Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Top 10 Private High Schools in Kansas City
Curated by Chief Revenue Officer Kory White · CRO Syndicate
Top 10 Private High Schools in Kansas City
Direct Answer
The Best Overall private high school in the Kansas City metro is Pembroke Hill School in Kansas City, Missouri, an independent college-prep school whose 100% college matriculation, deep AP and honors catalog, and small classes make it the metro's clearest academic leader.
The Best Value pick is St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, Kansas, a Catholic school that delivers strong college outcomes, broad activities, and a faith-based community at tuition well below the independent schools. This list is built for families and students weighing where to enroll across the Kansas City metro, spanning both the Kansas and Missouri sides, with a focus on academics, college outcomes, and fit.
Every pick uses real, publicly reported data from school profiles, Niche, the National Association of Independent Schools, and diocesan sources.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each school against the priorities families tell admissions offices and survey firms they actually care about, drawing on published figures from Niche, U.S. News, school profiles, the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and the College Board. The weighting:
- Academic performance (test scores, AP/IB) - 25%
- College and post-grad outcomes - 20%
- Value and cost - 15%
- Teachers and resources - 15%
- Environment and safety - 15%
- Extracurriculars and fit - 10%
A school that posts elite test scores but graduates few students, or wins on reputation but offers thin programs, drops fast. The winners balance all six.
1. Pembroke Hill School 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Private (Independent, Nonsectarian) | Tuition: ~$28,000–$30,000 | Best for: Families seeking the metro's most rigorous independent college-prep experience
Pembroke Hill School in Kansas City, Missouri, is the metro's premier independent school, enrolling roughly 1,200 students across its divisions with about 400 in the upper school. It reports 100% college matriculation, a deep AP and honors catalog, and a student-teacher ratio near 8:1 that supports small, discussion-based classes.
Graduates regularly enroll at the Ivies, top liberal-arts colleges, and selective research universities. Its arts, debate, and athletics programs are strong, and the historic campus and endowment support deep resources and financial aid.
Pros:
- 100% college matriculation to selective universities
- Deep AP and honors catalog
- Student-teacher ratio near 8:1
- Strong arts, debate, and athletics
Cons:
- Highest tuition in the metro
- Competitive admission with limited seats
Verdict: Pembroke Hill wins on balance - the metro's deepest independent college-prep with outcomes to match.
2. The Barstow School
Type: Private (Independent, Nonsectarian) | Tuition: ~$26,000–$28,000 | Best for: Families wanting a rigorous independent school with a global and STEM focus
The Barstow School in Kansas City, Missouri, enrolls roughly 750 students and is a fellow independent standout known for a global online program and strong STEM offerings. It reports near-universal college matriculation, a broad AP catalog, and a student-teacher ratio near 8:1.
Graduates enroll at selective universities nationwide. Its robotics, arts, and athletics programs are competitive, and the school's emphasis on global learning and small classes draws families seeking individualized rigor.
Pros:
- Near-universal college matriculation
- Strong STEM and global online programs
- Student-teacher ratio near 8:1
- Competitive robotics and arts
Cons:
- High tuition
- Smaller athletics scale than larger schools
Verdict: A rigorous, globally focused independent school - excellent for STEM and individualized learning.
3. St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Type: Private (Catholic) | Tuition: ~$13,000–$15,000 | Best for: Families wanting strong Catholic college-prep at accessible tuition 💎 BEST VALUE
St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, Kansas, enrolls roughly 1,000 students and is the metro's strongest-value private school. It reports near-universal college matriculation, a broad AP and honors catalog, and ACT averages well above state norms - all at tuition roughly half that of the independent schools.
Its athletics, performing arts, and service programs are among the best in the diocese, and the faith-based community is a major draw. Strong outcomes at accessible tuition make it the metro's best value.
Pros:
- Near-universal college matriculation
- Broad AP catalog with above-average ACT results
- Tuition roughly half the independent schools
- State-caliber athletics and service programs
Cons:
- Larger classes than the independent schools
- Faith-based curriculum may not suit all families
Verdict: The value champion - strong Catholic college-prep outcomes at accessible tuition.
4. Rockhurst High School
Type: Private (Catholic, Jesuit, All-Boys) | Tuition: ~$15,000–$17,000 | Best for: Families seeking a rigorous Jesuit all-boys college-prep tradition
Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri, enrolls roughly 1,050 students and is the metro's leading Jesuit all-boys school. It reports near-universal college matriculation, a deep AP and honors catalog, and ACT averages well above state norms. Its athletics, debate, and service programs are among the best in the region, grounded in the Jesuit emphasis on academic rigor and service.
