The Best Private Schools in New Century, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in New Century. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
St. Thomas Aquinas High School is a highly-regarded Catholic co-educational institution serving the New Century area with a reputation for academic excellence and strong college placement. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, a performing arts center, and athletic complexes. It offers a rigorous curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities like championship sports teams and community service initiatives. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to dedicated faculty, a supportive community, and a focus on holistic student development.
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St. James Academy
Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
St. James Academy is a premier Catholic high school known for its faith-based education and academic rigor, serving students in the New Century region. The campus includes innovative technology labs, spacious classrooms, and athletic facilities supporting a wide range of sports and activities. Programs emphasize college readiness, character development, and hands-on learning through projects and service. Parents consistently praise the school for its engaged teachers, safe environment, and strong sense of community, with high satisfaction in student outcomes and extracurricular opportunities.
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Maranatha Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Maranatha Christian Academy provides a comprehensive K-12 education with a strong Christian foundation, serving families in and around New Century. The school is celebrated for its academic excellence, featuring small class sizes, individualized instruction, and programs in STEM, fine arts, and athletics. Facilities include a gymnasium, art studios, science labs, and technology-enhanced classrooms. High parent satisfaction stems from the school's commitment to spiritual growth, safe learning environment, and vibrant community events, making it a top choice for private education in the area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in New Century, Kansas
What are the primary private school options serving families in New Century, Kansas, and what are their educational approaches?
New Century, Kansas, is primarily served by three notable private schools, each with a distinct focus. St. Thomas Aquinas High School and St. James Academy are both Catholic, college-preparatory schools offering a rigorous academic curriculum within a faith-based community. Maranatha Christian Academy provides a Protestant Christian education from a biblical worldview. While New Century itself is a smaller community, these schools draw students from across Johnson County. Parents should note that these are primarily secondary schools; families with younger children often look at affiliated elementary schools or other private academies in nearby cities like Olathe or Lenexa.
How does tuition for private schools in the New Century, KS, area compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the top private high schools near New Century typically ranges from approximately $10,000 to $13,000 per year. Kansas has specific programs that can help offset costs. The most significant is the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships for students from lower-income families to attend private schools. Additionally, all the mentioned schools offer their own need-based financial aid and sometimes merit scholarships. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as deadlines often precede enrollment deadlines. Some schools also offer parishioner rates for active members of their affiliated churches.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the New Century area that leverage local Kansas resources?
Private schools in the New Century/Johnson County area often excel in programs that connect to regional strengths. Given Kansas's strong aviation and engineering sectors, schools like St. James Academy and St. Thomas Aquinas offer robust STEM programs, robotics teams, and engineering courses. Furthermore, with the Kansas City metro's vibrant arts scene, these schools typically have strong fine arts, theater, and music programs that participate in state and regional competitions. Many also have championship-caliber athletic programs competing in the Eastern Kansas League, which is known for its high level of competition across various sports.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools near New Century, Kansas?
The enrollment process for private high schools in this area is highly structured and begins early. Most schools host open houses in the fall (September-November) for prospective 8th-grade students. Application deadlines are usually in early winter (December-January), with placement exams (like the HSPT) scheduled shortly after. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are typically communicated in February or March for the following academic year. Due to the competitive nature and limited seats, especially for incoming freshmen, parents are strongly advised to begin the process a full year in advance. Sibling and legacy preferences are common factors in admissions.
For families moving to New Century, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated public schools in the Blue Valley or Olathe districts and the local private options?
This is a central decision for New Century families. The public school districts (primarily Blue Valley and Olathe) are consistently ranked among the best in Kansas and the nation, offering exceptional academics, facilities, and diverse programs at no direct tuition cost. Choosing a private school often comes down to specific values and goals. The private options provide a faith-based education, typically smaller class sizes, and a defined community ethos. They may also offer a more traditional college-prep focus. The decision often hinges on whether a family prioritizes the religious component and specific community culture over the broader resources and demographic diversity of the large, top-tier public districts. Many families in the area choose based on this philosophical alignment rather than perceived academic quality alone, as both sectors are excellent.