The Best Private Schools in Milford, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Milford. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Xavier Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
St. Xavier Catholic School serves students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade and is located just 15 minutes from Milford in Junction City. The school provides a rigorous academic program rooted in Catholic values, with small class sizes and individualized attention. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, art room, and gymnasium. The school offers comprehensive extracurricular programs including sports, music, drama, and community service opportunities. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high with praise for the nurturing environment and strong academic foundation.
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Flint Hills Christian School
Independent Christian School
Located approximately 25 minutes from Milford in Manhattan, Flint Hills Christian School serves students from preschool through 12th grade. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical worldview education. Facilities include science laboratories, technology centers, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and offers numerous extracurricular activities including competitive sports, music programs, and mission trips. The school is known for its strong academic outcomes and family-oriented community.
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Manhattan Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Manhattan Catholic School provides education from preschool through 8th grade and serves families throughout the region including Milford. The school offers a classical Catholic education model that emphasizes critical thinking, virtue formation, and academic excellence. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, science with laboratory components, and religious education. The school features modern facilities including technology-enhanced classrooms, a library media center, and dedicated spaces for art and music. Extracurricular offerings include athletics, choir, robotics, and various clubs, with strong parent involvement and community support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Milford, Kansas
What are the private school options for families living in or near Milford, Kansas?
Families in the Milford, Kansas area have a few primary private school options, though it's important to note that some are located in nearby communities. The most local option is **St. Xavier Catholic School** in Junction City, which serves the broader area including Milford. Other regional choices include **Flint Hills Christian School** in Manhattan and **Manhattan Catholic School**. Given Milford's smaller size, many families look to schools in Manhattan (about 30 minutes away) or Junction City for private education. Transportation is a key consideration, as these schools may not provide bus service from Milford, requiring a family commute.
How does tuition at private schools near Milford, KS, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for private schools serving the Milford area is generally below the national average, reflecting Kansas's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, area Catholic schools like St. Xavier often have tuition ranging from $4,000 to $6,000 annually per student, with discounts for multiple children. Flint Hills Christian School may have a slightly higher tuition. Critically, Kansas has a **Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program**, which can provide scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools. Additionally, most schools offer parish discounts (for Catholic schools), need-based financial aid, and payment plans. It's essential to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid packages and application processes.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Milford offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Milford region often emphasize specific value-based education and smaller class sizes. **St. Xavier Catholic School** integrates faith throughout its curriculum and may offer specialized religion classes and sacramental preparation. **Flint Hills Christian School** provides a Protestant Christian perspective with a strong emphasis on biblical integration in all subjects, including science and history. Academically, these schools can offer more individualized attention due to lower student-to-teacher ratios. Extracurriculars might include unique options like competitive robotics, specific faith-based clubs, or music programs that are distinctive to their missions, which can differ from the offerings of the public Unified School District 475 (Geary County Schools) that serves Milford.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Milford, Kansas families?
Enrollment timelines for schools like St. Xavier, Flint Hills Christian, and Manhattan Catholic typically begin in January or February for the following fall semester. The process often involves: 1) An open house or tour (highly recommended for families commuting from Milford), 2) Submission of an application with a fee, 3) Providing past academic records and possibly teacher recommendations, and 4) A family interview or student assessment. For Catholic schools, priority is frequently given to active parishioners and siblings of current students. Given the limited seats, especially in younger grades, early application is advised. It's also crucial to confirm specific deadlines and required documents directly with each school, as they can vary.
For a family in Milford, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in a neighboring city?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. First is **commute and logistics**: Attending a private school likely means a daily drive to Junction City or Manhattan, impacting family schedules and transportation costs. Second is **cost**: Weighing tuition and fees against the free public education provided by USD 475. Third is **educational philosophy**: Milford's public schools are part of a larger district with a broad, secular curriculum, while private options offer specific religious foundations and often smaller, more close-knit communities. Fourth is **extracurricular access**: While public schools may have larger sports teams and facilities, private schools might offer more inclusive participation opportunities. Finally, consider the **community aspect**: A private school can create a consistent peer group, but it may separate children from neighborhood friends who attend the local public school in the Milford area.
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