The Best Private Schools in Richmond, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Richmond. 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 throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area, including those from Richmond and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 22 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM initiatives, and competitive athletic programs. With a 100% college acceptance rate and average ACT scores consistently above the national average, St. James provides strong academic preparation in a faith-based environment. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes.
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Lansing High School
Lansing Unified School District 469
Lansing High School serves the broader Leavenworth County area, including Richmond families seeking high-quality educational options. The school offers comprehensive academic programs with multiple Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and career technical education pathways. With strong college placement rates and academic performance, Lansing provides students with diverse opportunities including competitive athletics, extensive fine arts programs, and numerous student organizations. The school's established history and continuous facility improvements provide students with modern learning environments and comprehensive support services.
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Piper High School
Piper Unified School District 203
Piper High School serves students from Piper and surrounding communities including Richmond area families seeking comprehensive educational opportunities. The school offers a robust college preparatory curriculum alongside career-focused programs in areas like business, technology, and health sciences. With strong academic performance metrics and multiple pathways for student success, Piper provides diverse learning opportunities including Advanced Placement courses, dual credit options with local colleges, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school maintains modern facilities and has built a reputation for strong community engagement and student support services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Richmond, Kansas
What are the actual private school options for families living in Richmond, Kansas, given that the top-named schools like St. James Academy are in neighboring cities?
For residents of Richmond, KS, it's important to note that the city itself is very small and does not host its own major private high schools. The most prominent options, such as St. James Academy in Lenexa (a Catholic college-prep school), Piper High School in Kansas City (a public school, not private), and Lansing High School (also public), are located in surrounding communities. Therefore, families in Richmond seeking private education typically look to Catholic or independent schools in the greater Kansas City metropolitan area, which involves a commute. Exploring diocesan schools or those in nearby Leavenworth or Kansas City, KS, is a common path.
How does Kansas's tax credit scholarship program, the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, benefit Richmond families considering private schools?
Kansas's School Choice initiative, specifically the Tax Credit Scholarship Program, is a crucial financial consideration for eligible Richmond families. This program allows donors to receive tax credits for contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), which then provide scholarships for students from low- and middle-income families to attend private schools. For a Richmond family, this could make attending a school like St. James Academy or another participating private school more affordable. Eligibility is based on household income (e.g., up to 250% of the federal poverty level), and applications are made directly through the SGOs that partner with your chosen school.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are accessible to Richmond students at private schools in the Kansas City region?
Richmond students who commute to private schools in the KC metro area gain access to specialized programs not typically available in small rural districts. For example, St. James Academy offers robust Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone diplomas, extensive STEM pathways, and competitive athletics in the Eastern Kansas League. Other area private schools may feature international baccalaureate (IB) programs, focused arts conservatories, or agricultural science tracks that leverage both urban and rural resources. The key advantage is the breadth of college-preparatory and niche programs within a reasonable driving distance from Richmond.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Kansas City area that Richmond families need to plan for?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools serving the Richmond area, like St. James Academy, often begins nearly a year in advance. Key timelines include: opening applications in August-September for the following fall, with deadlines typically in January or February. This process usually includes submitting applications, academic records, teacher recommendations, and attending an entrance exam or shadow day. Given the commute from Richmond, it's vital to inquire about transportation options early. We strongly recommend contacting admissions offices the spring before your target enrollment year to ensure you meet all deadlines and understand any geographic considerations.
How do the class sizes and community environment of private schools in the KC region compare to the public school experience for a Richmond, KS student?
For a student from Richmond, attending a small, consolidated public school district offers a tight-knit community but potentially limited course variety. In contrast, private schools like St. James Academy offer similarly small average class sizes (often 15-20 students) but within a much larger total student body, creating a different dynamic. This provides a blend of personalized attention and a wide peer network from across the region. The community environment at these private schools is often mission-driven (e.g., Catholic identity) and draws families from a broad geographic area, which can expand your child's social and academic network beyond the immediate Richmond community, a significant factor for many parents.