The Best Private Schools in Delia, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Delia. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Academy & College
Catholic Educational Institution
St. Mary's Academy provides a unique classical education model that attracts students from across northeast Kansas, including Delia. The academy offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition, featuring the Great Books program, four years of Latin, and comprehensive music education. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school achieves exceptional academic results and character formation. The beautiful campus includes historic buildings, chapel, library, and athletic facilities. The school is particularly noted for its strong community atmosphere and high college acceptance rates to prestigious institutions.
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Hayden High School
Catholic School System
Hayden High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the greater Topeka area, including Delia residents. Established in 1959, the school offers a rigorous academic program with a 14:1 student-teacher ratio and a 100% college acceptance rate. The campus features modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. Hayden consistently ranks among the top private schools in Kansas for academic achievement and student outcomes, with strong programs in STEM, fine arts, and competitive athletics.
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Jackson Heights Elementary School (Private Division)
Independent
Located in nearby Holton, Jackson Heights serves students from Delia and surrounding communities with a comprehensive elementary education program. The school emphasizes individualized learning with small class sizes and dedicated teacher support. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, and outdoor learning spaces. The school has built a strong reputation for academic excellence and community involvement, with particular strength in early literacy development and mathematics fundamentals. Parent satisfaction is high due to the school's focus on whole-child development and strong teacher-parent communication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Delia, Kansas
What are the private school options for families living in or near Delia, Kansas, given it is a very small community?
While Delia itself is a small rural town, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the broader northeast Kansas region. The most prominent options include Hayden High School (a Catholic diocesan school in Topeka, about 30 miles away), St. Mary's Academy & College (a Catholic boarding/day school in St. Marys, approximately 45 miles away), and the private division of Jackson Heights Elementary School (located in the unified school district near Holton, roughly 25 miles from Delia). Most families in Delia considering private education should plan for a significant commute, making transportation a key factor in the decision.
How does the tuition at private schools serving Delia, KS, compare, and are there any Kansas-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Hayden High School's tuition is approximately $8,000-$9,000 for parishioners, while St. Mary's Academy's day student tuition is higher, reflecting its boarding school program. Kansas offers the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships for students from lower-income families to attend private schools. Additionally, many Kansas private schools, including those serving Delia families, offer their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for Catholic families. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about available aid.
What unique academic or faith-based programs do the private schools accessible from Delia, Kansas, offer?
The schools provide distinct educational environments. Hayden High School in Topeka offers a comprehensive college-prep curriculum with strong athletics and arts programs within a Catholic framework. St. Mary's Academy & College is unique for its Classical Liberal Arts education and is one of the few institutions in the U.S. that incorporates the Traditional Latin Mass into its Catholic identity. For younger students, the private division at Jackson Heights may offer a smaller, community-focused alternative to public elementary school. These programs cater to parents seeking specific religious formation or pedagogical approaches not typically found in Delia's public school district.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools that Delia, KS, residents might apply to?
Given the limited seats and competitive nature, especially at schools like Hayden and St. Mary's, planning ahead is essential. Most schools have an application opening in the fall (September-October) for the following academic year, with deadlines in winter (January-February). The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview. For Delia families, attending open houses—which are often held in the fall—requires a drive to Topeka or St. Marys. It's highly recommended to initiate contact with admissions offices a full year before desired enrollment.
For a family in Delia, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school (Rossville-Delia USD 321) and a private school a significant distance away?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Rossville-Delia USD 321 public schools offer the convenience of proximity, no tuition, and strong community ties. Opting for a private school like Hayden or St. Mary's involves a daily commute of 30-60 minutes each way, adding substantial time and transportation costs. Parents must weigh this against the desire for a specific religious education, different class sizes, or specialized academic programs. The social aspect is also different; children attending distant private schools will have friends and activities largely outside their immediate Delia community, which can impact extracurricular participation and local friendships.