The Best Private Schools in Grinnell, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Grinnell. 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
Catholic Diocese of Salina
St. John's Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving northwest Kansas communities including Grinnell. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with dedicated teachers and offers extensive extracurricular programs including sports, music, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and academic preparation.
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St. Joseph Christian School
Independent Christian School
St. Joseph Christian School serves families across western Kansas with a comprehensive Christian education program from preschool through 12th grade. The school features a robust college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, strong athletic programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, gymnasium, and performing arts spaces. The school is known for its strong community values, dedicated faculty, and excellent college acceptance rates. Transportation options are available for students from surrounding communities.
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Thomas More Prep-Marian
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Thomas More Prep-Marian is a renowned Catholic college-preparatory school serving students from across western Kansas, including Grinnell. The school offers both day and boarding options with a comprehensive academic program featuring Advanced Placement courses, dual credit opportunities, and extensive extracurricular activities. The campus includes modern academic buildings, residential facilities, athletic complexes, and performing arts centers. With over a century of educational excellence, TMP-Marian is known for developing well-rounded students through rigorous academics, spiritual formation, and leadership opportunities. The school maintains strong college placement records and offers transportation services for regional students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Grinnell, Kansas
What are the private school options for families in Grinnell, Kansas, and what grade levels do they serve?
In Grinnell and the immediate surrounding area, families have three primary private school options. St. John's Catholic School in nearby Bird City serves preschool through 6th grade. St. Joseph Christian School in Hoxie (approximately 20 miles from Grinnell) offers a program from preschool to 12th grade. For a secondary-focused education, Thomas More Prep-Marian in Hays (about 45 miles away) is a Catholic, co-educational junior-senior high school serving grades 7-12, with boarding options. Given Grinnell's rural setting, most private education requires a commute, so transportation planning is a key local consideration.
How does tuition at private schools near Grinnell, KS, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Kansas families?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2023-2024 year, area Catholic elementary schools like St. John's often have tuition in the range of $2,000-$4,000 per year, with parish subsidies frequently available for members. St. Joseph Christian School's tuition is typically higher, reflecting its K-12 program. Thomas More Prep-Marian, as a college-prep boarding and day school, has the highest tuition. Critically for Kansas families, the state does **not** have a private school voucher or tax-credit scholarship program, so financial aid is limited to what individual schools offer through scholarships, parish support, and diocesan aid. Many local families also utilize payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Grinnell, KS, students?
The schools emphasize values-based education and close-knit communities, with specific strengths. St. John's Catholic School integrates faith throughout its core curriculum. St. Joseph Christian School offers a full K-12 continuum with a strong emphasis on biblical principles and may provide more elective options than the local public school due to its specific mission. Thomas More Prep-Marian, while a drive, provides distinctive opportunities like a comprehensive athletics program, fine arts, and advanced college-prep courses (AP and dual-credit) that can be harder to sustain in very small rural public schools. For Grinnell families, a major consideration is which of these specialized environments aligns with their educational goals, balanced against travel logistics.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in the Grinnell, Kansas, area?
Due to small class sizes, early inquiry is strongly recommended. The process usually begins in the winter (January-February) for the following fall. For parish-affiliated schools like St. John's, priority is often given to active Catholic families from supporting parishes first, then to other Catholics, and finally to the general community. St. Joseph Christian School and Thomas More Prep-Marian typically have open enrollment periods with applications requiring student records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview. Rolling admission may continue if spaces are available. Given the limited seats, especially in the elementary grades, Grinnell-area parents are advised to contact schools directly by early spring to secure placement and complete any required faith formation documentation.
For a Grinnell resident, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school option?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Grinnell's public school is part of a unified K-12 district, offering extreme proximity and deep integration into the local community. The private options require a daily commute of 20 to 45 minutes each way, which impacts family logistics and extracurricular participation. Academically, private schools offer a specific religious or values-based framework that public schools cannot provide. Socially, the private schools may offer a slightly different peer group, but all institutions in this rural region are relatively small. Financially, you must weigh tuition costs against the benefits of the alternative environment. Many families in the area choose private schools primarily for religious instruction and a consistent moral foundation, accepting the commute as a necessary trade-off.