The Best Private Schools in Morland, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Morland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
St. Joseph Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located approximately 50 miles from Morland in Hays, this school offers a comprehensive Catholic education with strong academic foundations. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes robust STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent academic preparation for high school. The campus includes modern classrooms, a library, gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for music and art instruction.
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Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior-Senior High School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Thomas More Prep-Marian is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving students in grades 7-12. Located in Hays, approximately 50 miles from Morland, this institution has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and character formation. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, a performing arts center, athletic complex, and modern classroom technology. The school emphasizes leadership development and community service while maintaining small class sizes and personalized attention for students.
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Hays High School (Private Academy Program)
Hays Unified School District 489 (Alternative Education)
While primarily a public institution, Hays High School offers specialized academy programs and serves as a regional educational hub for students from surrounding communities including Morland. The school provides comprehensive college preparatory courses, extensive career technical education pathways, and outstanding fine arts and athletic programs. The campus features modern facilities including advanced science laboratories, technology centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic complexes. The school is known for its high graduation rates, strong college acceptance records, and diverse extracurricular opportunities that serve students from across northwestern Kansas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Morland, Kansas
What are the specific private school options available for families in Morland, Kansas, and what grade levels do they serve?
In Morland, Kansas, and the immediate surrounding area of Graham County, private school options are limited but include a few key institutions. St. Joseph Catholic School in nearby Hays (approximately 30 miles away) is a common choice for Morland families, typically serving preschool through 8th grade. For high school, Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior-Senior High School, also in Hays, is a prominent Catholic college-preparatory school for grades 7-12. Additionally, Hays High School offers a unique "Private Academy Program," which is a public school alternative program with a private school-like structure and focus. Due to Morland's small size, most private education requires commuting to Hays in Ellis County.
How does tuition at private schools serving Morland, Kansas, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options specific to Kansas residents?
Tuition for schools like Thomas More Prep-Marian and St. Joseph Catholic School is generally below the national private school average but consistent with regional Kansas costs, often ranging from $3,000 to $8,000 annually for parishioners, with higher rates for non-members. A key financial consideration for Kansas residents is the state's Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program. This program allows donors to receive tax credits for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations, which then provide need-based scholarships for students to attend private schools. Additionally, many schools offer parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and need-based financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Morland, KS, students that differ from the local public school offerings?
Private schools accessible from Morland often provide specialized programs not typically found in small rural public districts. Thomas More Prep-Marian (TMP) offers a strong college-prep curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses, a dedicated theology department, and unique extracurriculars like a robust speech and debate team. St. Joseph Catholic School integrates faith-based education throughout its curriculum. The Hays High Private Academy Program emphasizes smaller learning communities, project-based learning, and flexible scheduling. These options provide alternatives to the traditional public school model, often with a focus on specific educational philosophies or religious formation that may not be available in the Morland public school system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like TMP or St. Joseph's that Morland families need to plan for?
Enrollment timelines for schools serving Morland families often begin early in the calendar year. For instance, Thomas More Prep-Marian typically opens applications for the following academic year in January, with placement tests and shadow day opportunities in the winter. St. Joseph Catholic School may begin registration for current families in January and open it to new families in February or March. Given the commuting distance from Morland, arranging transportation and shadow visits is a critical part of the process. It's highly recommended for Morland parents to contact these schools by the fall prior to the desired enrollment year to attend open houses and secure application materials, as some grades have limited space.
For a family in rural Morland, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in Hays?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The primary consideration is the daily commute of 30+ miles each way to Hays, which involves significant time, transportation costs, and weather-related challenges on western Kansas roads. Academically, the choice may center on seeking a specific religious education (Catholic), a dedicated college-prep environment at TMP, or the alternative learning model of the Private Academy Program. Socially, attending school in Hays means your child will have a peer group largely from a different community. Conversely, attending Morland's public school offers the convenience of a local community, potentially stronger local extracurricular involvement, and no tuition costs. Families must weigh the value of the specialized private program against the practicalities of rural living and community integration.