The Best Private Schools in Lincoln, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lincoln. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Lincoln and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with strong emphasis on character development and faith formation. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention and comprehensive college counseling. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology resources, and athletic facilities. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports teams, music and arts programs, and community service opportunities.
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St. Mary's Grade School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
St. Mary's Grade School provides exceptional elementary education for students from Lincoln and the greater Salina area. The school focuses on developing strong foundational skills in reading, mathematics, and language arts while integrating Catholic values throughout the curriculum. Features include smart classroom technology, dedicated music and art rooms, and a comprehensive physical education program. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and supportive learning environment that nurtures students' spiritual, academic, and social growth.
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Salina Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Salina Christian Academy serves families from Lincoln and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Christian education program from preschool through high school. The school emphasizes academic excellence integrated with biblical worldview and character development. Curriculum includes advanced placement opportunities, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes to ensure individualized attention and strong student-teacher relationships, with many graduates attending competitive colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lincoln, Kansas
What are the private school options for families in Lincoln, Kansas, and what grade levels do they serve?
In Lincoln, Kansas, families have a few key private school options, all with a religious affiliation. Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School serves students in grades 7-12. For younger children, St. Mary's Grade School typically covers grades K-6, providing a Catholic elementary education. While not located directly in Lincoln, some families in the area also consider Salina Christian Academy in nearby Salina, which is about a 30-minute drive. The options within Lincoln itself are limited to these parish schools, so families seeking secular private education or different religious affiliations often need to look to larger neighboring communities.
How does tuition at private schools in Lincoln, KS, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at Lincoln's private schools, like Sacred Heart and St. Mary's, is typically below the Kansas state average for private schools due to the lower cost of living and parish subsidies for member families. Annual tuition often ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 per student, with significant discounts for multiple children and active parish members. Both schools offer financial aid and tuition assistance programs, often funded by the local Catholic diocese, parish fundraising, and private donations. Kansas also has a Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which can provide scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools, though availability can vary.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Lincoln, Kansas private schools offer that reflect the local community?
Private schools in Lincoln, Kansas, often integrate the values and lifestyle of the rural agricultural community into their programs. Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School, for example, has a strong FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapter and may offer agricultural science courses that align with local interests. Both schools emphasize close-knit community service, with students frequently participating in local food drives, assisting at community events, and supporting area farms. Their small size allows for personalized attention and multi-grade activities, fostering a family-like atmosphere that is highly valued in this tight-knit county seat community.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Lincoln, KS?
The enrollment process for Lincoln's private schools usually begins in early spring (February-March) for the following academic year. For St. Mary's Grade School and Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School, priority is typically given to active members of the Sacred Heart and St. Mary's parishes, followed by other Catholic families, and then the general community. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (if applicable), academic records, and often a family interview. Due to the small size of the schools, spaces can be limited, especially in specific grade levels, so early inquiry is recommended. Open houses or visitation days are commonly held in the winter months.
For families in Lincoln, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school and the available private options?
The key consideration for Lincoln families is often the school environment and religious education. Lincoln has a single public school district, USD 298, serving K-12 in a consolidated setting. The private options offer a faith-based education integrated with daily curriculum, which is a primary draw. Academically, the public school may offer a broader range of elective courses and extracurriculars due to its larger size, while the private schools provide very small class sizes (often 10-15 students) and individualized attention. Logistics are also a factor; the private schools are centrally located in the town of Lincoln, while some public school students may be bussed from rural areas. The decision frequently hinges on a family's desire for a specific religious foundation versus the program breadth of the public system.