The Best Private Schools in Plainville, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Plainville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Independent School
Independent
The Independent School in Wichita serves as a premier private school option for families throughout Kansas, including those from Plainville seeking exceptional educational opportunities. While approximately 150 miles from Plainville, the school attracts regional students with its outstanding academic reputation and comprehensive programs. TIS offers rigorous college preparatory curriculum with extensive AP course offerings, strong STEM programs, and exceptional arts education. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, low student-teacher ratios, and a track record of graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Thomas More Prep-Marian
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Thomas More Prep-Marian is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving northwest Kansas, including Plainville families. Located approximately 30 miles from Plainville in Hays, TMP offers a rigorous academic program with 100% college acceptance rate. The school features comprehensive athletic programs, fine arts offerings, and both day and boarding options. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, TMP provides personalized attention and strong community values. The campus includes modern facilities, technology integration, and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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St. John's Military School
Independent
St. John's Military School in Salina serves families throughout central and northwest Kansas, including Plainville area students. Located approximately 70 miles from Plainville, this historic institution offers a structured military-style education focused on leadership development, academic excellence, and character building. The school provides comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes, individualized attention, and strong emphasis on discipline and responsibility. Facilities include modern academic buildings, athletic complexes, and boarding accommodations for residential students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Plainville, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Plainville, Kansas, and what are their key characteristics?
Within a reasonable commute from Plainville, families have three notable private school options. **Thomas More Prep-Marian (TMP-M)** in Hays (approx. 30 miles away) is a co-educational Catholic junior-senior high school known for its college-prep curriculum and strong community ethos. **St. John's Military School** in Salina (approx. 70 miles away) is an all-boys, Episcopal-affiliated boarding and day school with a structured leadership and character development program. **The Independent School** in Wichita (approx. 150 miles away) is a secular, college-preparatory day school offering a rigorous academic program, typically considered for boarding or long-commute scenarios. For Plainville residents, TMP-M is often the most geographically accessible traditional private day school option.
How does the tuition for private schools serving Plainville, KS, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Kansas?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and boarding status. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition at **Thomas More Prep-Marian** is approximately $7,000-$9,000, while **St. John's Military School** as a day student is higher due to its military program structure, often ranging from $20,000-$25,000. Boarding costs at St. John's are substantially more. Kansas offers the **Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program**, which provides scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. Additionally, all these schools have their own need-based financial aid and diocesan aid (for TMP-M). It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about current rates and available aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools accessible from Plainville offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools serving the Plainville area offer specialized programs not typically found in smaller rural public districts. **Thomas More Prep-Marian** provides a distinctive Catholic education with theology curriculum, campus ministry, and often stronger language program continuity. **St. John's Military School** offers a unique JROTC leadership program, equestrian activities, and a structured boarding environment focused on discipline and self-reliance. These schools often have smaller average class sizes than regional public schools, allowing for more individualized attention. They may also offer more consistent access to advanced placement (AP) courses and specific arts or music programs that can be limited in smaller public school systems due to funding and staffing.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Thomas More Prep-Marian for a family living in Plainville?
For **Thomas More Prep-Marian**, the primary entry point is 7th grade, with rolling admissions for other grades based on availability. The process typically begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. Families should attend an open house (often held in October/November), submit an application (due in early spring, e.g., February), provide records from Plainville schools, and schedule a shadow day for the student. An entrance assessment may be required. Financial aid applications usually have a spring deadline. It's highly recommended for Plainville families to initiate contact by January of the enrollment year, as some grades fill quickly. Transportation from Plainville to Hays is a key logistical point to discuss with the admissions office, as carpooling is common.
For a family in Plainville, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school like TMP-M?
The decision involves several Plainville-specific factors. **Practical considerations include:** 1) **Commute:** A daily 60-mile round trip to Hays for TMP-M requires a significant time and transportation commitment. 2) **Community vs. Expansion:** The Plainville public schools offer a tight-knit, local community where students are with peers from their hometown. A private school expands a child's social and academic network across a wider region. 3) **Cost vs. Program:** Weighing the financial investment against perceived academic, extracurricular, or faith-based benefits. 4) **Extracurriculars:** A student highly dedicated to a sport may have more playing time in a smaller Plainville school, while TMP-M might offer more sport variety or competition level. 5) **Logistics:** Coordinating with the private school's schedule, which may differ from the local public school calendar, can impact family planning. Many families value the college-prep focus and religious foundation of TMP-M enough to manage the commute.