The Best Private Schools in Worthington, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Worthington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Paul Lutheran School
Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod
St. Paul Lutheran School is a highly-regarded Christian private school serving the broader Northwest Missouri region, including Worthington. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence integrated with Christian values. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its dedicated faculty, small class sizes, and strong community involvement, with many families commuting from surrounding rural areas for its quality education.
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St. Gregory Barbarigo School
Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
Located in Maryville, approximately 20 miles from Worthington, St. Gregory Barbarigo School serves students throughout Northwest Missouri with a rigorous Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade. The school features a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced coursework, technology integration, and extensive extracurricular activities. With strong parent satisfaction ratings and a track record of preparing students for high school success, this school attracts families from multiple surrounding communities including Worthington.
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St. Joseph Christian School
Independent Christian School
St. Joseph Christian School is a well-established private Christian institution serving students from preschool through 12th grade, drawing families from throughout the Northwest Missouri region including Worthington. The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with advanced placement options, strong athletic programs, and extensive fine arts opportunities. Known for its committed faculty and strong community values, the school has maintained excellent academic standards and parent satisfaction for over four decades, making it a popular choice for families in the area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Worthington, Missouri
What are the primary private school options available for families in Worthington, Missouri, and what are their core affiliations?
In Worthington, MO, families have three primary private school options, all with religious affiliations. St. Paul Lutheran School (Lutheran - LCMS), St. Gregory Barbarigo School (Catholic), and St. Joseph Christian School (Christian, non-denominational/Church of Christ). These schools serve students from pre-kindergarten through middle school grades, with specific grade ranges varying by school. Given Worthington's rural setting in Atchison County, these schools also draw students from surrounding communities like Fairfax, Rock Port, and Tarkio, making them regional educational hubs. There are no secular private day schools within Worthington itself.
How does tuition at Worthington, Missouri's private schools compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Missouri families?
Tuition at Worthington's private schools is generally modest compared to urban private schools but is a significant consideration for local family budgets. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition typically ranges from approximately $3,000 to $5,500 annually for parishioners/members, with higher rates for non-members. All three schools offer multi-child discounts. Missouri-specific financial aid includes the MOScholars program, a tax-credit scholarship for eligible students (especially those with IEPs or from lower-income households) to attend private schools. Additionally, many families utilize the Missouri 529 Education Plan (MOST), which can now be used for K-12 private school tuition up to $10,000 per year.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Worthington, MO, offer that leverage their local context?
Private schools in Worthington leverage their small size and community values to offer distinctive programs. St. Gregory Barbarigo, as part of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, offers a standardized Catholic curriculum with sacramental preparation. St. Paul Lutheran emphasizes integrated faith learning and may participate in Lutheran school association events. St. Joseph Christian School often highlights its Bible-based curriculum and character education. A common feature across these schools is a strong focus on agriculture and community service, reflective of Worthington's rural, farming community. Extracurriculars are typically limited compared to larger districts but often include local sports leagues, academic competitions through their respective church associations, and music/choir programs rooted in their religious traditions.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Worthington, Missouri?
The enrollment process for Worthington's private schools usually begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority often given to re-enrolling students and siblings. Key steps include: 1) Contacting the school for a tour and meeting; 2) Submitting an application with a fee; 3) Providing records from previous schools; and 4) For the religious schools, often providing proof of baptism or church membership for member tuition rates. Given the small class sizes, spots can fill quickly, especially in pre-K and kindergarten grades. It's highly advisable for parents to initiate contact by early spring. Some schools may have open houses in conjunction with their associated churches. Rolling admission may be available if space permits.
For a family in Worthington, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Fairfax R-III) and a private school?
The key consideration is the foundational role of faith versus a broader secular education. The Fairfax R-III School District, which serves Worthington students, offers a comprehensive K-12 program in a single campus, with wider elective choices, sports teams, and resources funded by state taxes. Worthington's private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students), a specific religious worldview integrated throughout the day, and a tight-knit community atmosphere. Transportation is a major practical factor: public school busing is available throughout the district, while private school families must typically provide their own transportation. For high school, families must consider that local private schools end at 8th grade, requiring a transition to Fairfax High, a different private high school (often requiring a commute to St. Joseph or Maryville), or homeschooling.
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