The Best Private Schools in Lees Summit, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lees Summit. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Summit Christian Academy
Summit Christian Academy
Summit Christian Academy is a premier Christian college preparatory school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities. With a strong emphasis on spiritual development and character education, SCA features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes and has a proven track record of college acceptance at top universities nationwide.
Programs:
Lee's Summit Christian School
Lee's Summit Christian School
Lee's Summit Christian School provides a comprehensive classical Christian education from preschool through 12th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence through a rigorous curriculum that includes logic, rhetoric, and classical languages alongside modern STEM education. LSCS features dedicated science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, competitive athletic programs, and vibrant fine arts offerings. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and commitment to developing students with strong moral character and critical thinking skills.
Programs:
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic High School
Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic High School serves students in grades 9-12 with a comprehensive college preparatory program rooted in Catholic tradition. The school offers a challenging academic curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular activities. Facilities include modern science and technology labs, a performing arts center, and comprehensive athletic facilities. St. Michael's emphasizes faith formation alongside academic excellence, preparing students for success in college and beyond while fostering spiritual growth and service to the community.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lees Summit, Missouri
What are the primary private school options available in Lees Summit, Missouri, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Lees Summit, MO, offers several prominent private schools, each with a distinct focus. Summit Christian Academy provides a comprehensive, college-preparatory education from a Protestant Christian worldview, serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Lee's Summit Christian School offers a biblically integrated curriculum for grades K-12, emphasizing spiritual growth alongside academic rigor. St. Michael the Archangel Catholic High School is a diocesan high school (grades 9-12) known for its strong academic programs, faith formation, and competitive athletics. Additionally, the area has smaller parochial elementary schools and independent academies. This variety allows parents in Lees Summit to choose a school that aligns closely with their family's values and educational goals.
How does tuition for private schools in Lees Summit, MO, typically compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available locally?
Tuition at Lees Summit's top private schools is generally competitive with or slightly above the Missouri state average for private education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, annual tuition ranges from approximately $8,000 to $15,000+ depending on the school and grade level. Missouri offers specific financial mechanisms to assist families. The most notable is the MOScholars program, a tax-credit scholarship that provides funding for eligible students to attend private schools, which many Lees Summit private schools participate in. Additionally, individual schools offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for Catholic families at St. Michael's, and multi-child discounts. It's essential to contact each school's admissions office directly for detailed tuition schedules and aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Lees Summit private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Private schools in Lees Summit leverage the city's thriving suburban community and proximity to Kansas City to offer distinctive programs. Summit Christian Academy features a strong STEM program and partnerships with local businesses for internships. St. Michael the Archangel Catholic High School has a renowned Gateway Biomedical Sciences program, connecting students with research institutions in the greater Kansas City area. Many schools also emphasize leadership and service, with students engaging in local outreach throughout Jackson County. Extracurricularly, schools compete in the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA), with notable success in athletics, fine arts, and robotics competitions that involve regional and state-level events.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Lees Summit, and are there key deadlines Missouri parents should know?
The enrollment process for Lees Summit private schools often begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year. A common timeline includes: Open Houses (October-January), application deadlines (January-February), and financial aid deadlines (often concurrent with applications). For schools like St. Michael's, priority is frequently given to active parishioners of supporting Catholic churches. Many schools also require entrance assessments or shadow days for prospective students. A critical statewide deadline is for the MOScholars scholarship program, which typically opens in the spring. It is highly advisable for parents to initiate inquiries by November to ensure they meet all school-specific and state aid deadlines.
For families considering both, what are some key comparative factors between the Lees Summit R-7 public school district and the local private school options?
Comparing Lees Summit R-7—a highly-rated public district—with local private options involves several key factors. **Curriculum & Class Size:** Private schools offer mission-driven curricula (faith-based, classical, etc.) and typically smaller average class sizes, while R-7 provides a broad, state-standard curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement (AP) and elective choices. **Cost:** R-7 is taxpayer-funded, whereas private schools require tuition, though financial aid is available. **Extracurriculars:** R-7 high schools offer a vast array of sports, clubs, and activities due to their larger size. Private schools may have more focused offerings but often with high participation rates. **Community:** Private schools foster a close-knit community around shared values. The decision often hinges on a family's priority for specialized religious education, specific pedagogical approaches, and the desired school environment within the Lees Summit community.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities