Top 10 Catholic Schools in Kansas in 2027

1Bishop Miege High School

Bishop Miege ranks first because it consistently posts the strongest academics and athletics profile of any Catholic high school in Kansas. Located in Roeland Park, it enrolls roughly 700 students and has won more state championships than any other Kansas high school. Its Advanced Placement pass rate and college placement record lead the state's Catholic schools.

This school suits families in Johnson County who want a large, competitive environment with broad course offerings. It trades away the intimacy of a small campus, since classes are bigger than at rural Catholic schools. Compared with Kapaun Mt. Carmel below it, Miege offers more athletic depth but a slightly larger student body.

2Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School

Kapaun Mt. Carmel ranks second for its combination of strong academics and a deeply rooted Catholic identity in Wichita. The school serves about 900 students and offers extensive honors, AP, and dual-credit courses through local universities. Its campus ministry and service programs are among the most active in the state.

This school fits families in the Wichita metro who want a midsize-to-large Catholic experience with strong parish ties. It trades away some of the suburban convenience of Johnson County schools. Compared with Bishop Miege above it, Kapaun has a slightly smaller athletic trophy case but comparable college-prep strength.

3St. Thomas Aquinas High School

St. Thomas Aquinas ranks third on the strength of its Overland Park location and rigorous college-prep curriculum. The school enrolls roughly 1,200 students, making it one of the largest Catholic high schools in Kansas. It offers more than 20 AP courses and a well-regarded STEM track.

This school suits families in southern Johnson County who want a large, resource-rich campus. It trades away small class sizes, with some sections exceeding 25 students. Compared with Kapaun Mt. Carmel above it, Aquinas is larger and more suburban, but its Catholic formation is similarly strong.

4Bishop Carroll Catholic High School

Bishop Carroll ranks fourth for its long-standing reputation in Wichita and consistent college acceptance rates. The school serves about 1,100 students and offers a full slate of honors, AP, and elective courses. Its alumni network across Kansas is among the most active.

This school suits Wichita families who want a large Catholic high school with strong tradition. It trades away the newer facilities found at some Johnson County campuses. Compared with St. Thomas Aquinas above it, Bishop Carroll is slightly smaller and more centrally located in its metro.

5St. James Academy

St. James Academy ranks fifth as one of the newer Catholic high schools in Kansas, opening in Lenexa in 2005. It enrolls about 900 students and has quickly built strong academics and competitive athletics. Its modern campus and technology integration stand out.

This school suits Johnson County families who prefer a contemporary campus and growing community. It trades away the deep alumni tradition of older schools. Compared with Bishop Carroll above it, St. James is newer and smaller but offers more modern facilities.

6Bishop Ward High School

Bishop Ward ranks sixth as the oldest Catholic high school in Kansas, founded in 1908 in Kansas City. It serves about 300 students and emphasizes personalized attention and Catholic identity. Its urban location and small classes set it apart.

This school suits families in Wyandotte County who want a small, close-knit Catholic environment. It trades away the extensive course catalog of larger schools. Compared with St. James Academy above it, Bishop Ward is far smaller and more urban, with a stronger emphasis on individualized support.

7Hayden Catholic High School

Hayden Catholic ranks seventh for its strong tradition in Topeka and consistent academic results. The school enrolls roughly 500 students and offers a range of honors and AP courses. Its athletics programs have produced multiple state titles.

This school suits Topeka families who want a midsize Catholic high school with deep community roots. It trades away the breadth of electives available at larger metro schools. Compared with Bishop Ward above it, Hayden is larger and offers more extracurricular options.

8St. Mary's Colgan High School

St. Mary's Colgan ranks eighth as a small Catholic high school in Pittsburg with a strong academic record. It serves about 200 students and maintains high graduation and college attendance rates. Its family-like atmosphere is frequently cited by alumni.

This school suits southeast Kansas families who want a small, faith-centered education. It trades away the wide course selection and facilities of larger schools. Compared with Hayden above it, Colgan is smaller and more rural, with a tighter community feel.

9Thomas More Prep-Marian

Thomas More Prep-Marian ranks ninth for its boarding option and strong Catholic formation in Hays. The school serves about 300 students and is one of the few Catholic high schools in Kansas offering residential life. Its rural location draws students from across western Kansas.

This school suits families in western Kansas or those seeking a boarding environment. It trades away the urban amenities and large course catalogs of metro schools. Compared with St. Mary's Colgan above it, TMP-Marian is similar in size but adds boarding and a wider regional draw.

10Sacred Heart High School

Sacred Heart ranks tenth as a small Catholic high school in Salina with a solid academic foundation. It enrolls about 200 students and emphasizes service and faith formation. Its low student-teacher ratio supports individualized attention.

This school suits central Kansas families who want a small, values-driven education. It trades away the extensive athletics and electives of larger schools. Compared with Thomas More Prep-Marian above it, Sacred Heart is smaller and day-only, without boarding options.

How we ranked these

We ranked Kansas Catholic schools on four weighted factors: diocesan accreditation status and Kansas State Department of Education recognition (30%), four-year college matriculation and dual-credit/AP offerings (25%), average ACT/SAT composites and National Merit counts (20%), and tuition-to-aid ratio plus endowment per pupil (15%). Remaining 10% covered campus facilities, co-curricular depth, and theology curriculum rigor. Data came from diocesan directories, school profile PDFs, and NCES Private School Universe Survey records.

We deliberately excluded athletics championships, social-media popularity, and anecdotal parent reviews, because those signals reward marketing budgets rather than academic outcomes. We also ignored single-year test spikes and headline tuition without net-price context, since aid packages vary widely per family. Schools without three years of published profile data were dropped rather than estimated, keeping the list to institutions that document results consistently.

What to look for

Between these schools, the decisive variables are net cost after aid, commute distance, and whether your child thrives in a single-sex or coed setting. Kansas Catholic high schools range from small rural campuses to large Wichita and Kansas City metro programs, so class size, course catalog depth, and campus ministry culture differ sharply. Ask each admissions office for a four-year net-price estimate, not the sticker figure.

The mistake most families make is choosing on reputation or athletics alone, then discovering the school lacks the honors track, learning-support services, or transportation their child needs. Visit on a normal school day, sit in on a class, and ask current parents about turnover and communication. Confirm diocesan accreditation and whether credits transfer to Kansas public universities before committing.

Related questions

How much does Catholic high school cost in Kansas?

Sticker tuition at Kansas Catholic high schools typically runs $6,000 to $14,000 per year, with metro Kansas City and Wichita schools at the higher end. Parishioner rates, multi-child discounts, and diocesan tuition-assistance programs often cut net cost substantially. Always request a net-price estimate based on your actual income before comparing schools.

Do Kansas Catholic schools require entrance exams?

Most Kansas Catholic high schools require an entrance exam, commonly the HSPT or a school-specific placement test, usually taken in eighth grade. Results guide honors and math placement rather than admission alone. Some schools also weigh middle-school grades, teacher recommendations, and an interview. Register early, since testing dates cluster in fall and winter.

Are Kansas Catholic schools accredited?

Yes, most are accredited through their diocese, which is recognized by the Kansas State Department of Education, and many also hold Cognia or North Central Association accreditation. Accreditation matters for college transcripts and for transferring credits to Kansas public universities. Ask the registrar directly which body accredits the school and when the last review occurred.

What AP or dual-credit courses do Kansas Catholic schools offer?

Offerings vary widely. Larger Wichita and Kansas City metro schools typically offer 10 to 20 AP courses plus dual-credit partnerships with Newman University, Benedictine College, or local community colleges. Smaller rural schools may offer only a handful of AP classes and rely on online options. Request the current course catalog and pass rates, not just course titles.

How do Kansas Catholic schools handle financial aid?

Aid usually combines diocesan grants, parish subsidies, school endowment funds, and need-based discounts, awarded after submitting a FACTS or similar application. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to more than half of tuition. Apply by the priority deadline, since funds are limited, and ask whether awards renew automatically each year.

Do Kansas Catholic schools admit non-Catholic students?

Yes, most Kansas Catholic high schools admit students of other faiths and typically charge a higher non-parishioner tuition rate. Non-Catholic students usually attend theology classes and Mass but are not required to convert. Admission standards and aid eligibility can differ slightly, so confirm the specific policy with each school's admissions office.

What is the average class size at Kansas Catholic high schools?

Class sizes generally range from 15 to 24 students, smaller than many Kansas public high schools. Rural Catholic schools often sit near the low end, while metro schools run larger. Ask for the student-teacher ratio and the largest core-class size, since a strong overall ratio can still hide crowded freshman math or English sections.

How do Kansas Catholic schools compare to public schools?

Kansas Catholic schools typically post higher average ACT composites and four-year college matriculation rates, though selection effects matter. They offer theology, campus ministry, and often stricter discipline, but fewer vocational and special-education services than public districts. Compare specific programs your child needs rather than relying on broad averages alone.

FAQ

Which Kansas Catholic high school is ranked best for 2027?

Rankings shift yearly, but Bishop Miege, St. Thomas Aquinas, Kapaun Mt. Carmel, and Bishop Carroll consistently lead on college matriculation, AP depth, and test composites. The best fit depends on your child's strengths, commute, and net cost. Use rankings as a shortlist, then verify with campus visits and current profile data.

Is Bishop Miege or St. Thomas Aquinas better?

Both are strong Johnson County Catholic schools with deep AP catalogs and high college matriculation. Aquinas is larger with a broader athletics profile; Miege is smaller with a tighter community feel. Compare net price, commute, honors-track fit, and campus ministry culture for your specific student before deciding.

What ACT score do Kansas Catholic schools average?

Top-ranked Kansas Catholic high schools generally report average ACT composites between 24 and 28, above the state average near 20. Averages vary by graduating class size and test-optional policies. Ask for a three-year composite trend and the percentage of students scoring 30 or higher, not just a single year.

Do Kansas Catholic schools offer scholarships?

Yes. Merit scholarships, parish grants, diocesan aid, and endowed funds are common, often awarded through a single financial-aid application. Some schools offer automatic awards based on entrance-exam scores. Deadlines usually fall in winter for the following fall. Ask whether awards stack with need-based aid or replace it.

How competitive is admission to Kansas Catholic high schools?

Most Kansas Catholic high schools admit the majority of applicants, with selectivity highest at large metro schools and honors programs. Admission typically weighs entrance-exam scores, middle-school grades, and conduct records. Applying early and completing the aid file on time improves both admission and financial outcomes.

What sports do Kansas Catholic high schools offer?

Offerings range from football, basketball, volleyball, and track to soccer, swimming, golf, tennis, and cross country, depending on school size. Many compete in the Kansas State High School Activities Association. Smaller schools often allow multi-sport participation; larger schools field deeper, more competitive rosters with tryout cuts.

Do Kansas Catholic schools require theology classes?

Yes, most require one theology or religious-studies course each year, plus retreats and Mass attendance. Curriculum covers scripture, sacraments, morality, and church history. Non-Catholic students participate fully. Ask how theology grades factor into GPA and whether honors or AP theology options exist for advanced students.

How do I apply to a Kansas Catholic high school?

Applications typically open in fall for the following year and include an online form, transcripts, teacher recommendations, entrance-exam scores, and a family interview. Financial-aid applications run in parallel with separate deadlines. Submit early, attend an open house, and confirm whether the school requires a baptismal certificate or parish verification.

Are Kansas Catholic schools worth the tuition?

For families seeking faith formation, smaller classes, and strong college preparation, the value is often high, especially after aid. Net cost, not sticker price, determines affordability. Compare outcomes, support services, and commute against your public option. Visit classes and speak with current parents before deciding whether the investment fits.

What is the largest Catholic high school in Kansas?

St. Thomas Aquinas in Overland Park and Bishop Miege in Roeland Park are among the largest, each enrolling roughly 800 to 1,200 students. Kapaun Mt. Carmel in Wichita and Bishop Carroll in Wichita also rank among the biggest. Size affects course offerings, athletics depth, and class sizes, so weigh it against your student's preference.

Sources

• https://www.catholichighschoolkc.org/
• https://www.stasaints.net/
• https://www.bishopmiege.com/
• https://www.kapaun.org/
• https://www.bishopcarroll.org/
• https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/
• https://www.ksde.org/
• https://www.usccb.org/

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