The Best Private Schools in Cambridge, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cambridge. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Independent School
The Independent School
The Independent School is a highly-regarded private school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Located approximately 60 miles from Cambridge in Wichita, this school draws students from throughout south-central Kansas. TIS offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, visual and performing arts, and community service opportunities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and maintains a strong track record of college placements.
Programs:
Wichita Collegiate School
Wichita Collegiate School
Wichita Collegiate School is a premier independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Located in Wichita, the school serves families throughout south-central Kansas including the Cambridge area. The school offers a challenging academic program with extensive Advanced Placement opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities, and outstanding athletic and arts programs. With a student-teacher ratio of 9:1, Wichita Collegiate provides personalized attention and has a reputation for producing well-rounded graduates who excel in college and beyond.
Programs:
Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Wichita
Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School is a well-established private Catholic school serving students in grades 9-12. While located in Wichita, the school serves families from throughout the region including Cambridge. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum rooted in Catholic values, with strong academic programs, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. Kapaun emphasizes faith formation, academic excellence, and service to community, preparing students for success in higher education and life. The school has a long tradition of academic achievement and community involvement.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cambridge, Kansas
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Cambridge, Kansas, given that the top-rated schools are in Wichita?
For families in Cambridge, KS, private education primarily involves commuting to schools in the greater Wichita area, approximately 30-45 minutes away. The most prominent options include The Independent School (Pre-K-12, non-sectarian), Wichita Collegiate School (Pre-K-12, non-sectarian), and Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School (9-12). There are no major private school campuses within Cambridge itself. Many families in small Kansas towns like Cambridge form carpools or utilize school-provided transportation options to manage the commute. It's also worth exploring smaller parochial schools in nearby towns like Wellington or Arkansas City as potential alternatives.
How does the tuition at Wichita-area private schools compare to the Kansas state average, and what financial aid options are available for Cambridge residents?
Tuition for the top Wichita-area private schools ranges significantly, from approximately $10,000 to over $20,000 per year for upper grades, which is generally above the Kansas private school average due to their extensive facilities and programs. For Cambridge residents, the primary financial consideration is the added, non-reimbursable cost of daily transportation. All major schools offer need-based financial aid, and Kansas has the *Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program*, which can provide scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as funds are limited and the process is separate from admissions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs at these Wichita schools might justify the commute from Cambridge, KS?
The schools accessible from Cambridge offer programs typically unavailable in small rural public districts. Wichita Collegiate School and The Independent School have renowned college preparatory curricula, extensive Advanced Placement (AP) offerings, and signature programs in entrepreneurship, engineering, and global studies. Kapaun Mt. Carmel provides a strong faith-based education alongside competitive athletics and robotics programs. For a student in Cambridge with specific talents in academics, arts, or sports, these schools provide a level of specialization, competition, and college counseling that can be a compelling reason for the daily commute.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for a Cambridge student applying to a private school in Wichita?
The timeline is critical and requires early planning. Most Wichita private schools have application deadlines between January and February for the following fall, with admissions testing (like the ISEE) often required months earlier. As a Cambridge resident, you should attend open houses in the fall, often as early as September or October. A key step is arranging a shadow day for your child, which will involve a full-day commute. Admissions are competitive, and being from a smaller community like Cambridge is neither an advantage nor disadvantage; schools focus on academic records, test scores, and personal interviews. Promptness is essential due to the travel logistics for each required step.
How does the environment of a Wichita private school compare to the public school experience in Cambridge, Kansas?
The Cambridge USD 432 public school district offers a close-knit, community-centered K-12 experience with smaller class sizes in a single building. In contrast, the Wichita private schools offer a larger, more diverse student body drawn from across the metropolitan area, with vastly more resources, facilities, and elective choices. The trade-off is foundational: Cambridge schools provide convenience and local identity, while the private options offer specialized academic rigor and breadth of opportunity at the cost of a significant daily commute and tuition. The decision often hinges on whether a family's educational priorities align more with community proximity or specialized programming not available locally.