The Best Private Schools in Gardner, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gardner. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. James Academy
Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
St. James Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory high school serving the greater Kansas City area, including Gardner families. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum with 23 AP courses, competitive athletic programs in the Eastern Kansas League, and comprehensive fine arts offerings. With a 100% college acceptance rate and average ACT scores consistently above the national average, St. James provides a faith-based education focused on academic excellence and character development. The campus includes modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities.
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Holy Trinity Catholic School
Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
Holy Trinity Catholic School serves students from preschool through 8th grade and draws families from Gardner and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum with dedicated innovation labs and technology integration. With small class sizes and a strong community atmosphere, Holy Trinity emphasizes faith formation alongside academic excellence. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated STEM labs, art studios, and competitive athletic programs for middle school students.
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Ascension Catholic School
Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
Ascension Catholic School is a long-established institution serving families throughout Johnson County, including Gardner residents. The school offers a comprehensive educational program from preschool through 8th grade with accelerated learning opportunities in mathematics and reading. Ascension features a strong emphasis on technology integration with 1:1 device programs, dedicated science labs, and innovative learning spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular activities including athletics, choir, band, and various clubs. With deep roots in the community, Ascension provides a traditional Catholic education with modern academic rigor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gardner, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Gardner, Kansas?
Gardner, Kansas, is served by a few key private institutions, primarily with a Catholic affiliation. The most prominent are St. James Academy (a high school in Lenexa, just north of Gardner, serving the broader archdiocesan area), Holy Trinity Catholic School (a K-8 school in Lenexa), and Ascension Catholic School (a Pre-K-8 school in Overland Park). While not physically located within Gardner's city limits, these are the primary private options for Gardner residents. There are also a few smaller Christian academies and independent schools in the broader Johnson County region that Gardner families may consider, but the Catholic school system is the most established private network.
How does the tuition for private schools serving Gardner, KS, typically work, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for schools like Ascension, Holy Trinity, and St. James Academy varies by grade level and parish membership. Actively contributing parishioners of the associated Catholic churches typically receive a significantly reduced "parishioner" tuition rate. Non-parishioner rates are higher. For the 2024-2025 school year, expect K-8 tuition to range from approximately $5,000 to $8,000+ for parishioners and $8,000 to $12,000+ for non-parishioners. High school tuition at St. James Academy is higher. Kansas offers the *Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program*, which provides scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. Additionally, most schools have their own need-based financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible to Gardner students offer?
The Catholic schools serving the Gardner area emphasize a faith-based education alongside strong academics. St. James Academy is known for its robust college preparatory curriculum, extensive AP course offerings, and championship-caliber athletics and activities programs. Holy Trinity and Ascension Catholic Schools provide foundational STEM initiatives, fine arts, and religious education. A notable feature for younger students is the emphasis on community service and character development integrated into the curriculum. For families seeking a specific focus, some area private schools offer language immersion programs or specialized learning support, though these may require a longer commute from Gardner into other parts of Johnson County.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Ascension, Holy Trinity, and St. James Academy for a Gardner resident?
The enrollment process for these schools typically begins in the winter for the following academic year. For example, applications for St. James Academy (high school) often open in October, with placement tests in the fall/winter. For K-8 schools like Ascension and Holy Trinity, open houses and application periods usually run from January through March. Priority is almost always given to siblings of current students and active parishioners of the supporting churches. As a Gardner resident, it's crucial to apply early and confirm your parish boundaries, as some schools have geographic considerations for parish status. Waiting lists are common for certain grade levels.
For a family moving to Gardner, how do the local private school options compare to the highly-rated Gardner Edgerton (USD 231) public school district?
This is a key consideration. The Gardner Edgerton School District (USD 231) is consistently highly rated, with modern facilities like the Gardner Edgerton High School and strong academic and athletic programs. Choosing a private school often comes down to prioritizing a specific religious education, smaller class sizes, and a particular community ethos. The private options require a commute and significant tuition, whereas USD 231 provides free, comprehensive education with extensive resources close to home. Many Gardner families choose the excellent public schools, while others value the faith-based instruction and tradition of the Catholic school system enough to make the investment and drive to neighboring communities.