The Best Private Schools in Shawnee, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Shawnee. 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 the Shawnee area and broader Johnson County community. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 22 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics in the Eastern Kansas League. With a focus on faith-based education and character development, St. James maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere and excellent teacher-student relationships.
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Pembroke Hill School
Independent
Pembroke Hill School is a premier independent school serving families from Shawnee and the greater Kansas City area. Offering both International Baccalaureate and traditional college preparatory programs from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, the school provides exceptional academic opportunities with small class sizes and personalized attention. The campus features extensive facilities including science and innovation centers, multiple athletic fields, and dedicated arts spaces. Pembroke Hill consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier universities and emphasizes global citizenship, leadership development, and community service.
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The Barstow School
Independent
The Barstow School is a distinguished independent school with a long history of academic excellence serving the Shawnee area and greater Kansas City region. The school offers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate program alongside advanced STEM curriculum in state-of-the-art innovation labs. Barstow emphasizes personalized learning with an average class size of 15 students and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate to selective institutions. The campus features extensive athletic facilities, performing arts centers, and technology-rich learning environments. The school is particularly noted for its strong arts programs, competitive robotics teams, and commitment to developing well-rounded, ethical leaders.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Shawnee, Kansas
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Shawnee, Kansas, and how do they differ in educational approach?
Shawnee, Kansas, is served by several highly-regarded private schools, though it's important to note that some of the most prominent are located in nearby communities within the Kansas City metropolitan area. St. James Academy, located in Lenexa, is a Catholic college-preparatory high school known for its strong academics, faith formation, and athletics. The Barstow School (in Kansas City, MO) and Pembroke Hill School (in Kansas City, MO) are both independent, co-educational day schools offering curricula from early childhood through high school, with Pembroke Hill known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) programs and Barstow for its innovation labs and global studies. For younger students, local options include Shawnee Mission Catholic School (in Overland Park) and many faith-based academies in surrounding Johnson County. The key differences lie in religious affiliation, curricular focus (e.g., IB, AP, classical), and campus culture.
How does tuition for top private schools in the Shawnee, KS, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available for Kansas residents?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Shawnee vicinity varies significantly by grade level and institution. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition at St. James Academy is approximately $13,000-$14,000, while independent schools like Pembroke Hill and The Barstow School range from $25,000 to $30,000+ annually for upper grades. Kansas residents should explore several financial aid avenues. Most schools offer need-based financial aid through applications like SSS (School and Student Services). Additionally, Kansas has a Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships for students from lower-income families to attend private schools. Many schools also offer merit scholarships and payment plans. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly for the most current figures and to discuss your family's specific circumstances.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Shawnee families that leverage the Kansas City area's resources?
Private schools serving Shawnee students often utilize the broader Kansas City metro as an extended campus. Many have robust partnerships with local institutions: science programs may collaborate with the University of Kansas Medical Center or the Stowers Institute for Medical Research; arts programs connect with the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art; and business/entrepreneurship programs engage with the Kansas City startup community. Specifically, schools like The Barstow School have dedicated innovation and design labs, while Pembroke Hill's IB curriculum includes Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) projects deeply integrated into the city. St. James Academy and others offer extensive competitive athletic programs within the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA). These partnerships provide unparalleled experiential learning opportunities not always available in standard public school curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Shawnee, Kansas, area, and how far in advance should parents apply?
The enrollment process for private schools in the Shawnee/Johnson County area is highly structured and often begins more than a year in advance. The standard timeline involves starting research and attending open houses in the fall (September-November) for enrollment the following academic year. Application deadlines for the most competitive schools (like Pembroke Hill, Barstow) are typically in January or February for the next fall. This process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT for older students), and a family/student interview. St. James Academy and many Catholic schools may have slightly later deadlines but still encourage early application. For the best chance at admission and financial aid, families should initiate the process 12-18 months before the desired start date, especially for entry-level grades (Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades), where spaces are most limited.
For a family living in Shawnee, what are the key considerations when deciding between the Shawnee Mission public school district and a private school option?
Families in Shawnee must weigh several local factors. The Shawnee Mission School District (SMSD) is consistently ranked among the top public districts in Kansas and the nation, offering strong academics, extensive extracurriculars, and diverse programming at no direct tuition cost. Choosing a private school often involves seeking a specific educational philosophy (Montessori, religious, IB), smaller class sizes, or a particular community focus. For example, a family desiring a Catholic education would look to St. James, while one seeking a globally-focused, independent curriculum might consider Pembroke Hill. Practical considerations include commute time to schools outside Shawnee, the financial investment versus property taxes funding SMSD, and the alignment of a school's values with your family's. Many families also consider the transition points—some choose private for elementary years and then transition to public high schools like Shawnee Mission Northwest or West, or vice versa. Visiting both types of schools is essential to feel the cultural difference.