The Best Private Schools in Westmoreland, Kansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Westmoreland. 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 Westmoreland and surrounding communities. With over six decades of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program rooted in Catholic values. The curriculum emphasizes strong academic foundations with dedicated focus on literacy, mathematics, and science. Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized attention, and a safe learning environment. The school features modern facilities including technology-integrated classrooms, dedicated science lab, and athletic facilities. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports, music programs, and community service opportunities, creating a well-rounded educational experience for families in the Westmoreland area.
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St. Bernard Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
St. Bernard Catholic School has been serving families in the Flint Hills region for over 70 years, including students from Westmoreland. This Pre-K through 8th grade institution provides a rigorous academic program within a faith-based environment. The school is known for its strong core curriculum with particular emphasis on advanced mathematics and comprehensive language arts. Technology integration throughout all grade levels prepares students for future academic success. The campus features well-maintained facilities including a modern library, computer lab, and playground areas. Parent involvement is highly encouraged, contributing to the strong sense of community and high parent satisfaction ratings that characterize this established educational institution.
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Manhattan Catholic Schools
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Manhattan Catholic Schools serves as a regional educational hub for families throughout Pottawatomie County, including Westmoreland. The institution offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade program with a strong college preparatory focus. High school students can choose from multiple Advanced Placement courses and benefit from a robust STEM curriculum. The campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. With over five decades of operation, the school has established a reputation for academic excellence and character development. Transportation options and extracurricular activities make it accessible and appealing to Westmoreland families seeking a premium private education within reasonable commuting distance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Westmoreland, Kansas
What are the private school options specifically within Westmoreland, Kansas, and are there any non-religious alternatives?
Within the city limits of Westmoreland, Kansas, private school options are exclusively faith-based. The primary institution is St. Xavier Catholic School, which serves students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. There are currently no non-religious or secular private schools located directly in Westmoreland. For broader options, families often look to nearby communities like Manhattan, which hosts Manhattan Catholic Schools for a Pre-K-12 continuum, or consider the public school district. This limited in-town choice is a key consideration for Westmoreland parents, making school visits and alignment with the school's religious mission particularly important.
How does tuition at St. Xavier Catholic School in Westmoreland compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at St. Xavier Catholic School in Westmoreland is typically below the state average for private elementary schools in Kansas, reflecting its rural community setting. Exact figures vary annually, but it is designed to be accessible for local families. Importantly, the school participates in the Kansas Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides need-based scholarships funded by donations from Kansas businesses in exchange for tax credits. Additionally, St. Xavier offers parish subsidies for active members, multi-child discounts, and may have limited need-based aid from the parish or school endowment. Prospective families should contact the school office directly for the current year's tuition schedule and financial aid application process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Westmoreland's private schools offer that leverage their rural Kansas setting?
St. Xavier Catholic School in Westmoreland integrates its rural environment into its educational approach. Academically, this may include local Kansas history and agriculture-based science projects. Extracurricularly, the school's size allows for high participation rates in activities like athletics, where students often have the opportunity to play multiple sports. The close-knit, community-oriented atmosphere fosters strong mentorship and leadership opportunities. Furthermore, the school's connection to St. Xavier Parish provides a structured values-based education and community service projects that are deeply woven into the local fabric, an experience distinct from larger urban private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for St. Xavier Catholic School in Westmoreland, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for St. Xavier Catholic School in Westmoreland typically begins with an open house or private tour in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year. Priority registration for existing families and parish members often opens in early spring. Open enrollment for new families usually follows. Due to the school's small size, some grades, particularly early elementary, can fill quickly, though waitlists are not always a constant factor. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (if applicable), and academic records. It is highly recommended for Westmoreland-area parents to make contact with the school principal by January to express interest and understand the current year's specific deadlines and space availability.
For a family in Westmoreland, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school (Valley Heights USD 498) and St. Xavier Catholic School?
The decision between Valley Heights Public Schools and St. Xavier Catholic School in Westmoreland involves several local considerations. Academically, Valley Heights offers a broader range of elective courses and extracurricular activities at the middle and high school levels due to its larger size. St. Xavier provides a small, personalized learning environment with a consistent faith-based curriculum through 8th grade. Logistically, St. Xavier is centrally located in Westmoreland, while public school students may be bussed to the district's campuses in Blue Rapids or Waterville. Financially, public school has no tuition, while St. Xavier requires it. Many Westmoreland families value the community continuity of St. Xavier, where their children can attend school with the same peer group from Pre-K to 8th grade before transitioning to the public high school, blending both options.