The Best Private Schools in La Crosse, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in La Crosse. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Thomas More Prep-Marian
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Thomas More Prep-Marian is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from across western Kansas, including the La Crosse area. Located approximately 30 miles from La Crosse in Hays, TMP offers a rigorous academic program with 95% of graduates attending college. The school features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, TMP provides personalized attention and comprehensive student development through academic, spiritual, and extracurricular programs.
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Holy Family Elementary School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Holy Family Elementary School serves as a feeder school to Thomas More Prep-Marian and provides quality Catholic education to families throughout the region, including those from La Crosse. The school offers a strong foundation in core academic subjects integrated with faith formation. With dedicated teachers and a supportive community environment, Holy Family emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The school maintains modern classrooms and facilities while preserving traditional educational values that have made it a trusted choice for families for over six decades.
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St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic School provides comprehensive elementary and middle school education serving families throughout western Kansas, including the La Crosse community. Located in Hays approximately 30 miles from La Crosse, the school offers a balanced curriculum that integrates faith, academics, and character development. With experienced faculty and small class sizes, students receive individualized attention. The school features updated technology resources, dedicated art and music programs, and strong parent involvement, creating a nurturing environment for student growth and achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in La Crosse, Kansas
What are the private school options for families in La Crosse, Kansas, and what grade levels do they serve?
La Crosse, Kansas, offers a few key private school options, primarily with a Catholic affiliation. Thomas More Prep-Marian is a private, Catholic, co-educational junior-senior high school serving grades 7-12, known for its college-prep curriculum and boarding option. For younger students, Holy Family Elementary School serves the Catholic community in the area, typically covering grades Pre-K through 6. It's important to note that St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic School is located in Hays, KS (approximately 25 miles from La Crosse), and is a common consideration for families in the region willing to commute. The private school landscape in La Crosse itself is limited, so many families also explore options in nearby Hays.
How does tuition for private schools in the La Crosse, Kansas, area compare, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition in the La Crosse area varies by school and parish affiliation. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Thomas More Prep-Marian's day student tuition is approximately $7,000-$8,000, with significantly higher costs for boarding. Holy Family Elementary typically has lower tuition, often in the range of $2,500-$3,500 per child, with reduced rates for parish members and multiple children. Kansas offers the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which can provide scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools. Additionally, all local Catholic schools offer need-based financial aid and parish subsidies, and TMP-Marian has dedicated scholarship funds. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly for the most current rates and aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in La Crosse, KS, offer that distinguish them from public schools?
The private schools serving La Crosse emphasize faith-based education and smaller class sizes as key differentiators. Thomas More Prep-Marian offers distinctive programs like a formal leadership curriculum, a robust boarding school community that attracts international and out-of-state students, and strong traditions in athletics and fine arts. While specific advanced STEM or language immersion programs may be more limited than in large urban private schools, TMP-Marian provides a comprehensive college-preparatory track. Holy Family Elementary integrates Catholic values throughout its core curriculum. The close-knit environment in these schools allows for personalized attention, which is a significant draw for families in rural Kansas.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like Thomas More Prep-Marian in La Crosse?
The enrollment process for Thomas More Prep-Marian typically begins in the fall for the following academic year, with open houses held in the winter. Applications for day students are generally due by early spring, though they are accepted on a rolling basis if space permits. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview. For the boarding program, earlier application is strongly advised due to limited space. Holy Family Elementary usually has a simpler re-registration period for existing families in early spring, opening to new families afterward. Given the limited seats in these small schools, especially in specific grades, initiating contact by January is highly recommended for La Crosse-area families.
For a family in La Crosse, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school like TMP-Marian or Holy Family?
The decision involves several local considerations. The public school, La Crosse USD 395, offers the convenience of a tuition-free education with strong community ties and comprehensive extracurriculars. Choosing a private option involves a financial commitment and potentially a commute to Hays for some schools. The primary advantages of the private schools are their religious education, consistently small class sizes (often 15:1 or lower), and a specific moral/value-based environment. For high school, TMP-Marian provides a broader social network through its boarding program and a track record of college admissions. Families must weigh the importance of faith integration, educational philosophy, and budget against the benefits of the local, tax-supported public system. Many families in the area participate in both communities, with children in public sports or activities.