The Best Private Schools in Lexington, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lexington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary School
Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
St. Mary School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving the Lexington community with a strong tradition of academic excellence. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum rooted in Catholic values while incorporating modern STEM education and fine arts programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. Mary provides personalized attention to students from preschool through 8th grade. The school features well-maintained facilities, including modern classrooms, a library, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community involvement, and commitment to developing well-rounded students.
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St. Mary's School
Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City
Located just 15 minutes from Lexington in Higginsville, St. Mary's School serves families throughout Lafayette County with an exceptional faith-based education. The school offers a rigorous academic program with particular strength in mathematics and language arts, complemented by comprehensive music and arts education. With modern facilities including science labs, computer technology centers, and athletic fields, St. Mary's provides a well-rounded educational experience. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and commitment to character development. Many Lexington families choose this school for its academic reputation and supportive learning environment.
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St. George Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
St. George Catholic School in Odessa serves students from throughout the region, including Lexington families seeking a challenging academic environment. The school offers a classical education model with strong emphasis on critical thinking and college preparation. Notable programs include advanced STEM courses with robotics and coding, comprehensive performing arts, and competitive athletics. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, and extensive athletic complexes. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its academic rigor, dedicated faculty, and strong community values, making it a popular choice for families throughout the greater Lexington area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lexington, Missouri
What are the private school options for K-12 education in Lexington, Missouri?
Lexington, MO, offers a small but dedicated set of private school options, primarily faith-based institutions. The main choices are St. Mary School (often referred to as St. Mary's School), which typically serves grades Pre-K through 8, and St. George Catholic School, which also serves elementary and middle school grades. It's important to note that Lexington does not currently have a private high school within the city limits. Families seeking private secondary education often look at options in nearby larger communities like Independence, Kansas City, or may consider boarding schools. The intimate size of Lexington's private schools often results in small class sizes and a close-knit community feel.
How does tuition at private schools in Lexington, MO, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for private schools in Lexington, such as St. Mary School and St. George Catholic School, is generally below the Missouri state average for private education, reflecting the area's cost of living. Annual tuition for elementary grades often ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per student. Both parishes typically offer active parishioner discounts, multi-child discounts, and need-based financial assistance. Missouri also offers state-sponsored scholarship opportunities like the MOScholars Program, which provides tax-credit scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools, an important financial consideration for Lexington families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Lexington's private schools offer that differentiate them from public schools?
Lexington's private schools leverage their small size to offer personalized attention and faith-based integration across all subjects. A key differentiator is their emphasis on religious education and character formation, which is woven into the daily curriculum. While they may not have the extensive elective catalog of a large public district, they often provide strong foundational programs in STEM, literacy, and the arts. Many also participate in local and diocesan-wide academic competitions, spelling bees, and science fairs. Their close community allows for tailored learning approaches and often features school-wide service projects that connect students to the local Lexington community.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for a private school like St. Mary School in Lexington?
The enrollment process for Lexington's private schools usually begins in early spring (January-March) for the following academic year. For St. Mary School, priority is typically given to active members of St. Mary's Parish, then to other Catholic families, and then to the general community. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (if applicable), recent academic records, and often a small registration fee. A family interview or meeting with the principal may be part of the process. Given the limited seats, especially in younger grades, early inquiry is strongly recommended. Most schools host open houses or shadow days for prospective students.
For a family moving to Lexington, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
The key considerations involve educational philosophy, class size, cost, and logistics. Lexington R-V School District offers a comprehensive K-12 pathway, extracurriculars like athletics and band, and no tuition. Private schools in Lexington offer a faith-based environment, typically smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower), and a consistent moral framework. However, they require tuition and only go through 8th grade, necessitating a high school plan. Transportation is also a factor; public schools provide busing, while private school families usually arrange their own. Many Lexington families value the continuity and community of the local private schools for elementary education before transitioning to the public high school.
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