but require early attention due to limited seats. Most schools, like St. John's Lutheran and St. Mary's Grade School, begin open enrollment for the next academic year in January or February. The process usually involves submitting an application form, providing birth and baptismal certificates (if applicable), academic records, and often a family interview or meeting with the principal. Some may require a pastor's reference for member families. Priority is typically given to siblings of current students and active church members. Given the small capacity, it is advisable to contact the school office by early spring to secure a spot, especially for incoming kindergarten students.
How do the private school options in Burns compare to the public Centralia-Burns USD 397 system?
The key differences lie in educational approach, scale, and continuity. The public Centralia-Burns USD 397 system offers a comprehensive K-12 pathway in a single district, with broader extracurricular offerings, sports teams, and potentially more specialized electives at the junior high and high school levels. The private schools in the area (K-8) provide a specific religious and moral education integrated throughout the curriculum, with exceptionally small class sizes. For families in Burns seeking a faith-based education through 8th grade, the private options are compelling. However, they require a transition to public high school or a commute to a private high school later on. The choice often hinges on the priority placed on religious instruction and a close-knit elementary environment versus the convenience and continuity of a unified public district.