The Best Private Schools in Greenwood, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Greenwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic High School
Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
St. Michael the Archangel is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory high school serving the greater Kansas City metropolitan area, including Greenwood. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes averaging 18 students, the school emphasizes character formation and spiritual development alongside academic excellence. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes.
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The Summit Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Summit Christian Academy is a premier private Christian school serving students from preschool through 12th grade, drawing families from Greenwood and surrounding communities. The school employs a classical Christian education model integrated with modern technology and innovative teaching methods. Students benefit from a comprehensive athletics program, extensive fine arts offerings, and college preparatory curriculum with dual credit opportunities. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes spiritual growth alongside academic achievement.
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St. John LaLande Catholic School
Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
St. John LaLande Catholic School provides comprehensive Catholic education for students in preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout eastern Jackson County including Greenwood. The school offers a strong academic foundation with specialized programs in STEM, music, and visual arts. Features include modern classrooms, science labs, library resources, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes faith formation, academic excellence, and character development while preparing students for success in high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Greenwood, Missouri
What are the primary private school options available for families in Greenwood, Missouri, and what grade levels do they serve?
Greenwood, MO, is served by a small cluster of well-regarded private institutions, primarily with a Christian focus. The notable options include St. Michael the Archangel Catholic High School (grades 9-12), The Summit Christian Academy (preschool through 12th grade), and St. John LaLande Catholic School (preschool through 8th grade). This means families in Greenwood can find continuous private education from early childhood through high school graduation without necessarily leaving the immediate area, though some may also consider schools in nearby Lee's Summit or Raymore for additional options.
How does tuition at private schools in Greenwood, MO, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the Greenwood area is generally competitive with or slightly below the Missouri state average for similar institutions. For the 2023-2024 academic year, elementary tuition often ranges from $6,000 to $9,000, while high school tuition can be between $10,000 and $13,000. Missouri offers specific financial aid options that Greenwood families can utilize, most notably the MOScholars program, which provides tax-credit scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. Additionally, all major schools in Greenwood offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for active Catholic families at the Catholic schools, and multi-child discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in Greenwood that leverage the local community?
Private schools in Greenwood often integrate the area's semi-rural character and community values into their programs. St. Michael the Archangel High School, for instance, has a strong Engineering and Biomedical Sciences program that partners with local businesses and technical centers. The Summit Christian Academy emphasizes agricultural science and stewardship, reflecting the region's landscape, and offers robust fine arts programs. St. John LaLande incorporates local history and environmental studies into its curriculum. Extracurricularly, these schools often have competitive athletic leagues within the Kansas City metro area and strong community service requirements that connect students to local charities and events in Jackson County.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Greenwood, Missouri, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Greenwood private schools typically begins in January for the following academic year, with priority given to current families and siblings. Open houses are usually held in the fall and winter. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. Due to the limited number of seats, especially in the popular early grades and at the high school level, waitlists are common at schools like St. John LaLande and The Summit Christian Academy. It is highly recommended for Greenwood parents to begin inquiries a full year in advance. Some schools also have rolling admission for later grades if space permits.
For a family moving to Greenwood, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district (Blue Springs R-IV) and the area's private schools?
The key decision points involve educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. The Blue Springs School District is large, highly-rated, and offers extensive resources, advanced placement courses, and diverse extracurriculars. In contrast, Greenwood's private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), a faith-based education integrated throughout the curriculum, and a close-knit community feel. Transportation is a major practical consideration; public school bus service is available throughout Greenwood, while private schools require families to arrange transportation. Financially, choosing private school means assuming tuition costs versus the tax-supported public system. Families seeking a specific religious foundation or a smaller, more personalized environment often find the private options in Greenwood align with their priorities.