The Best Private Schools in Washington, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Washington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Xavier Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
St. Xavier Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving students from Washington and surrounding communities. Located approximately 30 miles from Washington in Junction City, this established Catholic school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes faith-based education combined with strong academic foundations, featuring modern STEM labs, robust fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. Xavier maintains high academic standards and strong community involvement, making it a popular choice for families in the region seeking private education with moral and spiritual development.
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Flint Hills Christian School
Independent Christian School
Flint Hills Christian School in Manhattan serves students from Washington and the broader Flint Hills region, located approximately 35 miles away. This accredited Christian school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The curriculum integrates biblical worldview across all subjects while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere, dedicated teachers, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including competitive sports, music, and drama. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the school's commitment to academic excellence and character development.
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Manhattan Catholic Schools
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Manhattan Catholic Schools provides comprehensive private education serving families from Washington and surrounding communities, located approximately 35 miles away in Manhattan. The school system includes elementary through high school education with a strong tradition of academic excellence. The curriculum features advanced placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including competitive athletics and fine arts. With modern facilities, experienced faculty, and a supportive community environment, Manhattan Catholic Schools consistently produces graduates who excel in higher education. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes both academic achievement and spiritual formation, making it a top choice for families seeking quality private education in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Washington, Kansas
What are the private school options available specifically in Washington, Kansas, and what are their educational approaches?
In Washington, Kansas, private school options are primarily faith-based due to the town's size and community structure. The main institution is St. Xavier Catholic School, which provides a Pre-K through 8th-grade education rooted in Catholic values and a traditional academic curriculum. For high school, families typically look to nearby communities. While not in Washington proper, many families also consider Flint Hills Christian School in Manhattan (about 30 miles away) for a Protestant Christian K-12 education, or the Manhattan Catholic Schools system. The limited number of options means each school is deeply integrated into the local community, offering small class sizes and a close-knit environment characteristic of rural Kansas education.
How does tuition for private schools in Washington, Kansas, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition at private schools like St. Xavier Catholic School in Washington, KS, is generally below the national private school average, reflecting the lower cost of living in rural Kansas. Annual tuition for elementary grades often ranges from $2,500 to $4,500 per student. Most Kansas private schools, including Catholic diocesan schools, offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for active members, and multi-child discounts. It's also important to note that Kansas does not have a state-funded voucher or tax-credit scholarship program, so financial assistance is primarily sourced directly from the schools, parishes, or private scholarship foundations. Families should inquire directly about application processes for aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Washington, Kansas, area offer that leverage the local community?
Private schools in and around Washington, KS, often incorporate the agricultural and close-knit community values into their programs. St. Xavier Catholic School, for example, may participate in local history projects related to Washington County and integrate agricultural science basics relevant to the region. Given the proximity to Manhattan, schools like Flint Hills Christian School offer more extensive extracurricular options, including athletics that compete in the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) and potential agri-science clubs. A notable aspect is the strong emphasis on community service and character education, with students frequently involved in local food pantries, veterans' events, and church-related activities that are central to small-town life.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Washington, Kansas, and are there waitlists?
For Washington's St. Xavier Catholic School, the enrollment process typically begins in early spring (February-March) for the following academic year. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (if applicable), and academic records. A family interview or meeting may be required. Due to the small size of the school, spaces can be limited, especially in specific grade levels, but outright waitlists are less common than in urban areas. Priority is often given to siblings of current students and active parishioners. For families considering schools in Manhattan, timelines may be similar but more structured, with open houses held in the winter. It's advisable to contact the school principal directly, as processes can be personalized in a small community.
For a family in Washington, Kansas, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school like St. Xavier?
The decision in Washington, KS, often centers on educational philosophy, class size, and religious instruction. The local public school, Washington County Schools USD 108, offers a comprehensive K-12 system in one location, which is a logistical advantage. In contrast, St. Xavier provides a Pre-8 education with a values-based curriculum and typically smaller student-to-teacher ratios. A major consideration is the need to plan for high school, as choosing St. Xavier means a secondary transition to either the public high school or a private option in another town. Families also weigh the importance of a faith-based environment against the no-tuition cost of public education. The community aspect is strong in both settings, but the private school offers a distinct, close-knit faith community that is a defining feature of life in Washington.