The Best Private Schools in Saint Paul, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Saint Paul. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Colgan High School
Catholic Diocese of Wichita
St. Mary's Colgan High School is a highly respected Catholic institution serving southeastern Kansas with a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum. It offers a comprehensive K-12 education emphasizing academic excellence, faith formation, and character development. The school features modern facilities, including science labs and athletic complexes, and provides diverse extracurricular activities such as robotics, music, and competitive sports. Parent reviews consistently highlight dedicated teachers, strong community values, and high student achievement rates, making it a top choice for families in the Saint Paul area.
Programs:
Southeast Kansas Christian School
Independent Christian School
Southeast Kansas Christian School provides a K-12 education rooted in Christian values and academic rigor. Located in Parsons, it serves students from Saint Paul and surrounding regions with a curriculum that integrates faith and learning, including advanced placement courses and vocational training. The school boasts well-maintained facilities, such as technology-enhanced classrooms and sports fields, and offers extracurriculars like choir, drama, and basketball. Parents praise the supportive environment, experienced staff, and focus on individualized student growth, contributing to its strong reputation in the area.
Programs:
Independence Christian School
Independent Christian Education
Independence Christian School is a reputable private institution offering K-12 education with a focus on holistic development through a Christ-centered approach. It features a balanced curriculum that includes core academics, fine arts, and technology programs, supported by small class sizes and dedicated faculty. The campus includes updated classrooms, a library, and playgrounds, with extracurricular opportunities in music, sports, and community service. Highly rated by parents for its safe, nurturing environment and strong academic outcomes, it attracts families from Saint Paul and nearby communities seeking quality private education.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Saint Paul, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Saint Paul, Kansas?
Saint Paul, Kansas, is served by a small number of faith-based private schools, with the most prominent being St. Mary's Colgan High School in nearby Pittsburg (approximately 15 miles away), which is a Catholic school serving grades 9-12. For younger students, families in the Saint Paul area often consider Southeast Kansas Christian School and Independence Christian School, both located in Independence, KS (about 30 miles away). Due to the rural nature of Crawford County, many families commute to these schools. There are no large, independent non-religious private schools directly in Saint Paul itself, making these Christian institutions the primary private options.
How does the tuition at private schools in the Saint Paul, KS, area compare, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for the private schools serving Saint Paul is generally moderate compared to urban private schools, reflecting the regional cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, St. Mary's Colgan High School lists tuition around $5,000-$6,000 for parishioners, with a higher rate for non-parishioners. Schools like Southeast Kansas Christian School typically have tuition in a similar range. Most schools offer multi-child discounts, and financial aid is often available through the schools themselves or affiliated diocesan programs. Kansas also has a Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which can provide scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools, a crucial financial consideration for Kansas residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Saint Paul, KS, offer that differentiate them from public schools?
Private schools in the Saint Paul region often emphasize a faith-based education integrated into the core curriculum, which is their primary differentiator. Academically, St. Mary's Colgan is known for strong college preparatory programs and consistently high standardized test scores. Extracurricularly, these schools often have robust athletics and activities despite their smaller size; Colgan, for instance, has a storied history in Kansas high school football. Many also offer unique programs like theology courses, mission trips, and community service requirements that are tied to their religious mission. They may offer more personalized attention due to lower student-to-teacher ratios than some of the larger regional public school districts.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Saint Paul, Kansas families?
The enrollment process for schools like St. Mary's Colgan or Southeast Kansas Christian School usually begins in the winter or early spring for the following academic year. It typically involves submitting an application, academic records, and possibly a pastoral reference for religious schools. Many require an interview or placement assessment. For families in Saint Paul, it's crucial to apply early, especially for limited spaces in specific grades. Open houses are often held between January and March. Since these schools draw from a wide rural area, transportation is a key consideration; parents should inquire about bus routes or carpool networks from the Saint Paul area during the enrollment process.
For a family in Saint Paul, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school (USD 508) and a private school option?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. Saint Paul USD 508 offers the convenience of a very local K-12 education with no tuition. Choosing a private school like Colgan or SEK Christian means a significant commute (15-30 miles each way) and annual tuition. However, parents may choose private for religious instruction, perceived academic rigor, or a different social environment. It's important to visit both options: tour the Saint Paul school and the private schools to compare culture, class sizes, and program offerings. Also, consider the child's involvement in after-school activities; a long commute can impact participation. The tight-knit community of a Saint Paul public school contrasts with the faith-based community of a regional private school, which is a central consideration for many families.