The Best Private Schools in Highland, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Highland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bishop Miege High School
Catholic Archdiocese of Kansas City
Bishop Miege High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school located approximately 60 miles from Highland, serving students throughout the Kansas City metro area. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with extensive Advanced Placement course offerings, a dedicated STEM academy, and robust fine arts programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science and technology labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. With a strong tradition of academic excellence and character formation, Bishop Miege consistently ranks among the top private schools in Kansas with high college placement rates and numerous state championships in athletics and activities.
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St. Joseph Christian School
Independent Christian School
St. Joseph Christian School is a highly-rated independent Christian school located approximately 40 miles from Highland in St. Joseph, Missouri. The school serves students from preschool through high school with a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical principles. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, technology centers, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities including competitive sports, music programs, and community service opportunities. Small class sizes and dedicated faculty ensure personalized attention for each student.
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Maur Hill-Mount Academy
Catholic Independent Boarding & Day School
Maur Hill-Mount Academy is a prestigious Catholic college preparatory school located approximately 30 miles from Highland. As a boarding and day school, it serves students from across the region with a rigorous academic program that includes International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, athletic complexes, and residential facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and offers comprehensive extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, fine arts, and leadership development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Highland, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Highland, Kansas?
Highland, Kansas, is served by a few notable private institutions, though some are located in nearby communities. The most prominent is **Maur Hill-Mount Academy (MHMA)**, a Catholic, co-educational boarding and day school for grades 9-12 located right in Highland. For younger students, **St. Joseph Christian School** in St. Joseph, Missouri (about a 45-minute drive), offers a Pre-K through 12th grade program. Many families in the area also consider **Bishop Miege High School** in Roeland Park, KS (a longer commute), for its strong Catholic secondary education. The options within Highland itself are limited primarily to MHMA, so families often look to surrounding towns in Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Highland, KS area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Kansas?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. **Maur Hill-Mount Academy's** day student tuition is generally more accessible than its boarding program and is competitive for a private high school in rural Kansas. **St. Joseph Christian School** and **Bishop Miege** have their own tuition structures. A key financial consideration for Kansas residents is the **Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program**, which provides scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. Additionally, many Kansas private schools participate in diocesan aid programs and offer their own need-based scholarships. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly for the most current tuition rates and to discuss personalized financial aid packages.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Highland area offer?
Private schools near Highland offer distinctive programs that leverage their specific missions. **Maur Hill-Mount Academy** provides a unique **International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme**, a rare offering for a school in a rural Kansas setting, alongside its college-prep curriculum and boarding program that attracts domestic and international students. Its small size allows for personalized attention. While not in Highland, **Bishop Miege High School** is known for a wide array of advanced placement (AP) courses and competitive athletics. **St. Joseph Christian School** emphasizes a faith-based curriculum integrated across all subjects. The defining feature for Highland is MHMA's combination of a globally-minded IB curriculum within a tight-knit, small-town community.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for Maur Hill-Mount Academy in Highland?
As the primary private school in Highland, MHMA has a rolling admissions process but encourages families to apply early, especially for the boarding program. The process typically involves: 1) Submitting an online application, 2) Providing academic records and teacher recommendations, 3) A campus visit and interview (highly recommended), and 4) A placement assessment. For the fall semester, completing applications by the prior spring is advisable. The school hosts open houses and shadow days for prospective students. For the boarding program, international students must adhere to earlier deadlines for visa processing. Contacting the Admissions Office directly is the best way to get a tailored timeline, as space in specific grades can be limited.
For a family living in Highland, what are the major considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private option like Maur Hill-Mount Academy?
The decision often centers on educational philosophy, specific student needs, and logistics. **Highland Public Schools** offer a no-tuition, community-based K-12 education with standard extracurriculars. Choosing **Maur Hill-Mount Academy** involves consideration of: **Cost** (tuition vs. free public school), **Curriculum** (MHMA's IB and college-prep focus vs. state standards), **Class Size** (smaller, personalized classes at MHMA), **Faith Integration** (MHMA is a Catholic school), and **Boarding Option** (beneficial if seeking a residential experience). For high school students specifically, MHMA can provide a more globally-focused environment and different athletic/activity opportunities. The commute for schools like Bishop Miege or St. Joseph Christian is a significant logistical factor. Many families value MHMA for providing a private, faith-based education without having to leave the town of Highland itself.