Many people are considering private high schools in addition to public schools.

The Kansas City Metro area offers a variety of options, from religious-based schools to non-religious private schools. Today, we will introduce three private high schools in the area that are highly regarded for their academic standards and curriculum.

The first school to highlight is Rockhurst High School. Located on the Missouri side of Kansas City, it is a Jesuit boys' school established in 1910 with a rich history. The curriculum emphasizes academics, character development, and leadership based on Jesuit educational traditions. More than 20 AP courses are offered, and most graduates go on to attend four-year colleges. The school consistently demonstrates academic excellence with a high rate of National Merit Scholars.

The school has an enrollment of about 800 to 900 students, fostering close relationships between teachers and students. It is known for its strong sports programs, particularly in football and swimming, within Missouri. Religious education is a required subject, and there is a strong emphasis on student volunteer activities. Tuition is approximately $15,000 per year, and financial aid programs are available.

The second school is Notre Dame de Sion School. This Catholic school in Kansas City operates as a K-12 institution, serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Originally an all-girls school, it has now transitioned to co-education.

Founded by a French congregation of nuns, the school has a strong academic tradition and an international perspective as part of its educational philosophy. It offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program, making it an attractive option for students interested in global education.

The IB program requires intensive study during the 11th and 12th grades, but many colleges recognize IB completion as equivalent to college coursework, which can be advantageous in the long run. The school community emphasizes diversity, and some international students are enrolled. Annual tuition ranges from approximately $12,000 to $18,000, varying by grade level.

The third school is Pembroke Hill School. It is one of the most well-known non-religious independent private schools in Kansas City, serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Located near the city center, it boasts high academic standards and a variety of arts and sports programs. The school aims to provide personalized education through small class sizes (averaging around 15 students). Graduates have a history of attending prestigious universities such as Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, and the school actively supports college preparation. With a low student-to-college counselor ratio, individualized college consulting is a strong point. Annual tuition is approximately $20,000 to $25,000, which is on the higher end for private schools in Kansas City. About 30% to 35% of students receive financial aid through support programs.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a private school. First is the religious background. The two schools mentioned earlier (Rockhurst and Notre Dame de Sion) are Catholic, so religious education is included as a required subject. If you come from a non-religious background, it is advisable to discuss this aspect with the school beforehand. In fact, both schools have a significant number of non-Catholic students, and religious classes often focus more on ethics and character education rather than faith-based instruction.

The second consideration is the commuting distance. Unlike public schools, private schools can accept students regardless of school district boundaries, but they often have limited or no school bus services. Parents may need to assist with transportation, so it is wise to assess the distance between the school and your residence in advance.

The third factor is the admission process. Private high schools in Kansas City generally accept applications in the fall (September to November) and select new students through interviews and academic tests. Some schools may require the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) or their own entrance exam, so it is important to check the schedules of the schools you are interested in. Particularly for families moving directly from Korea, some schools may conduct separate assessments of English proficiency.

Finally, I would like to mention financial aid. All three schools mentioned above offer merit-based and need-based scholarship programs. Scholarship applications are often submitted alongside the admission application or after acceptance, typically requiring the CSS Profile or the school's own financial aid application. Even if tuition seems burdensome, it is advisable not to give up and to explore the possibility of financial aid.