The Best Private Schools in Kansas City, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kansas City. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Barstow School
Independent School
The Barstow School is a highly-regarded independent day school serving students from early childhood through grade 12. Founded in 1884, it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with the International Baccalaureate Diploma program for upper school students. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Barstow emphasizes global education, innovation, and character development, with a strong track record of graduates attending top universities. The school serves families throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area, including Kansas City, Kansas.
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Pembroke Hill School
Independent School
Pembroke Hill School is a prestigious independent school formed from the merger of Sunset Hill School and Pembroke Country Day School. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory education with extensive Advanced Placement course offerings. The campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and arts spaces. Pembroke Hill is known for its strong academic reputation, competitive athletic programs, and commitment to community service. The school draws students from throughout the Kansas City metro area, including Kansas City, Kansas.
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Academie Lafayette
Charter School Network
Academie Lafayette is a highly-rated French immersion public charter school serving students from kindergarten through 8th grade, with plans to expand to high school. Founded in 1999, the school offers a unique bilingual education program following the French national curriculum while meeting Missouri state standards. The school features International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme authorization and emphasizes global citizenship. With strong test scores and parent satisfaction, Academie Lafayette serves families from both sides of the state line, including Kansas City, Kansas residents seeking rigorous language immersion education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kansas City, Kansas
What are the main types of private schools available in Kansas City, Kansas, and how do they differ?
In Kansas City, Kansas (KS), parents will find several distinct types of private schools. These include prestigious, college-preparatory independent day schools like The Barstow School and Pembroke Hill School (which, while often associated with Kansas City, Missouri, draw many families from the Kansas side). A unique option is Academie Lafayette, a public charter school with a French immersion curriculum that operates like a private school in its specialized focus, though it is tuition-free. The area also has faith-based schools (Catholic, Lutheran, etc.) and smaller independent academies. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, curriculum rigor, language immersion opportunities, religious affiliation, and campus culture, making it important to visit and understand each school's specific mission.
How does tuition for top private schools in Kansas City, KS, compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for leading private schools in the Kansas City area varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, schools like The Barstow School and Pembroke Hill School have tuition ranging from approximately $25,000 to $30,000+ for upper grades. However, these schools, along with many others in the metro, offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Kansas also has the *Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program*, which provides scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. It's crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. Many schools also offer merit-based scholarships and payment plans to help manage costs.
What unique academic programs or specializations are offered by private schools in the Kansas City, KS, area?
Kansas City-area private schools offer several standout programs. Academie Lafayette provides a full French immersion curriculum from kindergarten through 8th grade, a rare public charter option that attracts families seeking a bilingual education. Schools like The Barstow School emphasize innovation with dedicated STEM programs, engineering courses, and global studies initiatives. Pembroke Hill School is known for its strong arts programs and extensive Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings. Many private schools in the region also leverage Kansas City's business and cultural institutions for internships, partnerships, and project-based learning, providing a well-rounded, context-rich education specific to the metro's resources.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Kansas City, Kansas?
The enrollment process for top private schools in the Kansas City metro is highly structured and often begins over a year in advance. For a fall start, the timeline typically runs: September-December (attending open houses and tours), January (application deadlines, including financial aid forms), January-February (required student assessments/interviews and parent interviews), and March (admission decisions released). Schools like Barstow and Pembroke Hill have firm deadlines and can be selective. It's highly recommended for Kansas City, KS, families to apply to multiple schools due to competitive spaces. Many schools also host "shadow days" where prospective students visit a classroom.
For families living in Kansas City, Kansas, what are the key considerations when choosing between a highly-rated public school district and a private school?
Families in Kansas City, KS, should consider several local factors. The public school landscape includes districts like Blue Valley, Shawnee Mission, and Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, which vary widely in performance and offerings. Key considerations include: **Specialized Curriculum** (private schools may offer unique programs like immersion or intensive college prep not available in your zoned public school); **Class Size** (private schools typically have smaller ratios); **Transportation** (most private schools do not provide busing, impacting logistics); **Cost** (weighing tuition against potential property taxes in top public districts); and **Community Culture**. For some, a private school may provide a consistent, mission-driven environment, while a top-rated Kansas public district might offer excellent academics with no tuition. Visiting both types is essential.