The Best Private Schools in Glen Elder, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Glen Elder. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John's Catholic School
Diocese of Salina
St. John's Catholic School is a highly-regarded PreK-8 institution located approximately 20 miles from Glen Elder. As part of the Diocese of Salina, the school offers a comprehensive Catholic education with strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a well-rounded curriculum including STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated science lab, and gymnasium. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high, with many families commuting from surrounding communities for the school's strong community atmosphere and proven academic track record.
Programs:
St. Aloysius School
Diocese of Salina
Located approximately 15 miles from Glen Elder in Osborne, St. Aloysius School serves students from PreK through 8th grade with a strong faith-based academic program. The school is known for its rigorous curriculum, particularly in mathematics and language arts, complemented by comprehensive music and arts programs. The school features updated facilities including technology-integrated classrooms, a library media center, and athletic facilities. With deep roots in the community and a reputation for developing well-rounded students, St. Aloysius consistently receives high marks from parents for teacher quality, academic preparation, and family-oriented environment.
Programs:
Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School
Diocese of Salina
Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School in Salina serves as the regional Catholic high school for students from Glen Elder and surrounding communities, located approximately 45 miles away. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive athletics, fine arts, and leadership development. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, technology centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and consistently high college acceptance rates, making it a preferred choice for families seeking rigorous secondary education with strong moral foundation.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Glen Elder, Kansas
What are the private school options available for families living in or near Glen Elder, Kansas?
Glen Elder itself is a very small rural community, and most private school options are located in nearby towns within Mitchell and Cloud counties. The primary options include St. John's Catholic School (PreK-6) in Beloit, approximately 15 miles west, and St. Aloysius School (PreK-6) in neighboring Osborne, about 12 miles south. For secondary education, families often consider Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School (7-12) in Salina, which is a longer commute of about 50 miles. Due to the rural nature of the area, private schooling requires consideration of transportation logistics.
How does tuition at private schools serving Glen Elder, KS, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Kansas?
Tuition for the elementary schools like St. John's or St. Aloysius typically ranges from $2,500 to $4,500 per year for parishioners, with slightly higher rates for non-parishioners. Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School's tuition is higher, often exceeding $6,000 annually. A key financial consideration for Kansas families is the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. Additionally, many Kansas Catholic schools offer parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and need-based aid funded by local communities and diocesan foundations.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Glen Elder area offer that address rural community needs?
Private schools in this region often emphasize close-knit community values and personalized attention due to their small class sizes. While specific advanced STEM or arts magnet programs are less common than in urban areas, schools like St. John's and St. Aloysius integrate strong foundational academics with faith-based character education. A notable aspect is their connection to local agriculture and community service; students often participate in projects supporting local farms and businesses. Furthermore, the necessity of commuting has led some families to form carpools, fostering a unique network of parental cooperation for extracurricular participation.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Glen Elder, Kansas families?
Enrollment for the upcoming academic year typically opens in January or February for existing families and siblings, with open enrollment for new families beginning in March. Given the limited seats in these small schools, early application is strongly advised. The process usually involves submitting an application form, birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), academic records from the previous school, and often a family interview or meeting with the principal. Many schools in this area do not have strict deadlines but operate on a first-come, first-served basis until classes are full, so contacting the school office by early spring is crucial.
For a family in Glen Elder, what are the primary factors to consider when choosing between the local public school and a private school option?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Glen Elder's public school is part of the USD 110 Thunder Ridge district, offering the convenience of no commute and involvement in consolidated local sports and activities. Choosing a private school like St. John's or St. Aloysius involves a daily commute to a neighboring town but provides a specific religious education and often smaller class sizes (sometimes 10-15 students). Parents must weigh the value of faith-based instruction and community against transportation time and cost. Additionally, for high school, the academic and extracurricular offerings at a larger private school in Salina may be more diverse than those at the rural public high school, but this comes with a significant commute.