The Best Private Schools in Linwood, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Linwood. 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 premier Catholic college preparatory high school serving students from Linwood and surrounding communities. With exceptional academic programs and a 100% college acceptance rate, the school offers advanced placement courses, comprehensive STEM curriculum, and outstanding fine arts programs. The 52-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to strong faith formation and academic excellence.
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The Academy
Basehor-Linwood School District (Private/Charter Program)
The Academy serves the Basehor-Linwood community with a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum featuring International Baccalaureate programs and specialized STEM pathways. Located just minutes from Linwood, this highly-rated school offers small class sizes, experienced faculty, and comprehensive extracurricular activities including competitive athletics, robotics, and fine arts programs. The school emphasizes critical thinking and global perspectives while maintaining strong community connections throughout the Linwood area.
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Heritage Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Heritage Christian Academy provides classical Christian education to students from Linwood and the greater Kansas City area. The school offers a rigorous academic program grounded in Christian values with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. Curriculum includes comprehensive college preparatory courses, extensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school's proven track record of academic achievement and strong community atmosphere makes it a popular choice for families seeking faith-based education with academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Linwood, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Linwood, Kansas?
While Linwood itself is a smaller community, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate surrounding area of Johnson County. The most prominent options include St. James Academy in Lenexa (a Catholic, college-preparatory high school), Heritage Christian Academy in Olathe (a Pre-K through 12 Christian school), and The Academy (often referring to The Academy of the Sacred Heart in nearby Kansas City, MO, or other local academies). Many Linwood families also consider schools in the broader Kansas City metro. Transportation is a key consideration, as these schools are not within walking distance of Linwood, requiring carpool or bus arrangements.
How does the tuition for private schools near Linwood, KS, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Kansas?
Tuition varies significantly based on grade level and religious affiliation. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $8,000 to $12,000 for elementary grades at schools like Heritage Christian Academy, and $12,000 to $16,000+ for high school at St. James Academy. Kansas offers specific financial aid opportunities, most notably the *Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program*. This allows donors to receive tax credits for contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) that provide need-based scholarships for private school attendance. All major schools in the area have robust financial aid and scholarship processes and can guide families through applying for both institutional aid and state-sponsored programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving the Linwood, KS, community?
Schools in this region distinguish themselves with specialized programs. St. James Academy, for instance, has a renowned Engineering and Biomedical Sciences program through Project Lead The Way, along with extensive competitive athletics in the Eastern Kansas League. Heritage Christian Academy offers a distinctively integrated biblical worldview curriculum across all subjects and emphasizes fine arts. The Academy of the Sacred Heart provides a global network through its Sacred Heart schools consortium, offering unique exchange programs. For Linwood students interested in agriculture or rural life, these schools may offer related science clubs or FFA chapters, connecting their home community to a broader academic context.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Linwood, Kansas?
The enrollment cycle for competitive private schools in the Kansas City metro area begins early. Priority application deadlines for the following school year often fall between December and February, with admissions decisions communicated by March. For example, St. James Academy and Heritage Christian Academy typically have winter deadlines for high school placement. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and for older students, a shadow day. Given Linwood's location, attending open houses in the fall is crucial for logistics planning. We strongly recommend initiating inquiries by October of the year prior to desired enrollment.
For a family in Linwood, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Basehor-Linwood USD 458) and a private school in the area?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Basehor-Linwood public school district is highly rated and offers the convenience of proximity, a comprehensive K-12 pathway, and no tuition. Choosing a private school like those in Lenexa or Olathe involves a significant commute (20-30+ minutes), added cost, and a desire for a specific religious foundation or a different academic environment (e.g., smaller class sizes, college-prep focus). For Linwood families, private schools may offer a more diverse geographic peer group from across the metro, while public schools provide strong community integration. Assessing transportation, cost, and alignment with family values on education is essential, as the daily logistics from a semi-rural area like Linwood are a major practical component.