The Best Private Schools in Saint Marys, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Saint Marys. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Cair Paravel Latin School
Independent
Cair Paravel Latin School is a highly-regarded classical Christian school located in Topeka, approximately 25 miles from Saint Marys. The school serves students from grades K-12 with a rigorous classical curriculum that includes Latin instruction beginning in elementary grades. As a college preparatory institution, Cair Paravel emphasizes critical thinking, classical literature, and Socratic teaching methods. The school features excellent faculty credentials, strong academic outcomes, and a comprehensive athletic program. Many graduates attend selective colleges and universities. The classical education model combined with small class sizes and dedicated faculty makes this a top regional choice for families seeking rigorous private education.
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Immaculate Conception Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Immaculate Conception Catholic School is the primary private education option located directly in Saint Marys, serving students from kindergarten through 8th grade. As a parish school within the Catholic Diocese of Salina, it provides a strong faith-based education alongside rigorous academic programming. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a family-oriented community atmosphere. Curriculum emphasizes core academic subjects integrated with Catholic values, along with specialized instruction in music, art, and technology. The school maintains strong ties to the local community and offers various extracurricular activities and service opportunities for students.
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Hayden High School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Hayden High School is a comprehensive Catholic secondary school in Topeka that serves students from Saint Marys and surrounding communities. The school offers a robust college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and extensive fine arts programs. Hayden maintains strong athletic traditions with multiple state championships across various sports. The school features modern facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a focus on developing the whole person through academic excellence, spiritual formation, and extracurricular engagement, Hayden provides a well-rounded education that prepares students for college and beyond. The school community is known for its strong alumni network and family atmosphere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Saint Marys, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available for families in Saint Marys, Kansas, and what grade levels do they serve?
Saint Marys, Kansas, offers a few distinct private school options, primarily with a religious affiliation. The most prominent is Immaculate Conception Catholic School (ICCS), which serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade. For high school, many Saint Marys families look to nearby Topeka. Popular choices include Cair Paravel Latin School (K-12, with a classical Christian curriculum) and Hayden High School (9-12, Catholic). While Cair Paravel and Hayden are not in Saint Marys proper, they are common destinations for Saint Marys residents seeking private secondary education, representing a short commute. This means local private K-8 education is available in-town, while high school typically requires looking to the broader Topeka area.
How does the tuition for private schools like Immaculate Conception in Saint Marys compare to regional options, and are there financial aid programs specific to Kansas?
Tuition at Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Saint Marys is generally lower than at larger private schools in Topeka, reflecting its local parish community and smaller scale. For the 2024-2025 school year, ICCS tuition is approximately $3,000-$4,000 per student, with discounts for parish members and multiple children. In contrast, Cair Paravel Latin School or Hayden High School in Topeka have tuitions ranging from $8,000 to $12,000 annually. A key financial consideration for Kansas families is the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. Additionally, many Kansas private schools, including those Saint Marys families attend, offer need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for Catholic families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Saint Marys, KS, students?
Private schools serving the Saint Marys community offer distinctive programs. Immaculate Conception Catholic School emphasizes faith-based education with strong core academics and typically has smaller class sizes, allowing for individualized attention. For families commuting to Topeka, Cair Paravel Latin School is unique for its rigorous classical curriculum, including the study of Latin and great books, and a strong emphasis on rhetoric and logic. Hayden High School offers a comprehensive college-preparatory program alongside competitive athletics (especially known for its football and basketball programs) and a wide range of clubs. These Topeka-based schools provide opportunities in robotics, theater, and advanced STEM courses that may not be available in a smaller local school, which is a significant draw for Saint Marys families.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Saint Marys, and how does it differ from the Topeka-area private schools?
For Immaculate Conception Catholic School (ICCS) in Saint Marys, the enrollment process often begins in early spring (February-March) for the following academic year. Priority is typically given to active parishioners of Immaculate Conception Church and currently enrolled families. The process involves submitting an application, birth and baptismal certificates, and academic records. For the Topeka schools like Cair Paravel and Hayden, timelines are more formalized and competitive, with application deadlines often in January or February. These schools usually require entrance exams (like the HSPT for Hayden), interviews, and shadow days for prospective students. It's crucial for Saint Marys parents to plan ahead, especially for high school, as securing a spot at a Topeka private school requires initiating the process nearly a full year in advance.
For a family in Saint Marys, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district (USD 321) and a private school option?
The decision between Saint Marys USD 321 public schools and private options involves several local factors. USD 321 offers the convenience of a community-based K-12 education without tuition or commute. The public high school, Saint Marys Academy, provides robust agricultural (FFA) and vocational programs aligned with the regional economy. Choosing a private school like ICCS for elementary/middle grades involves a desire for a specific religious education and often smaller class sizes. Opting for a Topeka private high school involves a significant daily commute (about 30-45 minutes each way) and higher cost, but is pursued for college-preparatory rigor, specific religious formation, or specialized academic tracks (like classical education at Cair Paravel) that families feel outweigh the logistical and financial challenges. Transportation and involvement in the Saint Marys community versus the Topeka community are also major practical considerations.