The Best Private Schools in Lawrence, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lawrence. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bishop Seabury Academy
Independent
Bishop Seabury Academy is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving grades 6-12. Known for its rigorous academic program and small class sizes, the school emphasizes critical thinking, writing skills, and intellectual curiosity. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Students consistently achieve exceptional college placement results, with graduates attending top universities nationwide. The school community is characterized by strong teacher-student relationships and a commitment to developing well-rounded individuals through extensive extracurricular offerings.
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The Barstow School
Independent
Located in nearby Kansas City, The Barstow School serves families from the greater Kansas City metro area including Lawrence. As an International Baccalaureate World School, Barstow offers the IB Diploma Programme alongside Advanced Placement courses. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including a new STEM center, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. With a long history of educational excellence, Barstow provides a challenging academic environment that emphasizes innovation, global perspective, and character development. The school's comprehensive college counseling program ensures excellent placement outcomes, and its diverse student body benefits from numerous extracurricular opportunities and community partnerships.
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Veritas Christian School
Christian School
Veritas Christian School provides a comprehensive classical Christian education from preschool through 12th grade. The school integrates faith and learning through a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes the trivium of grammar, logic, and rhetoric. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong sense of community. The school offers robust athletic programs, fine arts opportunities, and service learning components. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, a gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for music and art. The school is known for its strong parent involvement and commitment to character development alongside academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lawrence, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available in Lawrence, Kansas, and what distinguishes them from one another?
Lawrence, KS, offers a few well-regarded private schools, each with a distinct focus. **Bishop Seabury Academy** is an independent, college-preparatory school for grades 6-12, known for its rigorous academics and small class sizes. **Veritas Christian School** provides a Christ-centered, classical education from preschool through 12th grade, integrating faith and learning. **The Barstow School**, while based in Kansas City, MO, is a notable option for Lawrence families seeking a top-tier, independent day school with a strong emphasis on innovation and global citizenship; it involves a commute. These choices allow parents to select based on educational philosophy, religious affiliation, and grade range.
How does tuition for private schools in Lawrence, KS, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in Lawrence varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Bishop Seabury Academy's tuition is approximately $16,000-$18,000, while Veritas Christian School ranges from $8,000-$12,000. These figures are generally in line with or slightly above Kansas private school averages. All major private schools in Lawrence offer need-based financial aid, and some, like Veritas, may have additional scholarships or multi-child discounts. Kansas also has the **Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program**, which can provide scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools, a key state-specific financial consideration for families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Lawrence private schools offer that leverage the local university community?
Lawrence private schools uniquely benefit from proximity to the **University of Kansas (KU)**. Bishop Seabury Academy, for instance, often facilitates advanced coursework opportunities and utilizes KU facilities and faculty for special lectures or science programs. Students may have access to KU's libraries, museums, and athletic complexes. This relationship enriches STEM education, arts integration, and provides a pipeline for dual-enrollment or early college credit courses, offering a preparatory experience deeply connected to a major research institution.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Lawrence, and are there long waitlists?
The enrollment process in Lawrence typically begins in the fall prior to the desired school year, with application deadlines between January and March. Bishop Seabury Academy and Veritas Christian School usually require entrance assessments, student interviews, and teacher recommendations. Due to their smaller sizes and strong reputations, popular entry grades (like 6th and 9th) can have waitlists, especially at Bishop Seabury. It is highly advisable for Lawrence parents to begin inquiries a full year in advance, attend fall open houses, and complete applications by the priority deadlines to secure placement.
For families considering both sectors, what are the key factors in choosing between Lawrence public schools and private schools?
The choice in Lawrence often hinges on class size, educational approach, and specific needs. **Lawrence Public Schools (USD 497)** are highly rated, offer diverse programs, and have no tuition. Private options provide smaller, more consistent class sizes (often 15:1 or lower), distinct philosophies (college-prep or faith-based), and can offer more curricular continuity. A key local consideration is the specific academic environment: a family might choose a private school for its focused, tight-knit community, while another might prefer the larger, comprehensive offerings and broader socioeconomic diversity of the public high schools. Visiting both types is crucial to feel the difference in Lawrence's unique educational landscape.