The Best Private Schools in Olathe, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Olathe. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. James Academy
Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
St. James Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory high school serving the Olathe area and greater Kansas City region. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 23 Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes faith formation alongside academic excellence, with comprehensive extracurricular programs in athletics, fine arts, and community service. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high, with particular praise for the dedicated faculty and strong community atmosphere.
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The Barstow School
Independent
The Barstow School is a prestigious independent day school serving families throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area, including Olathe. As an International Baccalaureate World School, Barstow offers the IB Diploma Programme alongside Advanced Placement courses. The school features exceptional facilities including innovation labs, dedicated arts studios, and extensive athletic facilities. With small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 9:1, Barstow provides personalized attention and has a strong track record of graduates attending top-tier universities. The school's diverse community and commitment to global education make it a top choice for families seeking comprehensive private education.
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Heritage Christian Academy
Christian
Heritage Christian Academy provides a classical Christian education serving Olathe and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic program grounded in the classical trivium model (grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages) integrated with biblical worldview. Students benefit from comprehensive STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. Parent reviews consistently highlight the strong community environment, academic excellence, and character development focus. The school maintains small class sizes and has an excellent record of college preparedness, with graduates consistently accepted to selective universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Olathe, Kansas
What are the main types of private schools available to families in Olathe, Kansas, and how do they differ?
Olathe offers a diverse range of private school options, primarily categorized as faith-based and independent college-preparatory schools. Leading faith-based institutions include St. James Academy (Catholic, grades 9-12) and Heritage Christian Academy (interdenominational Christian, Pre-K-12), which integrate religious education with rigorous academics. For a secular, independent approach, The Barstow School, located in nearby Kansas City, MO, is a popular choice for many Olathe families seeking a strong liberal arts and STEM-focused curriculum. Additionally, Olathe has several smaller parochial elementary schools. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious integration, and campus location, with some top schools requiring a commute to neighboring communities.
How does tuition for private schools in the Olathe, KS area typically compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for private schools serving Olathe families varies widely but is generally competitive with or slightly above the Kansas state average for private education. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $8,000-$12,000 for K-8 at local Christian academies to over $20,000 for high school at premier independent schools like Barstow. Kansas offers the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which can provide scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. Additionally, most schools, including St. James, Barstow, and Heritage Christian, have substantial need-based financial aid and merit scholarship programs. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Olathe area that leverage local partnerships or resources?
Private schools in the Olathe corridor often leverage the region's strong tech and engineering sectors. For example, St. James Academy boasts a renowned Engineering Academy with project-based learning and partnerships with local industries. The Barstow School offers extensive global studies programs and partnerships with cultural institutions in Kansas City. Heritage Christian Academy emphasizes a classical Christian curriculum integrated with fine arts. Many schools also participate in the highly competitive Eastern Kansas League (EKL) for athletics, providing top-tier sports competition. Proximity to Kansas City also allows for robust internship, arts, and science fair opportunities not always available in purely suburban public districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools like St. James Academy or The Barstow School for an Olathe resident?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For schools like St. James Academy (in Lenexa) and The Barstow School (in Kansas City, MO), the admission cycle for the following fall typically opens in August or September, with open houses in the fall. Application deadlines are often in January or February. The process includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores (like the HSPT or ISEE), and a family interview. For St. James, placement testing for incoming freshmen is a key component. Olathe families should note that these popular schools have limited seats, and applying by the priority deadline is critical. Sibling and legacy considerations exist but do not guarantee admission.
For a family living in Olathe, what are the key considerations when comparing the award-winning Olathe Public Schools district with local private school options?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. Olathe Public Schools (USD 233) is a large, highly-rated district offering diverse programs, extensive extracurriculars, and no tuition. Private options offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+), distinct religious or value-based education, and specialized curricula (e.g., classical, intensive STEM). A key consideration is commute: Olathe public schools are neighborhood-based, while top private schools require transportation, sometimes a 20-30 minute drive to Lenexa or Kansas City, MO. Furthermore, private schools may offer more flexibility in curriculum pacing and unique electives. Families should assess the importance of religious formation, individualized attention, and specific program offerings against the cost and convenience of the excellent, free public system.