The Best Private Schools in Kingston, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kingston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Columban School
Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
St. Columban School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located approximately 15 miles from Kingston, this institution offers a comprehensive education with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and dedicated faculty with an average of 15 years teaching experience. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports, music ensembles, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong academic preparation for high school.
Programs:
St. Munchin Catholic School
Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
Serving the northwest Missouri region including Kingston, St. Munchin Catholic School provides education from preschool to 8th grade with a reputation for academic rigor and community values. The school features a well-rounded curriculum enhanced by technology integration, library resources, and specialized instruction in art, music, and physical education. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, students receive personalized attention. The school community is known for its active parent involvement and strong tradition of preparing students for success in area Catholic high schools.
Programs:
St. Teresa Catholic School
Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
Located approximately 25 miles from Kingston, St. Teresa Catholic School serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a comprehensive educational program rooted in Catholic traditions. The school boasts updated facilities including smart classrooms, science lab, and gymnasium. Academic programs emphasize critical thinking, literacy development, and faith formation. Extracurricular offerings include basketball, volleyball, choir, and academic competitions. The school maintains strong partnerships with parents and has a track record of graduates excelling in regional high schools.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kingston, Missouri
What are the private school options for families living in or near Kingston, Missouri?
In Kingston, Missouri, private education is primarily offered through faith-based institutions. The main options are St. Columban School, St. Munchin Catholic School, and St. Teresa Catholic School. These schools typically serve students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. For high school, families in the Kingston area often look at private options in nearby larger communities like Chillicothe or Cameron, or consider boarding schools. The private school landscape in Kingston is characterized by small class sizes and a strong focus on community and values-based education.
How does tuition at Kingston, MO private schools compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at Kingston's Catholic schools is generally below the Missouri state average for private schools, reflecting the rural and small-town context. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition for these parishes typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per student, with discounts for multiple children from the same family. Active members of the supporting parish often receive a reduced rate. Financial aid is available through the individual parishes and the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Additionally, Missouri offers state-sponsored programs like the MOScholars tax-credit scholarship, which can provide significant assistance to eligible families choosing private schools in Kingston.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Kingston, Missouri offer?
Given their smaller size, private schools in Kingston, MO, such as St. Columban and St. Teresa, focus on core academic excellence with integrated faith formation. A unique aspect is their ability to leverage tight-knit community partnerships for enrichment. Common special programs include annual STEM fairs, local history projects centered on Caldwell County, and strong music/choir programs tied to church services. Athletics often involve cooperative teams with other small area schools. The close teacher-student relationships allow for highly individualized learning plans, which is a noted benefit in this setting compared to larger, more impersonal districts.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Kingston?
The enrollment process for Kingston's private schools usually begins in January or February for the following academic year. It is highly recommended to contact the school office at St. Columban, St. Munchin, or St. Teresa directly, as spaces, particularly in younger grades, are limited. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), recent report cards, and possibly a family interview. Many families in this community have long-standing ties to the parishes, so early registration for parish members is common. Open houses are often held in the winter, and decisions are communicated by early spring.
For families considering both, what are the key differences between Kingston R-III public schools and the local private options?
The key differences lie in curriculum, environment, and scale. The Kingston R-III School District serves K-12 in a single building, offering a continuous pathway through high school, which the local private schools do not. Public schools provide a broader range of elective courses and sports teams at the secondary level. The private schools in Kingston offer a religious education component, daily prayer, and often stricter discipline policies rooted in faith. Class sizes in the private schools are consistently smaller (often 10-15 students), allowing for more individual attention. The decision often hinges on a family's desire for a faith-based education and the value placed on transitioning to a different school system after 8th grade.