The Best Private Schools in Ellis, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ellis. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Thomas More Prep-Marian
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Thomas More Prep-Marian is a co-educational Catholic college preparatory school serving students in grades 6-12. Located just 15 miles from Ellis in Hays, TMP-Marian has a strong academic reputation with a 100% college acceptance rate. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum including Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes character development through its Catholic mission while preparing students for higher education success.
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St. Mary's Catholic Grade School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
St. Mary's Catholic Grade School serves students from pre-kindergarten through 6th grade and is part of the Hays Catholic Schools system. Located approximately 15 miles from Ellis, this long-established school provides a strong foundation in faith-based education with modern academic rigor. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive programs in literacy, mathematics, science, and religious education. Facilities include technology-enhanced classrooms, a library, gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for music and art instruction. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and strong parent involvement.
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St. Mary's Catholic School - Victoria
Catholic Diocese of Salina
St. Mary's Catholic School in Victoria serves students in kindergarten through 8th grade and is located approximately 25 miles from Ellis. This rural Catholic school provides a strong academic foundation with particular emphasis on faith formation and community values. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum including technology integration, music education, and physical education programs. Unique to the area, the school incorporates agricultural studies that reflect the region's farming heritage. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, St. Mary's focuses on individualized attention and character development while maintaining high academic standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ellis, Kansas
What are the private school options available for families in Ellis, Kansas, and what grade levels do they serve?
Ellis, Kansas, is served by a small number of private, faith-based institutions. The primary options are Thomas More Prep-Marian (TMP-M), which is a co-educational Catholic high school serving grades 9-12, and St. Mary's Catholic Grade School, which typically serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade. Additionally, many families in the Ellis area also consider St. Mary's Catholic School in nearby Victoria, KS, which offers a Pre-K through 6th grade program. These schools provide the main private alternatives to the Ellis USD 388 public school district.
How does tuition at private schools in Ellis, KS, compare, and are there financial aid options for Kansas families?
Tuition at Ellis-area private schools is generally modest compared to urban centers but is a significant consideration for local families. For the 2024-2025 school year, St. Mary's Catholic Grade School in Ellis typically has tuition under $3,000 per year for parishioners, with a higher rate for non-parishioners. Thomas More Prep-Marian's tuition is higher, often ranging between $6,000 to $8,000 annually. Both schools, along with St. Mary's in Victoria, offer active financial aid programs, including parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and need-based assistance. Kansas also has the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which can provide scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Ellis offer that distinguish them from public schools?
The private schools in Ellis emphasize a faith-based education integrated with a strong college-prep curriculum. Thomas More Prep-Marian is notable for its boarding program, attracting students from across Kansas and internationally, which adds a unique diversity to the classroom. It offers robust athletics, fine arts, and dual-credit courses through partnerships with colleges like Fort Hays State University. St. Mary's Catholic Grade School provides a tight-knit, K-8 environment with a focus on core values and individualized attention, which is a key distinction from the larger public school setting. Both schools typically have smaller class sizes, allowing for more direct teacher-student interaction.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Ellis, Kansas?
Enrollment for Ellis private schools often begins in early spring (January-February) for the following academic year, with priority given to current families and parish members. The process usually involves submitting an application form, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), academic records from previous schools, and possibly a family interview. For Thomas More Prep-Marian, the process may also include a placement test for incoming freshmen. It's crucial to contact the school office directly, as spaces, particularly in the lower grades at St. Mary's, can be limited. We recommend initiating inquiries by December to ensure you meet all deadlines and are considered for any necessary financial aid.
For families new to Ellis, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school like TMP-M or St. Mary's?
The key considerations are educational philosophy, cost, and community. Ellis USD 388 public schools offer a tuition-free, comprehensive education with a wide range of extracurriculars. Choosing a private school in Ellis involves a commitment to a religious foundation (primarily Catholic), often smaller class sizes, and a specific community identity. Transportation can be a factor, as private schools do not provide district busing. For high school, TMP-M offers a boarding option and a broader geographic peer group, while Ellis High School provides the traditional local public school experience. Many families value the seamless Pre-K-12 Catholic education pathway available through St. Mary's Grade School feeding into TMP-M. Visiting both types of schools is essential to feel the difference in environment.
Private Education Insights
Discover Ellis, Kansas' Premier Private Pre-K Programs for Your Child's Bright Start
For parents in Ellis, Kansas, the decision about where to begin your child’s educational journey is a significant one. The foundational years of pre-kindergarten are crucial, and many local families are exploring the unique benefits of a private pre k setting. In our close-knit community, this choice is about more than just academics; it’s about finding an environment that aligns with your family’s values and provides a nurturing, structured start. While Ellis is home to excellent educational institutions like Thomas More Prep-Marian for older students, the focus on early childhood within our private school framework offers a distinctive pathway from the very beginning.
Understanding the local landscape is key. Institutions such as St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School here in Ellis provide a continuum of faith-based education, and their early learning programs are often the first step into that supportive system. For families in Ellis and the surrounding agricultural communities, a private pre k program can offer a consistent, values-oriented environment that feels like an extension of the home. These programs typically feature low student-to-teacher ratios, a critical factor for young learners who benefit from individual attention. This is a tangible advantage in our smaller city, where educators often know not just the child, but the entire family, fostering a profound sense of security and belonging.
When considering a private pre k in Ellis, practical aspects come into play. The daily schedule often blends structured learning with essential play-based exploration, preparing children academically and socially for kindergarten and beyond. Many programs, particularly those affiliated with local schools like St. Mary’s, integrate foundational skills in literacy and numeracy with character development and community awareness. For parents commuting to Hays for work or managing family farms, the reliable schedules and extended care options some private pre k programs offer can be a vital component of family logistics. It’s worth visiting and observing a classroom in action; notice how teachers in these settings guide conflict resolution among toddlers or encourage curiosity about the world—a skill as valuable on a Kansas farm as it is in a classroom.
The investment in a private pre k program is an investment in your child’s formative experience. It’s about choosing a first educational community that prioritizes holistic development within the context of our Ellis values. We encourage you to reach out directly to local schools like St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School to inquire about their early childhood offerings, or to explore if Thomas More Prep-Marian has affiliated recommendations. Ask specific questions about their curriculum philosophy, daily routines, and how they partner with parents. In a town like ours, these early connections often last a lifetime, setting the stage for a confident and compassionate learner. Taking the time to find the right private pre k fit is a wonderful first step in your family’s educational story right here in Ellis.