Private Schools in Columbus, Kansas

Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School is a prestigious college preparatory school located approximately 30 miles from Columbus in Joplin, Missouri. Founded in 1996, this highly-rated independent school serves students from southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri. The school offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, providing rigorous academic challenges for high-achieving students. With exceptional teacher-to-student ratios and state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, and performing arts spaces, TJIDS consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier universities. The school's comprehensive athletic and arts programs complement its strong academic foundation, making it a popular choice for Columbus families seeking premium private education.

St. Mary's-Colgan Catholic Schools is a highly-regarded PreK-12 institution located just 15 miles from Columbus in Pittsburg. Founded in 1949, this established Catholic school system offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and faith formation. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention and consistently achieve above-average test scores. The school serves families throughout southeast Kansas, including Columbus residents, and offers robust extracurricular programs in athletics, fine arts, and community service.

St. Michael's Elementary School in Girard, located approximately 20 miles from Columbus, has served southeast Kansas families since 1959. This well-established Catholic elementary school provides a strong foundation in core academic subjects while integrating faith formation and character development. The school features modern classrooms, computer labs, and dedicated spaces for art and music education. With a focus on individualized learning and small class sizes, St. Michael's maintains high academic standards and strong parent satisfaction. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and commitment to serving students from surrounding communities including Columbus. Extended care programs and extracurricular activities provide additional support for working families.