The Best Private Schools in Clearwater, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clearwater. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Independent School
Independent
The Independent School is a highly-regarded private college preparatory school serving the Wichita metropolitan area, including Clearwater families. Established in 1979, the school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in STEM, humanities, and arts. With a 100% college acceptance rate and numerous National Merit Scholars, TIS provides comprehensive education for students from preschool through 12th grade.
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Trinity Academy
Independent Christian School
Trinity Academy is a premier classical Christian school serving the greater Wichita area, including Clearwater residents. Founded in 1996, the school combines rigorous academics with Christian worldview integration across all subjects. The classical approach emphasizes critical thinking, logic, rhetoric, and traditional liberal arts. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a comprehensive athletic program. The school consistently produces graduates who excel in college and beyond, with strong emphasis on character formation and leadership development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic complexes.
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Wichita Collegiate School
Independent
Wichita Collegiate School is one of the region's most established private institutions, serving students from Clearwater and throughout south-central Kansas. Founded in 1963, the school offers a comprehensive educational experience from early childhood through 12th grade. The curriculum includes both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, providing students with multiple pathways to academic excellence. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, performing arts venues, and extensive athletic complexes. The school is known for its strong college placement record, championship athletic teams, and outstanding arts programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clearwater, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Clearwater, Kansas, and are they located within the city?
While Clearwater, Kansas itself is a smaller community, families typically look to nearby Wichita for the most prominent private school options. The top schools often considered include The Independent School, Trinity Academy, and Wichita Collegiate School, all located in Wichita, approximately a 15-20 minute commute from Clearwater. There are limited, if any, private K-12 institutions physically located within Clearwater's city limits, so planning for transportation to the Wichita metro area is a key consideration for Clearwater residents seeking private education.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Clearwater, KS, compare to the Kansas state average, and what financial aid options are typical?
Tuition for schools like The Independent School, Trinity Academy, and Wichita Collegiate School typically ranges from approximately $15,000 to $22,000+ per year for the upper grades, which is above the Kansas private school average. These schools offer robust need-based financial aid programs, and many Kansas residents utilize the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships for students to attend private schools. It's essential for Clearwater families to apply for financial aid early and directly through each school's admissions office.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving Clearwater students offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools in the Wichita area accessible to Clearwater families often provide distinctive programs not always available in smaller public districts. These can include globally-focused curricula like the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, extensive world language instruction starting in lower grades, specialized college counseling, and competitive athletic conferences. For example, Wichita Collegiate School has a renowned debate program, and The Independent School emphasizes global citizenship. These programs offer enriched opportunities but require consideration of the daily commute from Clearwater.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for a family from Clearwater applying to a Wichita-area private school?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For a fall start, applications for schools like Trinity Academy or The Independent School often open in August/September, with deadlines typically between January and February. The process includes submitting an application, standardized testing (like the ISEE), school records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. As a Clearwater resident, it's crucial to factor in visit days and potential entrance exam dates in Wichita. Admission decisions are usually released in March. Starting the process a full year in advance is strongly advised.
For a family in Clearwater, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in Wichita?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Clearwater USD 264 provides a community-centered, no-commute education. Opting for a Wichita private school involves a significant daily commitment to transportation (20+ minutes each way), which impacts family schedules and extracurricular participation. Academically, it's a choice between the resources of a smaller public district and the specialized, often more resource-intensive programs of a larger private institution. Financially, you must weigh private tuition and transportation costs against the tax-supported public system. Many families visit both their local Clearwater schools and their top private choices to compare culture and fit directly.