The Best Private Schools in Paola, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Paola. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Trinity Catholic School
Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
Holy Trinity Catholic School is the premier private school option located directly in Paola, serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade. The school provides a comprehensive Catholic education with strong emphasis on academic excellence, faith formation, and character development. Features include modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with low student-teacher ratios, robust STEM curriculum, music and art programs, and competitive athletics. The school maintains strong community ties and consistently receives high marks from parents for its nurturing environment and academic rigor.
Programs:
St. James Academy
Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
St. James Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic high school located approximately 30 minutes from Paola that serves students from throughout the region, including Miami County. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, state-of-the-art STEM facilities, championship athletic programs, and extensive fine arts opportunities. With a strong track record of academic excellence and college placements, St. James attracts students from Paola and surrounding communities through its reputation for quality education, faith formation, and comprehensive student development programs.
Programs:
University Academy - Spring Hill
University Academy
Located just 15 minutes from Paola in Spring Hill, University Academy serves students throughout Miami County with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. The school features small class sizes, experienced faculty, and comprehensive academic programs including Advanced Placement courses, STEM laboratories, and competitive athletics. Known for its strong academic outcomes and college acceptance rates, University Academy provides transportation options for Paola-area students and maintains high parent satisfaction ratings for its structured learning environment and academic support services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Paola, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Paola, Kansas?
The immediate Paola area is served primarily by **Holy Trinity Catholic School**, a Pre-K through 8th-grade institution. For high school, many Paola families look to nearby communities. Notably, **St. James Academy** in Lenexa (about a 30-minute drive) is a highly-regarded Catholic college-preparatory high school that draws students from across the region. Additionally, **University Academy - Spring Hill** (a K-12 charter school, which is public but tuition-free and often considered alongside private options) is another choice in the broader area. The private school landscape in Miami County is characterized by a strong faith-based option locally, with commuting to Johnson County for broader high school and specialized programs being a common practice for families seeking private education.
How does tuition at Paola's Holy Trinity Catholic School compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Paola is typically below the average for private elementary schools in the Kansas City metropolitan area, reflecting its community-oriented and parish-supported model. For the 2023-2024 school year, tuition ranged approximately from $4,000-$5,000 per student, with discounts for parish members and multiple children. Kansas offers the **Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program**, which provides scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. Holy Trinity participates in this program. Additionally, the school and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas offer need-based financial aid and parish subsidy programs, making it accessible to many families in the Paola community.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Paola students offer?
Programs vary by school. **Holy Trinity Catholic School** integrates faith-based learning with a standard curriculum and may offer smaller class sizes for personalized attention. For specialized high school programs, **St. James Academy** (a common destination for Paola graduates) offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses, distinguished STEM programs, and competitive athletics in the Eastern Kansas League. A unique aspect for Paola-area families is the blend of a tight-knit, community elementary experience locally, with the option to access large-scale, comprehensive academic, athletic, and arts programs at regional high schools like St. James, which operate at a level often comparable to larger suburban public schools.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for Holy Trinity Catholic School in Paola?
Holy Trinity Catholic School in Paola generally begins its enrollment period for the next academic year in **January or February**. The process typically involves submitting an application form, providing birth and baptismal certificates (if applicable), recent report cards, and possibly a small application fee. Priority is often given to registered parishioners of Holy Trinity Parish and currently enrolled families. For new families, especially those outside the parish, it's advisable to contact the school office in the fall prior to desired enrollment for a tour and to discuss availability, as some grades may have waiting lists. The school encourages early inquiry, as spaces can fill quickly in the lower grades.
For a family in Paola, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school like Holy Trinity or commuting to St. James Academy?
The decision hinges on several Paola-specific factors. **Paola Public Schools (USD 368)** offer a comprehensive K-12 education in-neighborhood, with no tuition and robust extracurriculars. Choosing a private path often involves seeking a **faith-based education** or a different educational philosophy. For elementary, it means choosing Holy Trinity's intimate environment versus a larger public elementary. For high school, it involves weighing a daily commute to a school like St. James Academy against attending Paola High School. Considerations include commute time (30+ minutes each way to Johnson County), cost (tuition, gas), and the type of academic/athletic competition desired. Many families value the continuity of a K-8 Catholic education at Holy Trinity before deciding whether to transition to public high school or continue with a private, faith-based high school commute.