The Best Private Schools in Circleville, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Circleville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Dominic School
Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
St. Dominic School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located just 15 miles from Circleville in Holton, this established institution provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes STEM education, music, art, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent preparation for high school. The school serves families throughout Jackson County and surrounding areas including Circleville.
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Cair Paravel Latin School
Independent
Cair Paravel Latin School is a prestigious classical Christian school located in Topeka, approximately 30 miles from Circleville. Serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, the school offers a rigorous classical education model emphasizing critical thinking, rhetoric, and traditional academic disciplines. The curriculum includes Latin instruction, advanced mathematics and sciences, comprehensive humanities, and competitive athletic programs. With exceptional college placement rates and a strong track record of academic excellence, Cair Paravel attracts students from throughout northeast Kansas. The school's dedicated faculty and challenging academic environment make it a top choice for families seeking premium private education.
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Hayden High School
Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
Hayden High School is a well-established Catholic secondary school in Topeka that serves students from throughout northeast Kansas, including the Circleville area. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, strong STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic teams and vibrant fine arts programs. With modern facilities, experienced faculty, and a strong tradition of academic excellence, Hayden consistently produces graduates who excel in college and beyond. The school's faith-based community and commitment to character development complement its strong academic program, making it a popular choice for families seeking quality Catholic secondary education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Circleville, Kansas
What are the private school options for families living in or near Circleville, Kansas?
Circleville itself is a small, rural community, so most private school options are located in the broader northeast Kansas region, particularly in Topeka, which is about a 30-minute drive. The schools you mentioned—St. Dominic School (a Catholic K-8), Cair Paravel Latin School (a classical Christian K-12), and Hayden High School (a Catholic 9-12)—are all located in Topeka. For Circleville residents, this means commuting is a standard part of the private school choice. Some families also explore options in nearby communities like Holton or Atchison. It's important to contact these schools directly about transportation or carpool options available to families from the Circleville area.
How does tuition at Topeka-area private schools compare for Circleville, KS residents, and are there any Kansas-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the Topeka-area schools serving Circleville families varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $5,000 to $10,000+ annually, with high schools typically at the higher end. A key Kansas-specific financial consideration is the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program. This allows donors to receive tax credits for contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), which then provide need-based scholarships to eligible students attending private schools. All three mentioned schools participate with SGOs. Additionally, many schools offer parish subsidies for member families, multi-child discounts, and payment plans. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early in the enrollment process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Circleville, KS offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in the Topeka area provide specialized programs that may justify the commute from Circleville. Cair Paravel Latin School offers a distinctive classical, Christian curriculum centered on the trivium (grammar, logic, rhetoric) and includes Latin instruction. Hayden High School has a strong tradition in competitive athletics (especially football and wrestling) within the Centennial League and offers robust STEM and theology programs. St. Dominic School provides a faith-based elementary foundation with an emphasis on community. These schools often have smaller class sizes than rural public districts, allowing for more individualized attention. Conversely, Circleville's public school, Circleville USD 376, offers the benefit of a tight-knit, local community and may provide different agricultural or vocational programs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Hayden or Cair Paravel for a family moving from Circleville?
The enrollment process for these Topeka schools generally begins in the winter for the following fall. Open houses typically occur between January and March. For Hayden and Cair Paravel, it is recommended to apply by early spring, as some grades may have waiting lists. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records from your current school (including Circleville Elementary if applicable), a family interview, and possibly student assessment/testing. For Catholic schools like St. Dominic and Hayden, baptismal certificates are required. Given the commute, discussing logistics and potential late-start/early-dismissal accommodations during the interview is advisable. We recommend contacting the admissions office directly in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year.
For a Circleville family, what are the key factors in choosing between the local public school and a private school in Topeka?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Circleville USD 376 public school offers extreme proximity, a known community environment, and no tuition or commute costs. Choosing a Topeka private school involves a significant daily commute (30+ minutes each way) and tuition, but offers alternatives in religious education (Catholic or Christian), specific pedagogical approaches (classical), often more extensive extracurricular and athletic opportunities, and a different peer group. For high school, families might consider if their student aims to compete in larger athletic conferences or access specific Advanced Placement or dual-credit courses more readily available at a school like Hayden. Ultimately, it's a balance of educational philosophy, logistical feasibility, and financial commitment unique to living in a rural community like Circleville.