The Best Private Schools in Logan, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Logan. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
St. Mary's Catholic School serves students from Logan and surrounding communities in northwest Kansas. As part of the Catholic Diocese of Salina, this well-established school provides a comprehensive elementary education from Pre-K through 6th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning and academic excellence. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a nurturing environment that has earned high parent satisfaction ratings. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and gymnasium. The curriculum integrates traditional academics with religious education, STEM initiatives, and comprehensive arts programs including music and visual arts.
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Thomas More Prep-Marian
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Thomas More Prep-Marian is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Logan and throughout northwest Kansas. Located in Hays, approximately 45 minutes from Logan, TMP offers both day and boarding options for students in grades 6-12. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and provides rigorous academic programs including Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and competitive athletics. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, modern athletic complex, and campus residence halls. With over a century of educational excellence, TMP maintains strong academic traditions while incorporating innovative teaching methods.
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McCook Catholic Schools
Catholic Diocese of Grand Island
McCook Catholic Schools serves families from Logan and the surrounding tri-state area, located approximately 30 minutes north in McCook, Nebraska. This respected parochial school system offers education from Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong academic foundation and Catholic values. The school features updated technology integration across all grade levels, comprehensive religious education, and competitive athletic programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, McCook Catholic provides personalized attention and a supportive learning environment. The school maintains strong community connections and has served generations of families from northwest Kansas and southwest Nebraska.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Logan, Kansas
What are the private school options available for families living in or near Logan, Kansas?
For families in Logan, Kansas, the primary private school options are faith-based institutions, with the closest being St. Mary's Catholic School in nearby St. Mary's. Many families in the Logan area also consider Thomas More Prep-Marian, a private Catholic junior-senior high school in Hays, which is a longer commute but offers boarding options. McCook Catholic Schools, while serving a different community, is another regional option. Given Logan's rural setting, most private schooling requires some level of commuting, and exploring these specific schools' transportation policies is important. The availability is limited compared to urban areas, making early research and contact essential.
How does tuition at private schools in the Logan, Kansas area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Kansas?
Tuition for the private schools serving Logan, KS, varies. St. Mary's Catholic School typically has lower elementary tuition, often ranging from $2,000-$4,000 annually, while Thomas More Prep-Marian's high school tuition is higher, potentially $8,000-$12,000+ for day students. Kansas offers specific financial aid opportunities that Logan families can utilize, most notably the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program. This program provides scholarships funded by donations from businesses that receive a state tax credit. Additionally, all the Catholic schools offer parish subsidies for member families and need-based aid. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific tuition rates, multi-child discounts, and application processes for aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Logan, Kansas, offer that differentiate them from public schools?
Private schools in the Logan area leverage their smaller size and specific missions to offer distinctive programs. Thomas More Prep-Marian (TMP-M) in Hays, for instance, offers a robust college-preparatory curriculum, advanced placement courses, and unique programs like the TMP-M Global Studies program. As a boarding school, it also provides structured residential life. St. Mary's Catholic School integrates faith throughout its curriculum and often has multi-grade classrooms, which can foster leadership and mentorship. These schools typically have strong emphasis on values, community service, and may offer specialized music or theology programs not found in the public school curriculum. Their defining feature is often a tight-knit community atmosphere rooted in a shared value system.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like St. Mary's or Thomas More Prep-Marian for a family from Logan?
The enrollment process for schools like St. Mary's Catholic School and Thomas More Prep-Marian begins early in the calendar year, often with open houses in the fall or winter (October-February). Priority enrollment for existing families and parish members usually happens first, with open enrollment for new families like those from Logan beginning in early spring (March-April). The process typically involves submitting an application, providing academic records from the current school, and possibly a family interview or student assessment. For TMP-M, the process is more formal and may include a shadow day. Given the limited seats, especially in the lower grades at St. Mary's, initiating contact by January is highly recommended to secure a spot for the following fall semester.
For a family in Logan, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Logan USD 326) and a private school option?
The decision between Logan USD 326 public schools and a private school involves several key considerations specific to your location. **Logistics & Community:** Public school offers proximity and is the center of the local community. Private school requires a commute to St. Mary's, Hays, or beyond, impacting daily schedules and involvement. **Cost:** Public school is tuition-free. Private school requires a significant financial commitment, though aid may be available. **Educational Approach:** Logan public schools provide a standard Kansas curriculum with local sports and activities. Private schools offer a faith-based education (typically Catholic) with potentially smaller class sizes and a specific value system integrated into learning. **Continuity:** Consider the full K-12 pathway; Logan USD offers it all in one town, while private may require a transition to a school like TMP-M for high school. Visiting both your local public school and the private options is the best way to gauge the right fit for your child and family.