The Best Private Schools in Herndon, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Herndon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John's Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
St. John's Lutheran School is a highly-regarded Christian private school serving northwest Kansas communities including Herndon. With over six decades of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program that integrates faith-based education with rigorous academics. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a strong emphasis on character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science lab, gymnasium, and technology-integrated learning spaces. Extracurricular programs include choir, band, sports teams, and community service opportunities. The school maintains strong parent involvement and consistently receives excellent ratings for academic quality and student development.
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Colby Christian School
Independent Christian School
Colby Christian School serves students from Herndon and surrounding communities with a comprehensive K-12 educational program. The school is known for its strong college preparatory curriculum that includes Advanced Placement courses and dual credit opportunities. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, students receive personalized attention and academic support. The campus features modern facilities including science laboratories, computer labs, library, gymnasium, and athletic fields. The school offers extensive extracurricular activities including competitive sports, music programs, drama productions, and mission trips. Parent reviews consistently praise the school's academic rigor, caring faculty, and strong community atmosphere.
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Burlington Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Burlington Christian Academy provides quality private education to students from Herndon and the broader region. The school employs a classical Christian education model that emphasizes critical thinking, logic, rhetoric, and classical literature. Serving grades K-12, the academy features a rigorous academic program complemented by strong fine arts and athletic offerings. The school maintains small class sizes with an average of 15 students per class, allowing for individualized instruction. Facilities include well-equipped classrooms, science lab, art studio, and gymnasium. The school community is known for its strong parent-teacher partnerships and commitment to developing students' intellectual, spiritual, and character growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Herndon, Kansas
What are the private school options for families living in or near Herndon, Kansas?
Herndon, KS, is a very small rural community, so local private school options within the town itself are limited. However, families in the area typically look at schools in surrounding towns within a reasonable driving distance. The notable options include St. John's Lutheran School in nearby Bird City (approximately 20 miles away), Colby Christian School in Colby (about 30 miles away), and Burlington Christian Academy in Burlington, CO (roughly 35 miles away). These schools represent the primary faith-based private education choices accessible to Herndon residents, with the specific commute being a significant factor in decision-making.
How does the tuition for private schools serving Herndon, KS, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at the private schools accessible from Herndon is generally below the national average, reflecting the rural Kansas cost of living. For the 2023-2024 school year, tuition at these schools often ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 annually for elementary grades. Kansas has a Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which can provide scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools. Additionally, individual schools like Colby Christian and St. John's Lutheran typically offer parishioner discounts, sibling discounts, and need-based financial aid. It's crucial to contact each school directly for their current fee schedules and aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Herndon offer that address rural life?
Private schools in this region often integrate agricultural science, environmental stewardship, and strong community service components into their curricula, reflecting the rural context. For example, schools may have partnerships with local farms for science projects or emphasize programs in practical arts. Furthermore, due to smaller class sizes, a hallmark of these schools, students often have unique opportunities for individualized learning and participation in a wide range of extracurriculars, from athletics to music, that might be limited in the very small public school districts. Some also offer robust distance learning collaborations to expand course offerings like advanced foreign languages or STEM.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Herndon, Kansas, area?
Given the limited seats in these small schools, planning ahead is essential. The primary enrollment period for the following academic year usually opens in January or February, with re-enrollment for current families taking priority. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, a pastoral reference (for faith-based schools), and often a family interview. For families moving into the Herndon area mid-year, it's recommended to contact the schools of interest directly, as they may have rolling admission if space is available. Early inquiry is strongly advised due to the low student-to-teacher ratios and limited capacity.
How do the private school choices near Herndon compare academically and socially to the local public school, Rawlins County USD 105?
Rawlins County USD 105, which serves Herndon, is a consolidated rural district offering a close-knit community environment. The key differences lie in curriculum framework and class size. Private options like Colby Christian or St. John's Lutheran offer a faith-based education integrated into all subjects, which is the primary draw for families. Academically, private schools may use different curricular approaches (e.g., Abeka, Classical) and often have even smaller class sizes than the already small public school, allowing for highly personalized attention. Socially, both settings offer a strong community feel, but the private schools provide a specific faith-based community. The decision often hinges on a family's desire for religious education versus the no-tuition public system, balanced with commute considerations.