The Best Private Schools in Smithville, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Smithville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Barstow School
Independent
The Barstow School is a highly-regarded independent day school serving the greater Kansas City metropolitan area, including Smithville families. Established in 1884, it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with International Baccalaureate programs. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Barstow emphasizes critical thinking, global citizenship, and character development. The school consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier universities nationwide.
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Pembroke Hill School
Independent
Pembroke Hill School, formed from the merger of two historic Kansas City schools, serves families throughout the metropolitan region including Smithville. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory education with extensive Advanced Placement courses and competitive athletic programs. Campus facilities include modern classrooms, science and technology labs, art studios, and extensive athletic facilities. Pembroke Hill emphasizes academic excellence, community service, and leadership development, with a strong track record of college placements at selective institutions.
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St. Paul's Episcopal Day School
Episcopal
St. Paul's Episcopal Day School provides an exceptional private education for students from early childhood through middle school, drawing families from Smithville and the greater Kansas City area. The school combines rigorous academics with Episcopal values and character education. Features include dedicated STEAM labs, innovative learning spaces, and comprehensive arts programs. The school focuses on developing the whole child through small class sizes, individualized attention, and a nurturing community environment that prepares students for success in high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Smithville, Missouri
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Smithville, Missouri, and are they located in Smithville or nearby?
While Smithville itself is a smaller community, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the greater Kansas City metropolitan area, a reasonable commute away. Notable options include The Barstow School (K-12, college prep in Kansas City, MO), Pembroke Hill School (pre-K-12, with campuses in Kansas City, MO), and St. Paul's Episcopal Day School (pre-K-8 in Kansas City, MO). There are also often local parochial options closer to Smithville. It's important for Smithville parents to factor in commute times, which typically range from 30 to 50 minutes to these major institutions, and to explore potential transportation services or carpool networks.
How does tuition for top private schools in the Kansas City area accessible to Smithville residents compare, and what financial aid options are available under Missouri law?
Tuition for schools like Barstow, Pembroke Hill, and St. Paul's varies by grade level but generally ranges from approximately $20,000 to $30,000+ annually for the upper grades. Missouri offers several financial aid mechanisms that Smithville families can utilize. The most significant is the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program (MOScholars), which provides tax-credit scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. Additionally, many schools have substantial need-based financial aid endowments. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through the school (using tools like SSS) and for MOScholars simultaneously, as deadlines are strict and funding is limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Smithville, MO, offer that might not be available in local public schools?
Schools in this corridor often provide distinctive programs leveraging their resources and Kansas City partnerships. For example, The Barstow School has a renowned Global Studies program and a dedicated STEM center. Pembroke Hill School offers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme alongside Advanced Placement (AP) courses. St. Paul's emphasizes a structured, values-based liberal arts foundation with specialist teachers starting in early childhood. Proximity to Kansas City also allows for robust partnerships with cultural institutions, universities, and businesses for internships and enrichment, which is a significant advantage for Smithville-area students seeking expansive opportunities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving the Smithville, MO, area, and when should we start?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th/9th grades, families should start researching schools 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January or February for the following academic year, and completing student assessments/visits. Many schools have sibling and legacy priority, so applying early is critical. Given Smithville's location, planning for admissions events requires scheduling for the commute to Kansas City. We recommend initiating the process in the summer or early fall before your desired enrollment year.
For a family in Smithville, what are the key considerations when deciding between the Smithville School District public schools and a private school in the Kansas City area?
The decision hinges on several local factors. The Smithville School District is well-regarded, offering a convenient, community-centered education with no tuition. Opting for a private school involves a significant financial investment and daily commute but may offer smaller class sizes, specialized curricula (like IB or intensive college prep), different religious or philosophical foundations, and a potentially more diverse student body drawn from the entire metro. Families should evaluate their child's specific needs, the value they place on the private school's unique programs, their tolerance for the commute, and their ability to utilize financial aid options like MOScholars to offset costs.