The Best Private Schools in Larned, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Larned. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John's Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Dodge City
St. John's Catholic School is Larned's premier private educational institution, serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade. With over six decades of educational excellence, the school provides a strong faith-based education combined with rigorous academics. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science, language arts, and religious studies. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and gymnasium. The school emphasizes character development and community service while offering extracurricular activities including sports, music programs, and academic competitions.
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Central Plains Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Located in nearby Great Bend (approximately 20 miles from Larned), Central Plains Lutheran School serves families throughout central Kansas with a comprehensive Christian education program. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum grounded in Lutheran values, featuring small class sizes and individualized attention. Academic programs include advanced mathematics, comprehensive science labs, language arts, and technology integration. The campus features modern classrooms, a full gymnasium, library resources, and outdoor recreational facilities. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports teams, choir, band, and various academic clubs. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community connections.
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Thomas More Prep-Marian
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Thomas More Prep-Marian, located in Hays (approximately 45 miles from Larned), is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving central Kansas. With over a century of educational excellence, TMP-Marian offers both day and boarding programs for students in grades 9-12. The school features a challenging academic curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. Campus facilities include state-of-the-art science laboratories, modern classrooms, extensive athletic facilities, performing arts centers, and boarding accommodations. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes leadership development, community service, and spiritual formation through its Catholic mission.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Larned, Kansas
What are the private school options for families in Larned, Kansas, and what grade levels do they serve?
Larned, Kansas, offers a small but distinct set of private school options, primarily faith-based institutions. St. John's Catholic School provides a Pre-K through 6th-grade education. Central Plains Lutheran School serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade. For high school, families typically look to Thomas More Prep-Marian, a Catholic college-preparatory school located in Hays, about 45 minutes from Larned, which serves grades 9-12 and is a common choice for Larned-area families seeking private secondary education. This means families often transition between local elementary/middle schools and the regional high school option.
How does tuition at Larned's private schools compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Kansas?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. St. John's Catholic School and Central Plains Lutheran School generally have lower tuition rates for their elementary/middle programs, often structured with parishioner/non-parishioner or member/non-member rates. Thomas More Prep-Marian, as a boarding and day school, has a higher tuition. A key financial consideration for Kansas families is the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. Additionally, all schools typically offer parish/school-specific aid, payment plans, and multi-child discounts. It's essential to contact each school's office directly for the most current tuition schedules and aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Larned area offer that differentiate them from public schools?
The private schools in the Larned area emphasize small class sizes and faith-based integration into the curriculum. St. John's and Central Plains Lutheran incorporate religious education daily. Thomas More Prep-Marian offers a robust college-prep curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses, a strong focus on the liberal arts, and unique programs like its leadership institute. Extracurricularly, these schools often provide opportunities in athletics, music, and speech that allow students to compete in private school leagues (like the Mid-Continent League for TMP-Marian) and state competitions. Their small communities foster close student-teacher relationships, which is a noted contrast to the larger Larned public school district.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Larned, Kansas?
Enrollment timelines in Larned's private schools often begin in early spring (January-March) for the following academic year, with priority given to returning students and siblings. St. John's and Central Plains Lutheran may have rolling admission if space permits, but early application is encouraged due to limited seats. The process usually involves submitting an application form, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), academic records, and possibly a family interview. For Thomas More Prep-Marian, the process is more formalized with application deadlines, and families from Larned should plan for transportation considerations. Attending an open house or scheduling a shadow day is highly recommended to experience the school environment firsthand.
For families considering the choice, what are the practical considerations when comparing private schools in Larned to USD 495 public schools?
Key considerations include cost, community, curriculum, and commute. USD 495 Larned provides a tuition-free education from Pre-K through 12th grade in one district, with a broader range of elective courses and larger-scale athletic programs at the middle and high school levels. The private options offer a specific faith-based environment, often with smaller class sizes (sometimes multi-grade classrooms), and a consistent values-based education from elementary through middle school. For high school, choosing Thomas More Prep-Marian involves a significant daily commute to Hays. Families must weigh the financial investment against their educational priorities, desired school culture, and the importance of a religious foundation. Many Larned families value the close-knit, disciplined community of the local private elementary schools before transitioning to the public system for high school.