The Best Private Schools in Crestline, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Crestline. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's-Colgan High School
Catholic Diocese of Wichita
St. Mary's-Colgan is a highly-regarded Catholic high school serving the Southeast Kansas region, including Crestline. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and faith formation. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, fine arts, and community service opportunities. The school consistently achieves high academic performance with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School
Independent School
Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School is a premier private school serving students from multiple states in the region, including Kansas families from Crestline. The school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, providing students with challenging academic opportunities. With a focus on critical thinking and global perspective, the school features state-of-the-art facilities, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school is known for its strong college placement record and individualized attention.
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College Heights Christian School
College Heights Christian Church
College Heights Christian School provides comprehensive Christian education from preschool through high school, serving families across the Kansas-Missouri border region including Crestline. The school combines strong academic preparation with faith-based values, offering a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced coursework, extensive fine arts programs, and competitive sports. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and commitment to developing students' spiritual, academic, and personal growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Crestline, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Crestline, Kansas?
While Crestline itself is a small community, families in the area have access to several well-regarded private schools in the broader region. The most prominent options include St. Mary's-Colgan High School in Pittsburg, which offers a Catholic, Pre-K through 12th-grade education. Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School, also in Joplin, MO (within reasonable commuting distance), is a prestigious, non-sectarian college-preparatory school. College Heights Christian School in Joplin provides a Protestant Christian education from preschool through 12th grade. For Crestline residents, these schools involve a commute, but they represent the primary private institutions serving the southeast Kansas and four-state area.
How does the tuition for private schools near Crestline, KS, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Kansas?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2023-2024 academic year, St. Mary's-Colgan High School's tuition is approximately $5,000-$7,000 for parishioners, with non-parishioner rates higher. Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School, as an elite independent school, has tuition exceeding $15,000. College Heights Christian School's tuition is typically in the mid-range. Importantly, Kansas offers the **Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program**, which provides scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. All these schools also offer their own need-based financial aid, and payment plans are common. It's essential to contact each school's admissions office for the most current rates and aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Crestline, KS, area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools near Crestline offer specialized programs that may not be available in smaller public school districts. St. Mary's-Colgan is known for its strong faith-based education, robust athletics tradition, and a notable dual-credit program with Pittsburg State University. Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School offers an advanced, globally-focused curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement (AP) options, international studies, and competitive academic teams like Model UN. College Heights Christian School emphasizes integrating faith into all subjects and has strong arts and music programs. These schools often have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention compared to the larger class cohorts in some regional public schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Crestline, Kansas, families?
The enrollment process for these schools generally begins in the winter or early spring for the following fall semester. For instance, Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School has a rigorous process involving an application, student assessments, interviews, and teacher recommendations, with deadlines often in February. St. Mary's-Colgan and College Heights Christian School also have priority deadlines in the spring, though they may accept applications on a rolling basis if space permits. Given that these schools draw from a wide geographic area, including Crestline, it is **crucial to initiate inquiries by January** to secure a spot and complete any necessary testing. Most schools host open houses in the fall and winter.
For a family in Crestline, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school requiring a commute?
The decision hinges on several factors unique to living in a rural community like Crestline. Key considerations include: **Commute Time** (a 20-45 minute drive to Joplin or Pittsburg is standard), **Educational Philosophy** (faith-based vs. secular, college-prep intensity), **Cost** (tuition vs. free public school), and **Extracurricular Access** (private schools may offer specialized clubs or sports not available in a small public district). Crestline's public schools are part of a unified district, offering convenience and community connection. In contrast, private schools provide an alternative curriculum and often a wider network. Visiting both local public schools and the private options is essential to assess the environment, talk to administrators, and determine the best fit for your child's needs and your family's logistics.
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