The Best Private Schools in Kansas City, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kansas City. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Rockhurst High School
Jesuit Secondary Education
Rockhurst High School is a premier Jesuit college preparatory school for young men, consistently ranked among the top private high schools in Missouri. Founded in 1910, the school combines rigorous academics with character formation rooted in Jesuit traditions. The comprehensive curriculum includes 26 Advanced Placement courses and strong STEM programs, particularly in robotics and engineering. The campus features modern science labs, athletic facilities, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Rockhurst emphasizes "Men for Others" through extensive service programs and maintains an outstanding college placement record, with graduates regularly attending prestigious universities across the country.
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The Barstow School
Independent School
The Barstow School is a highly respected independent day school serving students from early childhood through grade 12. Founded in 1884, it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum enhanced by the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including STEM labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Barstow emphasizes global citizenship and innovation, with strong programs in robotics, entrepreneurship, and community service. The school maintains small class sizes and has an impressive college placement record, with graduates regularly attending top-tier universities nationwide.
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Pembroke Hill School
Independent School
Pembroke Hill School, formed by the merger of Sunset Hill School and Pembroke-Country Day School, has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence in Kansas City. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement opportunities. The campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and arts centers. Pembroke Hill emphasizes character education alongside academic achievement, with strong programs in athletics, visual arts, and community engagement. The school maintains a diverse student body and has a track record of sending graduates to selective colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kansas City, Missouri
What are the main types of private schools available in Kansas City, Missouri, and how do they differ?
Kansas City, MO, offers a diverse range of private schools catering to different educational philosophies and needs. The top tier includes prestigious independent college-preparatory schools like The Barstow School (PreK-12, co-ed) and Pembroke Hill School (PreK-12, co-ed), which offer rigorous academics, extensive arts, and athletics. There are also prominent single-sex institutions, such as the all-boys Rockhurst High School (9-12), a Jesuit Catholic school known for its strong leadership and service programs. Additionally, the metro area hosts many faith-based (e.g., Catholic, Lutheran), Montessori, and specialized schools. The key differences lie in educational approach, religious affiliation, campus culture, and size, allowing families to find a strong fit.
How does tuition at Kansas City, Missouri's top private schools compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at leading Kansas City private schools like Barstow, Pembroke Hill, and Rockhurst High School typically ranges from approximately $20,000 to $28,000 annually for upper grades. It's important to note that Missouri has several state-sponsored financial aid programs that can help offset costs. The most significant is the "MOScholars" program, which provides Education Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) for eligible students (including those with IEPs, in foster care, or from lower-income families) to attend private schools. Additionally, most schools have substantial need-based financial aid and merit scholarship programs of their own. We strongly recommend applying for financial aid simultaneously with admission, as deadlines are often early in the calendar year.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are signature offerings at Kansas City's private schools?
Kansas City private schools leverage the city's cultural and business resources to create distinctive programs. For example, The Barstow School has a renowned Global Studies program with immersive travel and a dedicated center. Pembroke Hill School emphasizes entrepreneurship and innovation through its "Pembroke Hill Business & Entrepreneurship" track. Rockhurst High School offers a unique "Rockhurst Community Center" experience, deeply integrating service-learning into the curriculum. Many schools also have strong partnerships with local institutions like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, and area tech companies for specialized internships and projects, providing students with unparalleled local opportunities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Kansas City, Missouri?
The enrollment process for top Kansas City private schools is highly structured and begins early. For fall admission, most schools open applications in August or September, with key deadlines for applications and financial aid requests between January and February. The process almost always includes a campus tour/open house (held in the fall), submission of applications and teacher recommendations, a student assessment or visit day, and a family interview. Notification of admission decisions is typically released in March. Given the competitive nature, especially for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 9th grade, it is crucial to start researching and visiting schools at least 12-18 months in advance.
For families considering both options, what are the key factors when comparing private and public schools in Kansas City, Missouri?
The comparison hinges on individual family priorities. Kansas City, Missouri, public schools vary widely by district (e.g., Kansas City Public Schools, North Kansas City, Park Hill). Key private school advantages often include smaller class sizes, specialized curricula (like International Baccalaureate at Barstow), and often more resources for arts and advanced academics. A major consideration is consistency; private schools offer a continuous educational pathway from elementary through high school, which can be appealing compared to navigating public school boundary changes or charter school lotteries. However, public schools are tuition-free and may offer unique magnet programs. The decision often comes down to desired educational philosophy, community, and the value placed on the specific programs and environments that KC's private schools provide.