The Best Private Schools in Hays, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hays. 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 premier Catholic college preparatory school serving grades 6-12 with a strong academic reputation throughout western Kansas. The school features a rigorous curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletic teams. The 40-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts facilities, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, TMP provides personalized attention and has a strong track record of college acceptance. The school emphasizes character development through campus ministry and service programs.
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St. Nicholas Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
St. Nicholas Catholic School provides exceptional private education for students in Pre-K through 6th grade. The school combines strong academic foundations with Catholic values in a nurturing environment. Features include modern technology integration, comprehensive literacy programs, and specialized instruction in music, art, and physical education. The school maintains small class sizes with a low student-teacher ratio, ensuring individualized attention. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and the school's focus on developing well-rounded students both academically and spiritually.
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Holy Family School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Located in nearby Great Bend, Holy Family School serves families throughout central Kansas including the Hays area. This respected Catholic school offers education from Pre-K through 8th grade with a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science, language arts, and religious education. The school features modern technology resources, including 1:1 device programs, and offers diverse extracurricular opportunities including sports, music, and academic competitions. With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and character development, Holy Family provides a strong foundation for students transitioning to high school. Many families from Hays choose this school for its established track record and comprehensive educational approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hays, Kansas
What are the main private school options available for families in Hays, Kansas, and what grade levels do they serve?
Hays offers a limited but well-regarded selection of private schools, all with a religious affiliation. The primary options are Thomas More Prep-Marian (TMP-M), a Catholic diocesan junior-senior high school serving grades 7-12, and two Catholic elementary schools: St. Nicholas Catholic School (Pre-K through 6th grade) and Holy Family School (Pre-K through 6th grade). This structure means families often choose a Catholic elementary feeder school that naturally leads to TMP-M for secondary education. There are no secular private day schools within Hays itself, which is an important consideration for families seeking a non-religious private education.
How does tuition at Hays, KS private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Hays's private schools is generally below the national private school average but aligns with regional expectations for Kansas. For the 2024-2025 school year, elementary tuition at St. Nicholas and Holy Family is approximately $3,500-$4,500 per year for parishioners, with a higher rate for non-parishioners. Thomas More Prep-Marian's tuition is around $7,500-$8,500. All schools offer active financial aid programs, including parish subsidies, diocesan assistance, and need-based scholarships. Notably, Kansas has a Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which can provide scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools, and these Hays schools participate in such programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Hays offer that leverage the local community or environment?
Hays private schools integrate the local Western Kansas culture and community into their programs. Thomas More Prep-Marian features a strong agriculture program with FFA, which connects directly to the region's farming heritage. Its campus includes the historic "Marian Hall" and a connection to Fort Hays State University for dual-credit courses. The elementary schools emphasize community service projects with local organizations like the Food Bank and nursing homes. Furthermore, given Hays's location, schools often incorporate Kansas history, prairie ecology, and field trips to landmarks like the Sternberg Museum of Natural History into their curricula in a way that local public schools may not prioritize as centrally.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Hays, and are there waitlists?
Enrollment for the upcoming school year in Hays typically opens in January or February for existing families and parishioners, with open enrollment for new families beginning in March. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, a pastoral reference (for Catholic schools), and often a family interview. Due to the limited number of private seats in the community, especially in the popular elementary grades, waitlists are common. It is highly advisable to initiate inquiries a full year in advance. A key local factor is the priority given to active members of the supporting parishes (St. Joseph, St. Nicholas, Holy Family), so connecting with a parish early can be a critical step.
For families considering both sectors, what are the notable differences between private and public schools in Hays, Kansas?
The most pronounced difference is scale and religious education. Public schools in Hays (USD 489) are larger, with Hays High School serving over 1,000 students, offering a vast array of AP courses and large-scale athletic programs. Private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students) and a faith-based education integrated into all subjects. Academically, TMP-M consistently posts high standardized test scores and a near-100% graduation/college acceptance rate. A practical consideration is transportation; public schools provide busing, while private schools in Hays generally require parent-provided transportation. The choice often centers on whether a family values a comprehensive secular program with extensive resources or a close-knit, values-driven community with a focused academic approach.