The Best Private Schools in Ulysses, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ulysses. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Anthony's Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Dodge City
St. Anthony's Catholic School is the primary private education option located directly in Ulysses, serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade. As part of the Catholic Diocese of Dodge City, the school provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes religious education, core academics, and enrichment programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and gymnasium. The school is known for its family atmosphere and strong community support, with many generations of Ulysses families having attended.
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St. Mary Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Dodge City
Located in Garden City approximately 45 minutes from Ulysses, St. Mary Catholic School serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade and attracts families from throughout southwest Kansas. The school offers a rigorous academic program grounded in Catholic values, with particular strengths in mathematics and language arts. Facilities include science labs, a dedicated music room, gymnasium, and updated technology resources. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community connections, with many Ulysses families choosing this option for its comprehensive programs and established reputation in the region.
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Holy Name Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Dodge City
Holy Name Catholic School in Liberal serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade and is a popular choice for families in southwest Kansas, including those from Ulysses (approximately 60 miles away). The school provides a balanced education focusing on spiritual formation, academic excellence, and character development. The curriculum includes specialized reading intervention programs, hands-on science instruction, and comprehensive arts education. The school features updated facilities including smart classrooms, a STEM lab, and athletic facilities. Holy Name is noted for its welcoming community and strong academic outcomes, making it a regional destination for private education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ulysses, Kansas
What are the private school options available for families in Ulysses, Kansas, and what grade levels do they serve?
Ulysses, KS, is served by three Catholic private schools: St. Anthony's Catholic School, St. Mary Catholic School, and Holy Name Catholic School. These are typically K-8 institutions, providing elementary and middle school education. For high school, families in Ulysses often need to consider options in larger nearby communities, continue in the public school system, or explore boarding schools. It's important to contact each school directly, as specific grade offerings (like pre-K) can vary from year to year.
How does tuition at private schools in Ulysses, KS, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at Ulysses's parish-based Catholic schools is generally below the Kansas state average for private schools, often ranging from $2,500 to $4,500 per year for parishioners, with a higher rate for non-parishioners. This affordability is a notable feature of private education in this region. All schools typically offer financial aid, scholarships (like the Kansas Tax Credit Scholarship Program for low-income families), and multi-child discounts. Active participation in the associated parish can significantly reduce costs, making it a key financial consideration for local families.
What unique academic or faith-based programs do the private schools in Ulysses offer that differentiate them from public schools?
The private schools in Ulysses integrate Catholic faith and values throughout the curriculum, with daily religion classes and participation in Mass. Academically, they often feature small class sizes (often 10-15 students) allowing for individualized attention, which is a significant draw. While they may not have the extensive elective catalog of a large public high school, they provide a strong core foundation in a structured, community-oriented environment. Some schools may also participate in unique local or diocesan-wide academic competitions and service projects rooted in the agricultural and community values of Southwest Kansas.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for St. Anthony's, St. Mary, or Holy Name Catholic School in Ulysses?
Enrollment for the upcoming school year typically opens in early spring (February/March). The process involves submitting an application form, providing birth and baptismal certificates (if applicable), immunization records, and previous school records. A family interview or meeting with the principal is common. Due to small class sizes, spaces can be limited, so early application is advised. Priority is usually given to active parishioners and siblings of current students. It's highly recommended to contact the school office directly in the winter to get specific dates and requirements for that year.
For families new to Ulysses, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools and the private Catholic schools?
The key considerations are educational philosophy, class size, cost, and faith integration. Ulysses Public Schools offer a comprehensive K-12 pathway, broader extracurricular and athletic programs, and no tuition. The private Catholic schools offer a values-based education with intimate class sizes and a tight-knit community feel, but require tuition and only go through 8th grade. For high school, students from the private schools typically integrate into Ulysses High School. Many local families value the foundational years in the private system for its discipline and community before transitioning to the public high school for its wider offerings. Visiting both types of schools is crucial to feel the environment difference specific to Ulysses.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Top Private Schools in Ulysses, Kansas: A Parent's Guide
As a parent in Ulysses, Kansas, the search for the “best private schools near me” is deeply personal and rooted in our shared community values. Here in the heart of Grant County, we understand that education extends beyond academics; it’s about character, faith, and preparing our children to thrive in a close-knit environment. For families considering this path, Ulysses is fortunate to have several established private institutions, each offering a distinct approach to nurturing young minds within a smaller, more focused setting.
Your primary options locally include St. Anthony’s Catholic School, St. Mary Catholic School, and Holy Name Catholic School. These schools form the cornerstone of private education in our area, providing a faith-based alternative to the public system. When evaluating the best private schools near you, it’s essential to consider what “best” means for your family’s unique needs. For many in Ulysses, this translates to a strong sense of community, integrated moral teaching, and small class sizes where teachers know every student by name. A tour of St. Anthony’s or St. Mary’s will immediately reveal this atmosphere, where education feels like an extension of family.
A significant local consideration is the practical reality of rural living. The “near me” aspect is crucial, as lengthy commutes aren’t feasible for most families here. These schools are embedded within Ulysses, minimizing travel time and maximizing your child’s ability to participate in after-school activities and community events. Furthermore, in a smaller community, private schools often collaborate closely with local organizations and businesses, providing students with tangible connections to the world around them. This localized network is a hidden benefit that large urban private schools cannot replicate.
When researching, go beyond the brochures. Schedule a visit during a school day. Observe the interaction in the classrooms at Holy Name Catholic School. Speak with teachers about how they individualize learning. Ask about how the school cultivates leadership and service, values so important in our agricultural community. Inquire about the continuity of education; some local schools may end at a certain grade, so understanding the pathway forward is key. The best private school for your child will be one where their personality and learning style are understood and celebrated.
Finally, talk to other Ulysses parents. Our community is wonderfully interconnected, and firsthand experiences are invaluable. You’ll likely hear about the dedicated educators, the family-oriented events, and the emphasis on respect and responsibility that define these local institutions. Choosing a school is a profound decision. By focusing on what makes our Ulysses private schools unique—their commitment to faith, character, and community—you can find an environment where your child will not only learn but truly belong. The answer to “the best private schools near me” is found right here, in the relationships and values that shape these special places.