The Best Private Schools in Cummings, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cummings. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph Christian School
Independent Christian School
St. Joseph Christian School is a highly-rated independent Christian school that serves students from both Missouri and Kansas, including the Cummings area. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical worldview education. Features include state-of-the-art technology labs, modern athletic facilities, and dedicated fine arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes individualized learning with a strong track record of college acceptance. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports teams, music and drama programs, and various student organizations. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere and high parent satisfaction ratings.
Programs:
Maur Hill-Mount Academy
Catholic Private Boarding & Day School
Maur Hill-Mount Academy is a prestigious Catholic college preparatory school serving northeast Kansas, including the Cummings area. As a boarding and day school, it offers rigorous academic programs including International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses. The school features comprehensive athletic facilities, modern classrooms, and extensive arts programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and provides personalized attention to students. The 50-acre campus includes state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes.
Programs:
Immaculata High School
Catholic Diocese of Kansas City
Immaculata High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the broader northeast Kansas region, including Cummings families. The school offers a challenging academic curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education, college readiness, and character development. Facilities include modern science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and provides extensive college counseling services. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, performing arts, and community service opportunities.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cummings, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Cummings, Kansas?
Cummings, Kansas, is served by a small cluster of faith-based private schools, reflecting the area's community values. The most prominent options are Maur Hill-Mount Academy (a Catholic, co-educational boarding and day school for grades 9-12), Immaculata High School (a Catholic high school in Leavenworth), and St. Joseph Christian School (a Pre-K through 12 Christian school in St. Joseph, MO, serving families from the broader region, including Kansas). Due to Cummings's rural setting, many families consider schools in nearby Leavenworth, Atchison, and St. Joseph, Missouri, expanding their options beyond the immediate city limits.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Cummings, KS, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Kansas?
Tuition in the Cummings area varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $5,000 to $15,000+ for day students, with Maur Hill-Mount Academy's boarding program being significantly higher. Kansas offers specific financial aid opportunities that local families can utilize, most notably the *Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program*. This program provides scholarships for students to attend private schools, funded by donations from businesses that receive a state tax credit. Additionally, each school typically offers its own need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for Catholic families, and multi-child discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving the Cummings community?
Schools serving Cummings families often leverage their specific missions to offer distinctive programs. Maur Hill-Mount Academy, with its international boarding program, provides a globally diverse environment and a strong college-prep curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Immaculata High School emphasizes a faith-based education with a focus on service learning. St. Joseph Christian School offers a comprehensive Pre-K-12 pathway with a focus on Christian worldview integration across all subjects and competitive athletics in Missouri state leagues. For a rural area, these schools provide access to specialized programs in theology, world languages, and fine arts that may be more limited in local public districts.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in the Cummings, Kansas, region?
The enrollment process for schools like Maur Hill-Mount Academy, Immaculata, and St. Joseph Christian generally begins in the winter (January-February) for the following fall. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house or scheduling a personal tour, which is highly recommended given the schools' locations relative to Cummings. 2) Submitting an application by early spring, often with priority deadlines in March. 3) Providing records, teacher recommendations, and sometimes attending a student shadow day or interview. 4) Applying for financial aid separately, usually concurrent with admission. For boarding students at Maur Hill, the process involves additional I-20 visa steps for international applicants. We advise contacting schools directly by December to ensure you meet all deadlines.
For families in Cummings, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
The decision often hinges on values, logistics, and educational goals specific to rural Northeast Kansas. Key considerations include: **Commute:** Private options require a daily drive to Atchison, Leavenworth, or St. Joseph, impacting family schedules. **Educational Approach:** Private schools offer a specific religious foundation (Catholic or Christian) integrated into daily learning, which is a primary motivator for many families. **Class Size:** Private schools typically feature much smaller class sizes than regional public schools, allowing for more individualized attention. **Cost vs. Investment:** Families must weigh tuition against the perceived value of a faith-based environment, college preparatory focus, and specific extracurricular offerings (like boarding or international programs). It's crucial to visit both your local public school and the private options to compare cultures and offerings firsthand.