The Best Private Schools in Collins, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Collins. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bishop LeBlond High School
Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
Bishop LeBlond High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from multiple surrounding communities including Collins. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 19 Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM programs, and comprehensive extracurricular activities. With small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school provides personalized attention. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. The school has a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development through service learning.
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The Barstow School
Independent
The Barstow School is a premier independent day school serving students from preschool through grade 12, drawing families from across the region including Collins. As an International Baccalaureate World School, Barstow offers both the IB Diploma Programme and a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including innovation labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a focus on global citizenship and innovation, Barstow provides exceptional academic opportunities with small class sizes and extensive extracurricular programs. The school consistently achieves high college placement rates at selective universities.
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St. Paul's Episcopal Day School
Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri
St. Paul's Episcopal Day School is a highly respected independent school serving students from early childhood through middle school, with many families commuting from surrounding areas including Collins. The school combines academic excellence with character development through its Episcopal identity. The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning, STEAM education, and global awareness. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive enrichment programs in arts, athletics, and technology. St. Paul's graduates consistently gain admission to top secondary schools in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Collins, Missouri
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Collins, Missouri, and what grade levels do they serve?
While Collins itself is a small town, families in the area have access to several well-regarded private schools in nearby communities, primarily in St. Joseph and Kansas City. The schools you mentioned, like Bishop LeBlond High School (grades 9-12) in St. Joseph, are common considerations. For broader options, families often look at institutions such as The Barstow School (Pre-K-12) in Kansas City and St. Paul's Episcopal Day School (Pre-K-6) in Kansas City. It's important for Collins residents to factor in commute times of 30-60 minutes to these schools. Local parish-affiliated elementary schools in St. Joseph may also serve younger students from the Collins area.
How does tuition for private schools serving the Collins, MO area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Missouri?
Tuition for private schools accessible from Collins, MO, varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $6,000-$8,000 per year for a Catholic high school like Bishop LeBlond to over $25,000 for a premier independent day school in Kansas City. Missouri offers the "MOScholars" program, a tax-credit scholarship for eligible students (with an IEP, foster children, or from low-income households) to attend a private school. This state-specific aid can be a crucial factor for Collins families. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools that Collins-area students commonly attend?
Schools drawing from the Collins area often provide specialized programs not typically found in small rural public districts. Bishop LeBlond High School emphasizes a college-prep curriculum with strong theology and STEM courses. The Barstow School offers advanced international programs like the IB Diploma, extensive robotics, and global travel. St. Paul's Episcopal Day School focuses on foundational literacy and character education. For Collins students, these programs offer access to advanced science labs, world languages starting in lower school, and competitive athletic conferences that require a commitment to travel for games and events.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Collins, MO, and how far in advance should parents apply?
The enrollment process for sought-after private schools serving the Collins region is competitive and begins early. For schools like The Barstow School or St. Paul's, the application cycle for the following academic year typically opens in September, with deadlines for financial aid and priority applications between January and February. Admissions often include assessments, student interviews, and school visits. For Bishop LeBlond, the process may be slightly later but still begins in the fall. Collins families are advised to start research and visits 12-18 months before desired enrollment, especially for entry-level grades (Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 9th grade), as spaces are limited.
For a family living in Collins, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public school and a private school requiring a commute?
The decision hinges on several Collins-specific factors. The local Collins public school district offers the convenience of a very short commute and a tight-knit community. Opting for a private school in St. Joseph or Kansas City involves a significant daily commute (which can be 1-2 hours roundtrip), impacting family schedules and transportation costs. Parents must weigh this against perceived benefits: often smaller class sizes, specific religious education, more extensive advanced placement or specialty courses, and different extracurricular opportunities. The financial commitment of tuition, plus gas and time, is substantial. Many families choose private options for consistent college-prep focus or values-based education not available in the rural public system.
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