The Best Private Schools in Op, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Op. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Oak Hill School
Independent
Located just minutes from Overland Park in Mission, Kansas, The Oak Hill School provides exceptional Montessori education for children from toddler through middle school. The school is highly regarded for its child-centered approach that fosters independence, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. Oak Hill features beautiful campus facilities with specialized Montessori classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and dedicated spaces for art, music, and physical education. The school emphasizes character development, community engagement, and individualized learning paths. With small class sizes and highly trained Montessori teachers, Oak Hill consistently receives outstanding reviews from parents for its nurturing environment and academic excellence.
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The Barstow School
Independent
The Barstow School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the Kansas City metropolitan area, including Overland Park families. With over 135 years of educational excellence, Barstow offers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate program from early childhood through high school. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum and strong college preparatory focus, Barstow emphasizes critical thinking, global perspective, and character development. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service.
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Pembroke Hill School
Independent
Pembroke Hill School serves students from preschool through grade 12 and draws families from throughout the Kansas City metro area, including Overland Park. The school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement course options and outstanding arts programs. Pembroke Hill features modern academic facilities, multiple athletic fields, and specialized learning spaces for science, technology, and the arts. The school is known for its strong sense of community, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support services. Extracurricular offerings include competitive athletics, performing arts, and numerous student-led organizations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Op, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available within or very near Overland Park, Kansas, and what are their educational philosophies?
Overland Park, KS, is home to several highly-regarded private schools, though some of the most prominent are located just across the border in Missouri, within the greater Kansas City metro area. Top options include The Barstow School (K-12, college-prep with a focus on innovation and global citizenship), Pembroke Hill School (PreK-12, emphasizing academic rigor, arts, and athletics across two campuses), and The Oak Hill School (a Montessori school serving toddlers through 6th grade). Within Kansas, parents also consider schools like Heritage Christian Academy and Ascension Catholic School. The concentration of schools just minutes away in Kansas City, MO, is a unique feature of the OP landscape, offering a wide range of philosophies from classical to progressive within a short commute.
How does tuition for private schools in the Overland Park area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for top-tier private schools in the Overland Park/Kansas City area is generally above the Kansas state average for private education, reflecting the national reputation and extensive programs of these institutions. For the 2024-25 school year, expect tuition ranges from approximately $12,000 to $25,000+ annually for day schools, with high schools at the upper end. Kansas has a unique tax-credit scholarship program called the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which can provide assistance to eligible families. Additionally, virtually all major schools like Barstow and Pembroke Hill offer substantial need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools serving Overland Park residents?
Private schools in the OP area distinguish themselves with robust specialty programs. The Barstow School is known for its extensive STEM initiatives, including robotics and a comprehensive engineering pathway, as well as a renowned global studies program with travel opportunities. Pembroke Hill School offers a celebrated arts program and competitive athletic conferences, along with a wide array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. For younger students, The Oak Hill School provides an authentic, advanced Montessori curriculum. A common advantage for OP families is access to institutions with resources rivaling those of small colleges, including state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and partnerships with Kansas City's cultural and business institutions.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Overland Park, KS, region?
The admission process for sought-after private schools in the Overland Park area is highly structured and often begins 12-18 months before the desired entry date. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting applications by January or February for the following academic year, and completing student assessments/visits and parent interviews. Schools like Pembroke Hill and Barstow have strict deadlines, and applying early is strongly advised. Notification dates are usually in March. For kindergarten and other primary entry points, waitlists are common. Given the competitive nature, parents in OP are encouraged to research and engage with their top choices well over a year in advance.
For families living in Overland Park's highly-rated public school districts (like Blue Valley or Shawnee Mission), what are the key reasons to consider a private school?
While Overland Park is served by excellent public districts like Blue Valley, families often choose private schools for specific educational approaches and environments. Key differentiators include smaller class sizes (often 15-18 students vs. 25+ in public), specialized teaching philosophies (e.g., Montessori, project-based learning, or classical education), and a distinct community culture. Private schools can offer more flexibility in curriculum depth, accelerated tracks, and unique extracurriculars that may not be available in a standard public school. For some families, the consistent educational approach from preschool through 12th grade at a single private institution is a major draw. The decision often hinges on finding the best "fit" for a child's individual learning style and a family's educational values, rather than a critique of the strong local public options.