The Best Private Schools in Silver Lake, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Silver Lake. 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 serving the greater Topeka area including Silver Lake. The school offers a rigorous classical education model with Latin instruction beginning in elementary grades, comprehensive college preparatory curriculum, and strong emphasis on character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio and has an excellent college acceptance record.
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Topeka Collegiate School
Independent
Topeka Collegiate School is an accredited International Baccalaureate World School serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school features a challenging academic program with strong STEM emphasis, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including robotics, music, and competitive sports. The campus includes state-of-the-art science labs, technology centers, and outdoor learning spaces. Families from Silver Lake appreciate the school's inclusive community and individualized learning approach.
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Holy Family Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Topeka
Holy Family Catholic School provides comprehensive Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout Shawnee County including Silver Lake. The school combines strong academic preparation with faith formation, featuring advanced mathematics curriculum, comprehensive literacy program, and extensive music and arts education. The campus includes modern classrooms, chapel, gymnasium, and technology labs. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and commitment to developing well-rounded students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Silver Lake, Kansas
What are the realistic private school options for a family residing in Silver Lake, Kansas, given that most top-rated schools are in Topeka?
While Silver Lake itself is a small community without a standalone private K-12 campus, families commonly commute to Topeka, approximately 15-20 minutes away. The primary options include Cair Paravel Latin School (a classical Christian school), Topeka Collegiate School (a secular, independent school), and Holy Family Catholic School. Transportation is a key consideration, as none provide district-wide busing from Silver Lake. Many families form carpools. It's also worth exploring smaller parochial options in nearby towns like Rossville or St. Marys for younger grades.
How does tuition at Topeka-area private schools compare to the Kansas state average, and what financial aid options are available for Shawnee County residents?
Tuition for Topeka-area private schools varies. For the 2024-25 academic year, Cair Paravel Latin School's high school tuition is approximately $10,000, Topeka Collegiate School's is around $15,000 for grades 6-12, and Holy Family Catholic School is roughly $5,000-$6,000 for parishioners. These are generally at or slightly below the state average for similar institutions. All three schools offer need-based financial aid, and Kansas has the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program, which can provide scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools. Additionally, Holy Family participates in parish subsidy programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the Topeka private schools accessible from Silver Lake offer that might not be available in the Silver Lake USD 372 public district?
The accessible private schools offer specialized tracks that complement the strong agricultural and vocational programs at Silver Lake High School. Topeka Collegiate has a renowned STEM initiative with competitive robotics and advanced science research opportunities. Cair Paravel Latin School provides a unique classical curriculum with mandatory Latin, logic, and rhetoric, focusing on the Great Books. Holy Family offers a continuous Pre-K through 8th grade faith-based education in a single building. These contrast with Silver Lake USD 372's excellent but more traditional public school offerings and its specific focus on career and technical education (CTE) pathways.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Topeka, and how far in advance should a Silver Lake family apply?
The admission process for Topeka private schools typically begins in the fall for the following academic year. Open houses are held from October to January. Application deadlines are often in February or March, with notification by mid-spring. For families in Silver Lake, it is crucial to apply early, especially for sought-after grades like kindergarten, 6th, and 9th. The process usually includes an application, student assessment or shadow day, records review, and family interview. Given the commute, attending a shadow day requires planning. We recommend initiating inquiries a full year before desired enrollment.
For a family committed to staying in the Silver Lake community, what are the trade-offs between the local public schools and commuting to a Topeka private school?
The trade-off centers on community integration versus specialized education. Silver Lake USD 372 is a highly-rated, cohesive district where students can participate fully in local sports, activities, and community events without commute time (often 30+ minutes round trip). The private schools in Topeka offer distinct educational philosophies (classical, independent, Catholic), smaller average class sizes, and different peer networks. The commute impacts daily schedules, extracurricular participation at the private school, and family logistics. Financially, private tuition is an additional cost compared to the "free" public option. Many families value the strong Silver Lake public system, while others choose the commute for a specific religious or pedagogical alignment.