The Best Private Schools in Concordia, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Concordia. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Cair Paravel Latin School
Independent Classical School
Cair Paravel Latin School is a top-rated classical private school that attracts students from across Kansas, including the Concordia region. Known for its challenging curriculum centered on the liberal arts, Latin, and Socratic teaching methods, the school emphasizes critical thinking and leadership. The campus features historic buildings with updated amenities, including science labs and art studios. Parents report high satisfaction with academic outcomes, personalized attention, and a vibrant community. Extracurricular offerings include debate, theater, sports, and international travel programs, preparing students for top universities.
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Manhattan Christian School
Christian School Association
Manhattan Christian School has built a strong reputation for academic excellence and serves students from Concordia and surrounding communities. The school integrates faith-based learning with a rigorous curriculum that includes college preparatory courses, STEM initiatives, and fine arts. Facilities include state-of-the-art technology labs, a gymnasium, and performing arts spaces. Parent reviews highlight the supportive community, high teacher retention, and successful college placements. Extracurriculars range from championship athletic teams to robotics clubs and music ensembles, fostering student growth and engagement.
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Salina Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Salina Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private school serving families in north-central Kansas, including the Concordia area. Founded on Christian principles, the school offers a comprehensive K-12 education with strong academic rigor, including Advanced Placement courses and STEM programs. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, small class sizes, and the school's emphasis on character development. Extracurricular activities include competitive sports, music, drama, and community service programs, providing a well-rounded education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Concordia, Kansas
Are there any private schools actually located within Concordia, Kansas, or will we need to commute to a nearby city?
There are no private K-12 schools physically located within the city limits of Concordia itself. Families seeking private education typically commute to schools in surrounding communities. The most common options include Salina Christian Academy in Salina (about 50 miles south), Manhattan Christian School in Manhattan (about 75 miles east), and Cair Paravel Latin School in Topeka (about 100 miles east). This commute is a significant factor for Concordia parents, requiring consideration of transportation logistics, time, and potential carpool arrangements with other local families.
What is the average annual tuition for private schools accessible from Concordia, KS, and are there any Kansas-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the primary private schools serving Concordia families varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $5,000 to $9,000 per year for Salina Christian Academy and Manhattan Christian School, while Cair Paravel Latin School, with its classical curriculum, may be higher. Kansas offers specific financial aid options, most notably the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program. This program allows donors to receive tax credits for contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), which then provide need-based scholarships for students to attend private schools. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their participation in this program and their own internal financial aid and multi-child discounts.
How do the academic and extracurricular programs at schools like Salina Christian Academy or Manhattan Christian School compare to Concordia's public school offerings?
The comparison centers on educational philosophy and program scale. Concordia Public Schools (USD 333) offer a comprehensive, tax-funded education with a wide range of standard extracurriculars, including robust agriculture and FFA programs relevant to the local economy. The private alternatives provide a distinct faith-based education (Christian worldview integration across all subjects), often with smaller class sizes for more individualized attention. Their extracurriculars may be more limited in variety due to smaller student bodies but are deeply rooted in their mission. For example, they may emphasize specific sports, music, or mission trips over the broader athletic conferences or vocational-tech offerings available at Concordia Junior-Senior High School.
What are the typical enrollment timelines and key deadlines for private schools in the Salina and Manhattan areas that Concordia families should be aware of?
Planning ahead is essential due to commuting and limited seats. Most private schools in this region have enrollment open in January or February for the following fall, with priority deadlines often in March. For instance, re-enrollment for current families typically happens early, and new family applications are reviewed shortly after. Many host open houses in the winter. A critical step for Concordia parents is to apply for financial aid (like the Kansas SGO scholarship) simultaneously with admission, as those funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend initiating inquiries a full year in advance, especially if you need to coordinate transportation or after-care arrangements from a distance.
What unique qualities or notable features distinguish the private schools that serve the Concordia, KS, community?
Each school offers a unique value proposition for North Central Kansas families. **Salina Christian Academy** is known for its strong college-prep curriculum and a sense of community for families from a wider rural region. **Manhattan Christian School** offers the benefit of proximity to a university town (Kansas State), which can provide unique enrichment opportunities. **Cair Paravel Latin School** stands out with its distinctive classical, Christian liberal arts model, focusing on great books, Latin, and rhetoric—a format rare in the Kansas plains. For Concordia parents, a common notable feature across these options is the tight-knit, values-based community, which can provide a consistent social and moral framework for students who may be traveling a significant distance together.