The Best Private Schools in Johnson, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Johnson. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Family Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Dodge City
Holy Family Catholic School is a highly-regarded private school serving the Johnson area and wider southwestern Kansas region. It offers a faith-based education from Pre-K through 8th grade, emphasizing academic excellence with a strong core curriculum in math, science, language arts, and social studies. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a supportive community environment. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and gymnasium. Extracurricular activities encompass sports, music, art, and community service programs. Parent satisfaction is high due to its safe, nurturing atmosphere and consistent student achievement.
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Trinity Lutheran School
Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod
Trinity Lutheran School provides a Christ-centered education and serves families in Johnson and the surrounding areas. It covers grades Pre-K through 8th, with a focus on academic rigor integrated with spiritual development. The curriculum includes STEM subjects, literacy, and fine arts, supported by experienced teachers and low student-teacher ratios. Facilities feature updated classrooms, a science lab, playground, and worship space. Extracurriculars include athletics, choir, and clubs, fostering well-rounded development. The school is known for its strong parent involvement, community values, and positive learning environment, making it a top choice for private education in the region.
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Sacred Heart Cathedral School
Catholic Diocese of Dodge City
Sacred Heart Cathedral School is a respected private institution serving Johnson and the broader Seward County area. It offers education from Pre-K to 8th grade, combining academic excellence with Catholic traditions. The school boasts a comprehensive curriculum in core subjects, enhanced by technology integration, music, and art programs. Teachers are highly qualified, and the school maintains a family-like atmosphere with emphasis on character building. Facilities include smart classrooms, a gym, library, and outdoor play areas. Extracurricular activities range from sports teams to academic competitions, and parent reviews highlight its commitment to student success and community engagement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Johnson, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available in Johnson, Kansas, and what are their religious affiliations?
In Johnson, Kansas, the primary private school options are all faith-based institutions, reflecting the community's strong religious character. The top schools are Holy Family Catholic School (Catholic), Trinity Lutheran School (Lutheran - LCMS), and Sacred Heart Cathedral School (Catholic). These schools serve grades from Pre-K or Kindergarten through 8th grade. For high school, families in Johnson typically look at Catholic high schools in nearby larger communities or consider homeschooling co-ops. The limited number of options means these schools are central to the private education landscape in this small Kansas city.
How does the tuition at private schools in Johnson, Kansas, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at Johnson's private schools is generally below the national private school average but is a significant consideration for families in a small Kansas community. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition for these parochial schools typically ranges from $3,500 to $5,500 per student annually. This is often more affordable than larger metropolitan private schools in Kansas. All three schools offer active financial aid programs, including parish subsidies for member families, multi-child discounts, and need-based scholarships. Additionally, Kansas has the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which can provide scholarships for eligible families to use at private schools, including those in Johnson.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Johnson, Kansas private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Private schools in Johnson, Kansas, integrate the local agricultural and tight-knit community values into their programs. Common unique offerings include strong agricultural science components, participation in local and regional history fairs focusing on Kansas heritage, and robust music programs that often perform at community events. Given their religious foundations, daily religion classes and weekly chapel or Mass are core to the curriculum. Extracurriculars may be limited compared to large districts but often include cooperative sports teams (like CYO leagues) with other small area schools and community service projects deeply tied to local churches and organizations, fostering a strong sense of Kansas community responsibility.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Johnson, Kansas, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Johnson's private schools usually begins in January or February for the following academic year, with priority given to currently enrolled families and members of the supporting parish or congregation. Open houses are often held in early winter. Due to the small size of the schools and limited seats, especially in popular grades like Kindergarten, it is common for there to be waitlists. The application process typically requires submitting an application form, birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), immunization records, and often a family interview. Prospective families are strongly encouraged to initiate contact with the school office by early winter to understand specific deadlines and space availability.
For families considering both options, what are the key differences between Johnson public schools and the local private schools?
The key differences lie in class size, curriculum, and educational environment. Johnson public schools are part of a larger district, potentially offering more extracurricular variety and specialized staff. In contrast, Johnson's private schools offer much smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students), allowing for highly individualized attention. The curriculum is explicitly faith-based, integrating religious teachings throughout the day, which is not an option in public schools. Academically, private schools here often have a strong focus on core fundamentals and traditional teaching methods. The private school community is deeply interconnected with local churches, creating a close-knit environment. Transportation is also a major differentiator; public schools provide busing, while private school families are responsible for their own transportation, a significant logistical factor in rural Kansas.