The Best Private Schools in Princeton, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Princeton. 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 students from multiple counties including those near Princeton. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum with 22 Advanced Placement courses, state-of-the-art STEM facilities, and comprehensive athletic programs. With a 100% college acceptance rate and average ACT scores consistently above the national average, St. James provides exceptional academic preparation. The campus includes modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities serving over 600 students from the broader Kansas City metro area.
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Bishop Miege High School
Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
Bishop Miege High School is a top-rated Catholic college preparatory school serving the greater Kansas City area, including students from Princeton and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with 19 Advanced Placement courses and numerous honors classes. Bishop Miege features outstanding facilities including recently renovated science labs, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains strong academic outcomes with graduates consistently accepted to top universities nationwide. With over 60 student organizations and competitive athletic teams, Bishop Miege provides a well-rounded educational experience focused on faith, scholarship, and service.
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Maur Hill-Mount Academy
Benedictine College
Maur Hill-Mount Academy is a prestigious Catholic college preparatory school with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence. The school offers both day and boarding options and is one of only a few schools in Kansas to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. With small class sizes and a 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio, students receive personalized attention. The school features comprehensive athletic programs, fine arts offerings, and modern campus facilities. MH-MA serves students from across northeast Kansas, including the Princeton area, with a focus on character development and college readiness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Princeton, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Princeton, Kansas?
While Princeton itself is a small city, families have access to several highly-regarded private, primarily Catholic, high schools within a reasonable commuting distance. The most prominent options include St. James Academy in Lenexa (approx. 45 minutes east), Maur Hill-Mount Academy in Atchison (approx. 1 hour north), and Bishop Miege High School in Roanoke, Kansas City (approx. 50 minutes east). For younger grades, families often look at associated parish elementary schools in those broader communities. There are no private schools physically located within Princeton's city limits, so transportation planning is a key consideration for Princeton residents.
How does the tuition for private high schools near Princeton, KS, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Kansas?
Tuition for the top schools near Princeton varies. For the 2024-2025 school year, St. James Academy and Bishop Miege High School have tuitions typically ranging from $12,000 to $14,000 annually. Maur Hill-Mount Academy, as a boarding and day school, has a different structure, with day student tuition often slightly lower. Critically for Kansas families, the state does **not** have a private school voucher or tax-credit scholarship program. However, all these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid through their own foundations and diocesan support. Additionally, Kansas has the "Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program," which provides scholarships for students from lower-income families to attend private schools; participating schools can help families apply.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving the Princeton area offer?
Schools accessible to Princeton families provide distinct specializations. St. James Academy has a renowned STEM program and a nationally recognized athletics program. Maur Hill-Mount Academy, as a International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offers the prestigious IB Diploma Programme, which is rare in the region and provides a globally-focused curriculum. Bishop Miege High School boasts a strong tradition in theater arts and broadcasting, with state-of-the-art facilities. All three offer robust college counseling and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. For Princeton students interested in agriculture or FFA, it's important to note these are typically more prominent in public schools, though some private schools may have related clubs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools near Princeton, Kansas?
The process for these selective schools begins early. Prospective student nights and open houses are held in the fall (September-November) for enrollment the following academic year. Application deadlines are usually in early winter (January-February). The process typically includes submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores (like the HSPT), teacher recommendations, and an interview or shadow day. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are often communicated in February or March. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, especially for students coming from outside the immediate parish communities, Princeton families are strongly advised to begin the process during their child's 7th or 8th-grade year.
For a Princeton resident, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Princeton Unified School District 477) and a private school a commute away?
The decision hinges on several Princeton-specific factors. The local public school offers proximity, no tuition, and strong community integration. The private school option involves a significant daily commute (45-60+ minutes each way), which impacts family logistics, extracurricular participation, and fuel costs. However, parents often consider private schools for their smaller class sizes, religious education (if desired), and specialized academic tracks (like IB at Maur Hill) that may not be available in a smaller rural district. The social network also shifts from a hyper-local Princeton community to a regional one. Ultimately, it's a balance between the value placed on specific academic/faith-based programs and the practicalities of time and cost associated with leaving the district.