The Best Private Schools in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fort Leavenworth. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Paul Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
St. Paul Lutheran School is a highly-regarded Christian private school located just minutes from Fort Leavenworth. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive academic program integrated with Christian values. The curriculum emphasizes strong foundational skills in reading, mathematics, and science while incorporating technology and hands-on learning. The school features modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, music and art facilities, and athletic programs. With small class sizes and experienced teachers, St. Paul Lutheran maintains high academic standards and strong parent satisfaction, making it a popular choice for military families stationed at Fort Leavenworth.
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Immaculate Conception School
Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
Immaculate Conception School has been serving the Leavenworth community for over seven decades, providing exceptional Catholic education to students from preschool through 8th grade. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, science, and social studies programs. With a strong focus on character development and faith formation, ICS maintains small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features updated facilities including technology-enhanced classrooms, a library, gymnasium, and playground areas. The school is known for its dedicated faculty, strong parent involvement, and excellent academic outcomes, serving many military families from Fort Leavenworth.
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Lansing Christian School
Christian Schools International
Lansing Christian School, located approximately 10 minutes from Fort Leavenworth, provides a comprehensive Christ-centered education for students in preschool through 8th grade. The school offers a college-preparatory curriculum that integrates biblical principles across all subjects, including advanced mathematics, sciences, language arts, and social studies. LCS features modern facilities with technology integration, dedicated art and music rooms, a gymnasium, and outdoor recreational spaces. The school emphasizes character development, academic excellence, and community service. With strong parent satisfaction ratings and a commitment to serving military families, Lansing Christian School provides transportation options and flexible programs to accommodate the unique needs of Fort Leavenworth residents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available for families living on or near Fort Leavenworth, and how do they accommodate military families?
The primary private school options serving the Fort Leavenworth community are St. Paul Lutheran School (PreK-8), Immaculate Conception School (PreK-8) in Leavenworth, and Lansing Christian School (PreK-12) in nearby Lansing, KS. These schools are experienced in serving military families, offering flexible enrollment to accommodate PCS moves, providing stability during a parent's deployment, and often participating in programs like the Military Student Identifier to support transitioning students. Their proximity to the post makes them a practical choice for families seeking a faith-based education with an understanding of the military lifestyle.
How does tuition for private schools in the Fort Leavenworth area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Kansas residents or military families?
Tuition in the Fort Leavenworth area varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Paul Lutheran and Immaculate Conception typically range from $5,000 to $7,000 annually for parishioners, with slightly higher rates for non-members. Lansing Christian School, offering a K-12 program, may have tuition upwards of $8,000. All schools offer multi-child discounts and need-based financial aid. Kansas has a Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which can provide scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools. Additionally, some schools may offer specific scholarships or discounts for military families, so it's essential to inquire directly during the application process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Fort Leavenworth area private schools offer that leverage the local military and historical context?
Private schools near Fort Leavenworth often integrate the area's rich history and military presence into their curricula. For example, schools may organize field trips to the Frontier Army Museum, the Buffalo Soldier Monument, or the Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery for historical lessons. Some schools participate in Veterans Day events on post and invite military parents as guest speakers. While core academics are faith-based, programs like STEM clubs, music, and athletics are common. The unique context provides unparalleled opportunities for lessons in leadership, civics, and national history that are deeply connected to the local environment.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Fort Leavenworth, and how should military families planning a PCS move navigate it?
The typical enrollment cycle for these schools begins with open houses in January-February, with priority application deadlines often in March for the following fall. However, schools serving Fort Leavenworth are highly accustomed to the unpredictability of PCS moves and commonly accept applications and mid-year enrollments on a rolling basis as space allows. The process usually involves an application, submission of records from the previous school, a family interview, and possibly a student assessment. Military families should contact schools immediately upon receiving orders to inquire about current availability and expedite the records transfer process. Early communication is key to securing a spot.
For families stationed at Fort Leavenworth, how do the local private schools compare to the on-post public schools (USD 207) in terms of class size, curriculum focus, and community environment?
The most notable difference is scale and focus. USD 207 schools on Fort Leavenworth (e.g., Eisenhower Elementary, MacArthur Intermediate) are public schools with smaller-than-average class sizes for a public district and a student body almost entirely comprised of military children, creating a uniquely supportive and transient community. The local private schools (St. Paul Lutheran, Immaculate Conception, Lansing Christian) offer even smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), a specific faith-based curriculum integrated into all subjects, and a community anchored in their respective churches. They may have a mix of military and local civilian families, providing a different kind of stability. The choice often comes down to a family's preference for a secular, military-centric public environment versus a religiously affiliated, academically structured private one.