Graduates enroll at selective universities nationwide, and the strong alumni network supports students well beyond graduation.
Pros:
- Near-universal college matriculation
- Deep AP catalog with above-average ACT results
- Strong Jesuit emphasis on service and rigor
- Powerful alumni network
Cons:
- All-boys environment is not for every family
- Tuition above the diocesan average
Verdict: The metro's premier Jesuit all-boys school - rigorous academics rooted in service.
5. St. Teresa's Academy
Type: Private (Catholic, All-Girls) | Tuition: ~$14,000–$16,000 | Best for: Families seeking a rigorous Catholic all-girls college-prep school
St. Teresa's Academy in Kansas City, Missouri, enrolls roughly 600 students and is the metro's leading Catholic all-girls school. It reports near-universal college matriculation, a broad AP and honors catalog, and strong ACT averages.
Its STEM, arts, and athletics programs are well regarded, and the all-girls environment is designed to build leadership and confidence. Graduates enroll at selective colleges nationwide, supported by a strong alumnae network.
Pros:
- Near-universal college matriculation
- Broad AP catalog with strong ACT results
- All-girls environment focused on leadership
- Strong STEM and arts programs
Cons:
- All-girls environment is not for every family
- Smaller athletics scale than coed schools
Verdict: The metro's premier Catholic all-girls school - rigorous academics with a leadership focus.
6. Bishop Miege High School
Type: Private (Catholic, Coed) | Tuition: ~$12,000–$14,000 | Best for: Kansas-side families wanting strong Catholic academics and athletics
Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, Kansas, enrolls roughly 750 students and is a Catholic coed standout known for combining solid academics with one of the metro's most successful athletic programs, with numerous state titles. It reports near-universal college matriculation, a broad AP catalog, and ACT averages above state norms.
Its service and arts programs are strong, and the close-knit community draws families across the Kansas side.
Pros:
- Near-universal college matriculation
- Broad AP catalog with above-average ACT results
- State-title athletics program
- Close-knit Catholic community
Cons:
- Athletics-forward culture may overshadow some interests
- Smaller AP catalog than the independent schools
Verdict: A strong Catholic coed school - solid academics with the metro's best athletics tradition.
7. St. James Academy
Type: Private (Catholic, Coed) | Tuition: ~$11,000–$13,000 | Best for: Johnson County families wanting a newer, fast-rising Catholic school
St. James Academy in Lenexa, Kansas, enrolls roughly 1,000 students and is one of the metro's newer and fastest-rising Catholic schools. It reports near-universal college matriculation, a broad AP catalog, and ACT averages above state norms.
Its athletics and activities programs have grown quickly, with multiple state titles, and the modern facilities and strong community draw Johnson County families. Tuition sits below the independent schools, adding to the value case.
Pros:
- Near-universal college matriculation
- Broad AP catalog with above-average ACT results
- Modern facilities and fast-rising athletics
- Below independent-school tuition
Cons:
- Newer school with a shorter track record
- Faith-based curriculum may not suit all families
Verdict: A fast-rising Catholic standout - strong academics and athletics in modern facilities.
8. Notre Dame de Sion High School
Type: Private (Catholic, All-Girls) | Tuition: ~$15,000–$17,000 | Best for: Families seeking a small, internationally minded Catholic all-girls school
Notre Dame de Sion High School in Kansas City, Missouri, enrolls roughly 350 students and is a small Catholic all-girls school known for its international and language focus. It reports near-universal college matriculation, a broad AP and honors catalog, and strong ACT averages.
The small size supports a low student-teacher ratio and individualized attention, and its STEM and arts programs are well regarded. Graduates enroll at selective colleges, supported by a close alumnae network.
Pros:
- Near-universal college matriculation
- Small classes with a low student-teacher ratio
- International and language focus
- Strong STEM and arts programs
Cons:
- Small enrollment limits athletics and activity scale
- All-girls environment is not for every family
Verdict: A small, internationally focused all-girls school - individualized rigor and strong outcomes.
9. Archbishop O'Hara / St. Michael the Archangel Catholic High School
Type: Private (Catholic, Coed) | Tuition: ~$11,000–$13,000 | Best for: South-metro families wanting a growing Catholic coed school
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic High School in Lee's Summit, Missouri, enrolls roughly 700 students and serves the growing southern and eastern metro as a coed Catholic option. It reports strong college matriculation, a solid AP catalog, and ACT averages above state norms.
