The Best Private Schools in Ellinwood, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ellinwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Family Elementary School
Catholic Diocese of Dodge City
Holy Family Elementary School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving the Ellinwood area from nearby Great Bend. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith-based learning, academic excellence, and character development. The school features modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, and robust extracurricular programs including athletics, music, and art. Parents consistently praise the small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and strong community atmosphere. The school maintains high academic standards while providing a nurturing Christian environment.
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St. Joseph Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Wichita
St. Joseph Catholic School is located directly in Ellinwood and serves students from Pre-K through 6th grade. This established parish school offers a classical education model integrated with Catholic teachings and values. The school features updated technology resources, a comprehensive literacy program, and strong emphasis on community service. Facilities include a modern library, computer lab, and gymnasium. Parents appreciate the family-like atmosphere, individualized attention, and strong academic foundation. The school maintains close ties with St. Joseph Parish and serves families throughout Barton County.
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Trinity Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Trinity Lutheran School provides Christ-centered education for students from preschool through 8th grade, serving families from Ellinwood and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic program grounded in Lutheran theology, with strong emphasis on reading, mathematics, and faith development. Facilities include science labs, music rooms, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its dedicated faculty, safe learning environment, and strong parent-teacher partnerships. Extracurricular activities include choir, sports, and various clubs. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's academic standards and nurturing Christian environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ellinwood, Kansas
What are the private school options for families in Ellinwood, Kansas, and what grade levels do they serve?
Ellinwood, KS, offers three primary private school options, all with a religious affiliation. Holy Family Elementary School (Pre-K through 6th grade) and St. Joseph Catholic School (Pre-K through 6th grade) are both Catholic institutions. Trinity Lutheran School is a Lutheran school typically serving preschool and elementary grades. For secondary education, families in Ellinwood often look at private high schools in larger nearby communities like Great Bend or Hutchinson, as there are no private high schools within Ellinwood itself. This makes understanding the transition after 6th grade a key planning point for local families.
How does tuition at Ellinwood's private schools compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Kansas?
Tuition at Ellinwood's private schools is generally more affordable than in major metropolitan areas, often ranging from $2,000 to $4,500 per year for elementary students, with discounts for multiple children and parishioners. A significant financial consideration specific to Kansas is the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program. This allows donors to receive a tax credit for contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), which then provide need-based scholarships for students to attend private schools. All three Ellinwood schools typically participate with such SGOs. Additionally, in-house payment plans and parish subsidies for members are common.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Ellinwood's private schools offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in Ellinwood emphasize small class sizes and faith-based integration into all subjects. A notable program specific to the Catholic schools is the emphasis on sacramental preparation (First Communion, Reconciliation) as part of the school day. Trinity Lutheran School integrates Lutheran doctrine and chapel services. Academically, these schools often have strong, traditional phonics-based reading programs and may offer specialized music or art instruction tied to religious traditions. Their small size allows for a tight-knit community feel but may offer fewer elective or advanced STEM courses compared to the larger Ellinwood public school district.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Ellinwood, Kansas?
Given the small size of Ellinwood's private schools, enrollment is often on a rolling basis but is highly encouraged in the early spring (February-April) for the following fall. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), immunization records, and possibly a previous school report. Most schools require a family interview or meeting with the principal. Unlike in competitive urban markets, there is rarely a waitlist, but spaces can fill in specific grades due to very limited class sizes. It's advisable to contact the school office directly, as timelines can be more flexible but are dependent on very limited staffing.
For families new to the area, what are the key considerations when choosing between Ellinwood's public school and the local private schools?
The key considerations are community, curriculum, and cost. Ellinwood's public school (USD 355) offers a comprehensive K-12 continuum, broader extracurricular activities (like sports and band), and no tuition. The private schools offer a distinct faith-based environment, very small student-to-teacher ratios, and a consistent moral framework throughout the curriculum. For families seeking a specific religious education, the private options are essential. However, the need to potentially switch to public school for 7th-12th grades is a major logistical factor. The decision often hinges on how much value a family places on religious instruction and a small, familiar setting during the foundational elementary years versus the continuity and broader resources of the public system.