The Best Private Schools in Kensington, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kensington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School serves students from Kensington and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education rooted in Catholic values. The school features small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a strong emphasis on faith formation alongside rigorous academics. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated science lab, library, and gymnasium. The school offers competitive sports programs, music education, and community service opportunities, creating a well-rounded educational experience with strong parent involvement and high student achievement outcomes.
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St. Mary's Grade School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
St. Mary's Grade School provides a faith-based education serving families from Kensington and the surrounding region. The school offers a strong academic foundation with dedicated teachers who provide personalized attention in small classroom settings. Curriculum includes comprehensive language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies enhanced by religious education, music, art, and physical education. The school maintains modern facilities with technology integration and emphasizes character development, community service, and family involvement, creating a nurturing environment that prepares students for future academic success.
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Norton Community High School
USD 211 Norton
While primarily a public school, Norton Community High School serves as a regional educational hub for students from Kensington and offers comprehensive academic programs that rival many private institutions. The school features advanced placement courses, robust career technical education pathways, and exceptional fine arts and athletic programs. With modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex, the school provides diverse extracurricular opportunities. The dedicated teaching staff and strong community support create an educational environment focused on college and career readiness with impressive graduation and post-secondary placement rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kensington, Kansas
What are the private school options available for families in Kensington, Kansas, and what grade levels do they serve?
In Kensington, Kansas, families have a few distinct private school options, all with a religious affiliation. St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School and St. Mary's Grade School both provide elementary education, typically serving grades Pre-K through 8th. For high school, Norton Community High School, located in the nearby town of Norton (about 15 miles from Kensington), is a common choice for families seeking a private, faith-based secondary education. This means Kensington residents often consider a combination of local elementary schools and a short commute for high school, making transportation planning an important local consideration.
How does tuition at private schools in the Kensington, KS, area compare, and are there any Kansas-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition at Kensington-area private schools like St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Mary's is generally more affordable than in large metropolitan areas, often ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 per year for parishioners, with slightly higher rates for non-members. A key Kansas-specific financial consideration is the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program. This program allows donors to receive a tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations, which then provide need-based scholarships for students to attend private schools. Families should inquire directly with each school about their tuition rates, parish subsidies, and availability of these state-empowered scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Kensington, Kansas, offer that reflect the local community?
Private schools in Kensington leverage their small-town setting and faith-based missions to offer unique programs. Academically, they often integrate Kansas history and agricultural science into their curricula in hands-on ways. Many emphasize strong foundational skills in a close-knit environment. Extracurricularly, due to their size, schools may participate in cooperative sports leagues with other small private and public schools in Smith and Norton counties. Faith formation and community service are central components, with students frequently involved in local food pantries, nursing home visits, and parish events, fostering a deep connection to the Kensington community.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Kensington, KS?
The enrollment process for Kensington's private schools usually begins early in the calendar year, often with open houses in January or February for enrollment the following fall. Priority is typically given to siblings of current students and active members of the supporting parish. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates, and academic records. Given the small size of these schools, spaces can be limited, especially in specific grade levels, so applying by the spring deadline (often March or April) is crucial. It's highly recommended to contact the school office directly in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year to get exact dates and express interest.
For a Kensington resident, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school option?
For Kensington families, this decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and religious instruction. The local public school, Kensington Elementary (part of USD 231), offers a secular education with resources from a consolidated district. The private options provide a faith-based education with integrated religious teachings and typically smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention. A major practical consideration is continuity; the Kensington public system feeds into a high school outside the immediate area, while private elementary students may transition to Norton Community High School. Transportation is also a factor, as private schools do not provide district busing, requiring personal or carpool arrangements.