The Best Private Schools in Lenexa, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lenexa. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. James Academy
Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
St. James Academy is a Catholic college preparatory high school serving the Lenexa and broader Kansas City area. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and offers 22 Advanced Placement courses. With state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex, St. James provides a comprehensive educational experience. The school emphasizes faith formation alongside academic excellence and has received multiple awards for athletic and academic achievements. Student-teacher ratio is 14:1, ensuring personalized attention.
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The Barstow School
Independent School
Located just across the state line in Kansas City, Missouri, The Barstow School serves many families from the Lenexa area. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it offers the IB Diploma Programme alongside Advanced Placement courses. The school features a 46-acre campus with recently renovated STEM labs, innovation spaces, and athletic facilities. Barstow emphasizes global citizenship and innovation, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including robotics, debate, and championship athletic teams.
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Pembroke Hill School
Independent School
Pembroke Hill School, formed from the merger of Sunset Hill and Pembroke Country Day schools, serves students from preschool through 12th grade and attracts families from throughout the Kansas City metro area including Lenexa. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 25 Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The 63-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and innovation centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. Pembroke Hill emphasizes character education and community engagement alongside academic excellence, with a student-teacher ratio of 9:1 in lower grades and small class sizes throughout.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lenexa, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Lenexa, Kansas, and what are their key characteristics?
While Lenexa itself is primarily served by the highly-rated Shawnee Mission public school district, several prestigious private schools in the immediate Kansas City metro area are popular choices for Lenexa families. The most prominent include St. James Academy in Lenexa (a Catholic, college-preparatory high school), The Barstow School in Kansas City, MO (a secular, independent K-12 day school with a strong STEM and arts focus), and Pembroke Hill School in Kansas City, MO (an independent, secular school with campuses for lower and upper grades). Many Lenexa families also consider other Catholic schools like Cure of Ars in nearby Leawood or Holy Trinity in Lenexa for younger grades. Transportation, often via carpool, is a key logistical consideration as these top schools are located across the state line or in neighboring suburbs.
How does tuition for top private schools in the Lenexa, KS area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Lenexa area's premier private schools varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. James Academy (high school) tuition is approximately $15,000-$16,000, while independent schools like Barstow and Pembroke Hill range from $25,000 to $30,000+ for upper grades. Kansas has a unique financial tool called the "Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program," which provides scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. All major schools offer need-based financial aid, and many have merit scholarship opportunities. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as processes and deadlines (often in January/February) differ from public school enrollment.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools accessible from Lenexa, KS?
Private schools serving Lenexa offer distinct specializations. St. James Academy is renowned for its robust faith-based education, competitive athletics in the Eastern Kansas League, and engineering pathways. The Barstow School emphasizes innovation with its "Design, Engineering, and Technology" lab, global studies, and a renowned debate program. Pembroke Hill School offers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, extensive visual and performing arts facilities, and competitive science olympiad teams. For Lenexa families, these programs provide alternatives to the strong public school offerings, often with smaller class sizes and different pedagogical approaches like project-based learning.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Kansas City area that Lenexa residents apply to?
The timeline is critical and requires planning a year in advance. For schools like Barstow and Pembroke Hill, the process for the following fall typically begins in August/September with open houses. Application deadlines are often in January, with required student assessments (ISEE or school-specific tests) and interviews taking place in the winter. Admission decisions are released in March. For St. James Academy and other Catholic high schools, the process is similar, with placement tests usually held in the fall. Lenexa parents should note that sibling and legacy applicant deadlines may be earlier, and attending fall open houses is highly recommended to understand each school's culture and fit.
For a family living in Lenexa, what are the major considerations when choosing between the excellent public schools and the nearby private options?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, cost, and community. Lenexa is part of the Shawnee Mission School District (SMSD), which is consistently top-ranked in Kansas and offers advanced programs like the International Baccalaureate at Shawnee Mission East and numerous AP courses. Choosing a private school often involves seeking a specific religious foundation (like at St. James), a particular pedagogical approach (Montessori, IB, etc.), or a perceived advantage in college preparation through smaller classes and dedicated counseling. The commute to private schools, most of which are not in Lenexa proper, and the significant financial investment are major practical factors. Many families value the community and continuity of their local SMSD public schools, while others seek the distinct mission and specialized resources of a private institution.
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