The Best Private Schools in Sharon, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sharon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Independent School
Independent
The Independent School is a highly regarded co-educational day school known for its rigorous academic curriculum and personalized learning approach. It emphasizes critical thinking, character development, and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including competitive sports, visual and performing arts, and community service programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school fosters a supportive environment that prepares students for college and beyond, serving families from Sharon and surrounding regions.
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Trinity Academy
Christian (non-denominational)
Trinity Academy provides a classical Christian education focused on academic excellence and spiritual growth. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum, integrated with fine arts, athletics, and technology programs. Known for its strong community and parent satisfaction, it features dedicated teachers, modern facilities, and a emphasis on developing well-rounded students. Its regional reach includes Sharon-area families seeking a faith-based educational option.
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Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Wichita
Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School is a top-rated Catholic institution offering a balanced education rooted in faith and academic rigor. It features a strong college preparatory program, extensive athletic teams, and vibrant arts and extracurricular activities. The school is recognized for its committed faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive community that emphasizes service and leadership. It serves students from Sharon and across south-central Kansas, providing transportation and outreach to rural areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sharon, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Sharon, Kansas?
While Sharon itself is a very small town, families in the area typically look to nearby Wichita for private school options. The top schools within a reasonable commute include The Independent School (PreK-12, non-sectarian), Trinity Academy (K-12, Christian), and Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School (9-12, Catholic). Given Sharon's rural setting, transportation or relocation considerations are significant factors. Many families also explore smaller parochial schools in surrounding communities like Wellington or Conway Springs for younger grades.
How does the tuition at private schools near Sharon, KS, compare to the Kansas state average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for schools like Trinity Academy or The Independent School in the Wichita area generally ranges from approximately $10,000 to $15,000+ annually for middle and high school, which is near or slightly above the state average for similar private institutions. Kansas offers a unique financial aid option through the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which can provide scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid, and Kapaun Mt. Carmel has support from the Catholic Diocese of Wichita. For Sharon residents, it's crucial to factor in potential commuting costs when calculating the total investment.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Sharon offer that might not be available in local public districts?
The private schools in the Wichita area accessible to Sharon families often provide distinct specializations. The Independent School is known for its strong college preparatory curriculum and global studies focus. Trinity Academy offers a classical Christian education model, integrating faith with a rigorous liberal arts curriculum. Kapaun Mt. Carmel provides comprehensive Catholic education alongside robust athletic programs and STEM initiatives. These schools often have smaller class sizes than regional public districts, allowing for more individualized attention, which can be a significant draw for families in rural Kansas seeking specific educational philosophies.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Sharon, KS, community?
The enrollment process for sought-after schools like Trinity Academy or The Independent School often begins a full year in advance, with application deadlines typically in the winter (January-February) for the following fall. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores, and a family interview or student assessment. For Kapaun Mt. Carmel, priority is often given to students from feeder Catholic elementary schools. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, especially in entry grades, Sharon-area families are strongly advised to initiate inquiries early, often in the fall prior to desired enrollment, and to attend open houses held in Wichita.
For a family in rural Sharon, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public school and a private school in Wichita?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The primary consideration is the daily commute of 45-60+ minutes each way to Wichita, which impacts family logistics, student participation in after-school activities, and transportation costs. Academically, parents must weigh the specialized programs and smaller class sizes of private schools against the community-centered environment of a smaller rural public school district. Socially, attending a private school in Wichita means your child will build friendships primarily outside their immediate Sharon community. Financially, the cost of private school tuition plus commuting must be justified against a free public education. Many families find the investment worthwhile for a specific religious education or a particular academic focus not available locally.