The Best Private Schools in Danville, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Danville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Barstow School
Independent
The Barstow School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the greater Kansas City metropolitan area, including families from Danville. Founded in 1884, this prestigious institution offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional STEM programs and extensive arts integration. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Barstow provides personalized attention and has a strong track record of college placements. The school's global studies program and extensive extracurricular offerings make it a top choice for families seeking comprehensive private education in the region.
Programs:
Pembroke Hill School
Independent
Pembroke Hill School is a premier independent school serving the Kansas City region, including Danville area families. With over a century of educational excellence, the school offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, providing students with diverse academic pathways. The campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Pembroke Hill is known for its strong community atmosphere, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and comprehensive student support services. The school's commitment to developing well-rounded individuals through academics, arts, and athletics makes it a standout choice in the metropolitan area.
Programs:
The Lexington School
Independent
The Lexington School serves as a regional private education option for families in Danville and surrounding communities. Established in 1970, this independent school provides a strong college preparatory curriculum with particular emphasis on STEM education and character development. The school features well-maintained facilities including technology-enhanced classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic fields. With a focus on personalized learning and community involvement, The Lexington School maintains small class sizes and offers diverse extracurricular activities. The school's outdoor education program and commitment to developing responsible citizens make it an excellent choice for families seeking quality private education within reasonable commuting distance from Danville.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Danville, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available for families in Danville, Kansas, and are they located within the city itself?
Danville, Kansas, is a very small community, and the top-tier private schools often referenced for the broader region, such as The Barstow School, Pembroke Hill School, and The Lexington School, are actually located in the Kansas City metropolitan area in Missouri. For families in Danville, KS, these would be considered significant commutes. Local private options within or very near Danville itself are extremely limited, typically consisting of small parochial or faith-based schools. Parents should research schools in nearby larger Kansas communities like Topeka or the Kansas City suburbs, and be prepared for a potential daily drive. The Kansas State Department of Education website is a key resource for verifying accredited private schools in the state.
How does the tuition for Kansas City-area private schools compare to the cost of living in Danville, Kansas, and are there financial aid options for Kansas residents?
Tuition for prestigious Kansas City-area private schools like Pembroke Hill or Barstow can range from $20,000 to $30,000+ annually per student. This is a significant financial consideration for families based in Danville, where the cost of living is generally lower than in the metro area. Kansas does not have a statewide voucher or tax-credit scholarship program, so financial assistance is primarily offered directly by the individual schools through need-based grants and merit scholarships. It is crucial for Danville parents to inquire about each school's specific financial aid policies and deadlines, as aid can substantially reduce the net cost. Additionally, some schools may offer reduced rates for families with multiple children enrolled.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs might be accessible to a student commuting from Danville, KS, to a Kansas City private school?
The major private schools in the Kansas City region offer programs that are typically not available in small rural public school districts like those serving Danville. These can include robust college preparatory Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma programs, extensive world language offerings starting in lower grades, specialized STEM labs and robotics teams, and comprehensive arts programs with professional-grade facilities. For a student from Danville, the commute grants access to these enriched opportunities, but parents must weigh this benefit against the substantial time commitment and transportation logistics involved in a daily trip that could be 60-90 minutes each way.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Kansas City area that a family from Danville, KS, should follow?
Families in Danville must plan well ahead, as the admission process for competitive Kansas City private schools often begins 12-18 months before the desired enrollment date. Key steps generally include: attending open houses in the fall (often a year prior to entry), submitting applications by January or February, completing student assessments and interviews in the winter, and receiving admission decisions in March. Given the distance, it is especially important for Danville parents to schedule campus visits and interviews efficiently, potentially grouping them into one or two dedicated trips to the city. Missing these early deadlines can limit options, as spaces fill quickly.
For a family living in Danville, what are the key factors to consider when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in the Kansas City area?
This decision involves a major lifestyle and financial evaluation. Key factors include: **Educational Offering:** The local public school provides a community-centered, no-tuition education with likely smaller class sizes but fewer specialized academic and extracurricular programs. A Kansas City private school offers a vast array of advanced courses, activities, and facilities. **Commute:** A daily commute to Kansas City adds 2-3 hours to a child's day, impacting family time, homework schedules, and participation in after-school activities. **Cost:** Beyond tuition, families must factor in transportation costs (gas, tolls, potential for private bus service) and the time cost for the driving parent. **Community:** Attending school locally in Danville means your child's social network is geographically close, whereas a private school social life will be centered in the city, requiring more planning for playdates and events.