Its athletics, arts, and service programs have grown alongside the school, and modern facilities and a welcoming community draw south-metro families. Tuition sits well below the independent schools.
Pros:
- Strong college matriculation
- Solid AP catalog with above-average ACT results
- Modern facilities serving the growing south metro
- Below independent-school tuition
Cons:
- Newer school with a developing track record
- Smaller AP catalog than the established schools
Verdict: A growing south-metro Catholic school - solid academics in modern facilities.
10. Whitefield Academy
Type: Private (Christian, Coed) | Tuition: ~$13,000–$15,000 | Best for: Families seeking a college-prep Christian school with small classes
Whitefield Academy in Kansas City, Missouri, enrolls roughly 550 students and is a leading nondenominational Christian college-prep school. It reports strong college matriculation, a broad AP and honors catalog, and a low student-teacher ratio supporting small classes.
Its athletics, arts, and service programs are solid, and the faith-based, family-oriented community is a major draw. Graduates enroll at selective colleges across the country.
Pros:
- Strong college matriculation
- Broad AP catalog with small classes
- Faith-based, family-oriented community
- Solid athletics and arts
Cons:
- Smaller athletics and activity scale
- Christian curriculum may not suit all families
Verdict: A strong Christian college-prep school - individualized rigor in a faith-based community.
Which One's Right for You?
What to Look For When Choosing a Private High School
- College matriculation and outcomes - A school that sends nearly all graduates to four-year colleges, with a strong share at selective universities, signals consistent academic strength.
- Tuition and financial aid - Independent schools like Pembroke Hill cost roughly double the Catholic schools; check published aid budgets before ruling a school out.
- AP/honors depth and class size - Look at how many rigorous courses are offered and how small classes actually are, which reflects real attention per student.
- Mission and environment - Catholic, Christian, independent, single-sex, and coed schools offer very different cultures; match the mission to your family.
- Signature programs - A Jesuit service tradition at Rockhurst or a global program at Barstow may serve a specific student far better than a higher overall ranking.
- Athletics and activities - Larger schools like St. Thomas Aquinas offer deeper sports and activities than the smallest independents.
What matters less than marketing implies: a school's reputation alone, its newest building, or a single ranking number. Fit, program access, affordability, and a supportive teacher relationship affect a student's outcome far more than a headline figure.
FAQ
Which private high school is the best overall in Kansas City? Pembroke Hill School earns the top spot for its 100% college matriculation, deep AP and honors catalog, and a student-teacher ratio near 8:1 in the upper school.
What is the best value private high school in Kansas City? St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park is our best value - it delivers near-universal college matriculation and above-average ACT results at tuition roughly half that of the independent schools.
Which Kansas City private high school is best for an all-boys or all-girls environment? Rockhurst High School leads among all-boys schools with its Jesuit tradition, while St. Teresa's Academy and Notre Dame de Sion lead among all-girls schools.
How much do Kansas City private high schools cost? Independent schools like Pembroke Hill and Barstow run roughly $26,000–$30,000, while Catholic schools generally fall between $11,000 and $17,000, with financial aid available at most.
Are Catholic or independent private schools better in Kansas City? Both are strong - independent schools offer the deepest college-prep rigor and smallest classes, while Catholic schools deliver strong outcomes, faith-based community, and deeper athletics at a lower price.
Do Kansas City private high schools require an entrance exam? Most require an application and entrance assessment along with transcripts and interviews; the most selective independents like Pembroke Hill have the most competitive admission.
Bottom Line
For Kansas City families, Pembroke Hill School is our Best Overall private high school - its 100% college matriculation, deep AP catalog, and small classes set the metro standard. St. Thomas Aquinas High School is our Best Value, delivering near-universal college matriculation and strong ACT results at accessible Catholic-school tuition.
If your priority is a Jesuit all-boys tradition, an all-girls leadership focus, or a Christian college-prep community, use the decision tree above to route yourself to Rockhurst, St. Teresa's, or Whitefield instead. Choose on mission fit, outcomes, and affordability - not a single ranking number - and your student will be set up to succeed.
Sources
- Niche - Best Private High Schools in the Kansas City Area
- Pembroke Hill School
- The Barstow School
- St. Thomas Aquinas High School
- Rockhurst High School
- St. Teresa's Academy
- National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
- Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas - schools
- Diocese of Kansas City–St. Joseph - Catholic schools
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