The Best Private Schools in Saint George, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Saint George. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Flint Hills Christian School
Independent Christian School
Flint Hills Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the greater Manhattan area including Saint George. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. Features include small class sizes averaging 15 students, advanced STEM curriculum, competitive athletics programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. The school maintains accreditation through the Association of Christian Schools International and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and dedicated art and music spaces.
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St. Xavier Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
St. Xavier Catholic School provides faith-based education to students from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout Riley County including Saint George. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum with particular strength in mathematics and language arts, supplemented by comprehensive music and arts programs. The campus includes modern classrooms, a dedicated chapel, computer lab, and playground facilities. St. Xavier emphasizes community service, moral development, and academic achievement while maintaining small class sizes for personalized attention. The school is fully accredited by the Kansas State Department of Education.
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Wamego Christian School
Independent Christian School
Wamego Christian School serves students from preschool through 8th grade, drawing families from surrounding communities including Saint George. The school provides a Christ-centered education with strong emphasis on academic fundamentals, character development, and biblical integration across all subjects. Features include individualized learning approaches, enrichment programs in art and music, and strong parent-teacher partnerships. The school maintains small class sizes with student-teacher ratios under 15:1 and focuses on building foundational skills in reading, mathematics, and critical thinking. Facilities include well-equipped classrooms, library resources, and outdoor play areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Saint George, Kansas
What are the private school options for families living in or near Saint George, Kansas, and what are their primary educational approaches?
Families in the Saint George, Kansas area have a few primary private school options, though many are located in nearby communities. The closest is **St. Xavier Catholic School** in Junction City, which offers a faith-based, Pre-K through 8th-grade education. For a Protestant Christian education, **Flint Hills Christian School** in Manhattan (K-12) and **Wamego Christian School** in Wamego are common choices. It's important to note that Saint George itself is a very small community, so most private schooling involves a commute. These schools emphasize small class sizes, religious integration into the curriculum, and strong community values, which are hallmarks of private education in this rural region of Kansas.
How does tuition at private schools near Saint George, KS, compare, and are there financial aid options or Kansas-specific programs to help with costs?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Xavier Catholic School's tuition is approximately $4,000-$5,000 per year, while Flint Hills Christian School's tuition ranges from around $6,500 to $8,500. Wamego Christian School is typically similar. These costs are generally lower than urban private schools but are a significant consideration for families in the Saint George area. Financial aid is available through individual school scholarship funds and parish subsidies for Catholic schools. Kansas also has the **Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program**, which provides scholarships for students from lower-income families to attend private schools. Additionally, some schools participate in the **Kansas Corporate Tax Credit Scholarship Program**. It's essential to contact each school's financial office directly to explore all options.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Saint George, Kansas, offer that might not be available in the local public districts?
Private schools in the Flint Hills region often provide specialized programs that leverage their specific missions. **Flint Hills Christian School** (FHCS), as a K-12 institution, offers a full secondary program with college preparatory tracks, fine arts, and athletics that compete in the Kansas State High School Activities Association. **St. Xavier Catholic School** integrates Catholic sacramental preparation and daily religion classes into its core curriculum. A notable feature of these schools is their ability to offer intimate learning environments—often with multi-grade classrooms in lower grades—that foster strong student-teacher relationships. While public schools in the Riley County and Wamego districts are excellent, these private options provide a distinct faith-based education and moral framework that is a primary draw for Saint George-area families.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Saint George, KS, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for schools like St. Xavier, Flint Hills Christian, and Wamego Christian usually begins in January or February for the following fall. It's highly recommended to start inquiries early, especially for limited spots in kindergarten or popular grades. The process typically involves: 1) a campus tour and meeting with administration, 2) submission of an application with a fee, 3) providing past academic records, and 4) possibly a family interview or student assessment. While these schools are not as large as urban private schools, popular grades can fill up, particularly at St. Xavier due to its smaller size and preference for parish members. Siblings of current students and active church members often receive priority. Contacting the schools by early winter is the best strategy for Saint George residents.
For a family in Saint George, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between the local public school (likely in the Wamego or Riley County districts) and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. First is **commute**: Private school choice means a daily drive to Junction City, Manhattan, or Wamego, which can be 20-45 minutes each way. Second is **cost**: Weighing tuition and fees against the free public education provided by the highly-rated Wamego or Riley County schools is crucial. Third is **educational philosophy**: Public schools offer a broad, secular curriculum with diverse extracurriculars, while private schools offer a faith-based environment with integrated religious teachings. Fourth is **community**: Your child's social and spiritual community will be centered around the school's location and affiliated church. Finally, consider **logistics**: Private schools may have less extensive bus transportation, placing more onus on the family for daily logistics. Visiting both your assigned public school and the private options is the best way to gauge the right fit for your family in the Saint George context.