The Best Private Schools in Longford, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Longford. 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 across north-central Kansas. Located approximately 30 miles from Longford, the school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and individualized attention. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and moral development within a faith-based environment. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school maintains strong college acceptance rates and offers numerous extracurricular activities including competitive sports teams, music programs, and community service opportunities.
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Flint Hills Christian School
Independent Christian School
Located in Manhattan approximately 45 miles from Longford, Flint Hills Christian School provides a comprehensive Christian education from preschool through high school. The school emphasizes academic excellence integrated with biblical principles and character development. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong sense of community. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. The campus features modern facilities including science laboratories, technology resources, and athletic complexes. The school serves families from across the Flint Hills region seeking quality Christian education.
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Manhattan Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Manhattan Catholic School offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with a strong foundation in Catholic values and academic excellence. Serving families from throughout the region including Longford area, the school provides a nurturing environment focused on developing the whole child. The curriculum emphasizes core academic subjects enhanced by technology integration, Spanish language instruction, and enrichment programs. Students benefit from dedicated teachers, modern facilities, and a close-knit community atmosphere. The school maintains strong academic outcomes with graduates successfully transitioning to various high school programs throughout the area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Longford, Kansas
What are the private school options for families living in or near Longford, Kansas?
For families in the Longford, Kansas area, private school options are primarily faith-based and located in nearby communities. The closest is Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School in Salina (approximately 30 miles away), which offers a Catholic education for grades 7-12. For younger students, Manhattan Catholic School in Manhattan (about 50 miles away) serves Pre-K through 6th grade. Flint Hills Christian School, also in Manhattan, provides a Protestant Christian education from preschool through 12th grade. Due to Longford's rural setting, most families should anticipate a significant commute, making transportation planning a key consideration.
How does tuition at private schools near Longford, KS, compare, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for private schools serving the Longford area varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School lists tuition around $5,000-$6,000 for parishioners, while Flint Hills Christian School's tuition ranges from approximately $6,000 to $8,000 depending on grade level. Manhattan Catholic School's tuition is typically lower for elementary grades. All these schools offer financial aid, scholarships, and multi-child discounts. Kansas also has the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which can provide scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools, a crucial financial resource for rural families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Longford offer that address rural Kansas life?
Private schools in the region often integrate the rural Kansas context into their programs. Sacred Heart in Salina has strong agricultural science and FFA programs, aligning with the local farming community. Flint Hills Christian School in Manhattan emphasizes a world-view curriculum that connects faith to stewardship of the land and community service projects often benefiting rural areas. Given their smaller sizes, these schools offer personalized academic support and often have robust distance learning or dual-credit partnerships with colleges like Kansas State University, providing advanced opportunities despite the rural setting.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Longford, KS?
Enrollment for the schools near Longford generally opens in January or February for the following fall. The process is rolling, but spaces, especially in lower grades or specific programs, can fill by early spring. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house or scheduling a visit (essential given the commute), 2) Submitting an application with records from your current school, 3) Possible placement testing or family interview, and 4) Completing financial aid applications simultaneously. For families in Longford, early inquiry is highly recommended to understand transportation logistics and potential carpool networks with other local families.
For a Longford resident, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school a considerable distance away?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The local public school, often part of a consolidated rural district, offers proximity and deep community integration. Opting for a private school in Salina or Manhattan means a daily commute of 30-60 minutes each way, impacting family schedules and costs. Benefits of the private option include specific religious education, often smaller class sizes, and specialized programs. Parents must weigh the value of these against the time commitment, transportation logistics (including weather-related travel concerns on Kansas plains), and whether the private school's community can be accessed meaningfully from a distance. Many families find a hybrid approach, using local public schools for younger children and considering private options for high school.