2023 Best Private K-12 Schools in Missouri

• Saint Louis, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  175 reviews

Junior: My experience at MICDS has been very good so far! I've had mental health struggles and they've been extremely supportive and flexible throughout that time. The curriculum is vast and interesting, it is easy to reach out to professors for support, and the college counseling program is absolutely incredible. One thing that I would mention as a negative is the intensity of the academics. While I have without a doubt benefitted from the rigor, it is important to emphasize just how rigorous the school truly is. It's fast-paced, and I didn't truly realize how intense it was until approximately sophomore year. While I am confident this is the right place for me, the rigor is very important to take into note: it can be a detriment to mental health and extremely difficult to balance the workload with sports, clubs, and a social life. Despite all this though, I do recommend this school - it has truly changed the course of my life and my education. Thank you MICDS!... Read 175 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,250

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Kansas City, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  87 reviews

Parent: Wonderful responsiveness to the pandemic, ensuring that students had educational opportunities in a safe and engaging environment. Responsive to individual needs. Diverse educational opportunities. Exceptional college counseling. Sports opportunities are maximized for student development for a school of this size. The arts programs are improving at a rapid pace, building on the strength of core high-level programs.... Read 87 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,177

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Kansas City, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  53 reviews

Parent: Barstow will provide your child with a strong academic environment and will customize the educational experience to your child's personal interests and ambitions. There is no other high school in the area that will prepare your child for college as well as Barstow, particularly if they are interested in pursuing a career in STEM. The school focuses on creating strong writers and graduates students who exude confidence and communicate effectively. The community is tight-knit. Teachers are amazing educators and spend extra time getting to know your child. Regardless of your child's extracurricular passions (art, theater, journalism, music, STEM etc), the school will ensure opportunities for students to expand and exhibit their talents. I am a proud parent of two students who have attended Barstow since elementary and are now close to high school graduation. I am grateful for what the school has given them and certain they are well-equipped to achieve their goals after Barstow.... Read 53 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 750

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Joplin, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.6 out of 5  42 reviews

Alum: I had a wonderful experience at Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School. I transferred in from a public junior high, and in my four years at Thomas Jefferson, my education was transformed. There is a huge emphasis on college readiness in all of the courses, and special seminars and activities offered by the school only helped prepare me more. The only drawback of the school is the size and culture, as it was a bit of a shock going from a graduating class of less than thirty with very limited freedom to a large university without anyone coddling me. Overall, it is an amazing school academically, just make sure that the academic pressure doesn't result in a lack of social skills by the time you graduate.... Read 42 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 301

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Columbia, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  49 reviews

Parent: We started going to CIS in JK. At first, I have to admit, I was a little skeptical when my parents voiced for their grandchild to attend the school. After being there for 2 years, I truly can’t see us anywhere us. I love the smaller class sizes. I love how all the staff really get to know each and every kid. There academics program and the standard they hold the kids to is top notch. I also love how supportive and patient they are with the kids in helping them learn. We LOVE CIS!... Read 49 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 400

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Saint Louis, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  157 reviews

Alum: I recently graduated from VIZ. I wholeheartedly had an amazing high school experience. I met 76 girls that I get to call my sisters and met my friends for life. I also received a top-tier education from few of the best teachers and mentors. Visitation Academy has thoroughly prepared me for my college education. I have found myself being able to navigate the workload and teacher expectations in college pretty well and I believe the reason is the atmosphere in which I completed my high school education. The only drawback I can think of us is that the administration department can be difficult to work with sometimes. They forget that they have to cater their ways to educate over 500 young girls and at times it is very much my way or the highway with them. Regardless of the administration issues, I had an amazing adn I would recommend VIZ!... Read 157 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 584

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Saint Louis, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  129 reviews

Alum: I loved the welcoming environment. The community in general is warm and you can feel part of it since day one. The campus is very pretty and the facilities are top. One thing I would like to see changed is the food, it is not terrible but it can improve.... Read 129 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 433

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Springfield, MO•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  38 reviews

Senior: Greenwood is a very small school but still has plenty of resources. Located in the center of Missouri State's Campus, students have access to college classes of their choice and to use the University's facilities like the student union, library, etc. The school itself has very small class sizes, most not exceeding 20 students. The teachers are friendly and will often know each student by name. The academics are strong but also incorporate important skills within the curriculum like public speaking and research citations. While they don't have every sport big schools do, there is still passionate school spirit.... Read 38 reviews

• grade A

• Students 397

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Chesterfield, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  14 reviews

Senior: The Fulton School offers personal Montessori teaching up to 6th grade and then college preparatory through high school. With the small environment, students are able to go at their own pace and receive any additional help or challenges that they need. The tight nite community offers a safe and open environment that many students have thrived in after attending a public school and not enjoying it.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A

• Students 161

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Kansas City, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  74 reviews

Parent: We have three children attending Whitefield and cannot say enough great things about it! The environment in this school is so wonderful because of the teachers and staff that are incredible people but also extremely gifted in what they do. One thing that stands out is how it has gently challenged our children in a way that has developed grit, critical thinking, and a joy for learning. On top of the academic success that is pervasive, we see incredible kindness and love from the teachers and other families. We would highly recommend Whitefield to anyone.... Read 74 reviews

• grade A

• Students 255

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Columbia, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.51 out of 5  39 reviews

Parent: We love this school! Our kids are thriving in the small class environment where they get the required attention to grow both academically and in developing positive character traits. We are so glad we made this choice. The teachers are awesome, the environment is so positive and loving, like a healthy family environment. It is not one of those tiny private schools where they have no students or activities, they have a great sports program and plenty of fine arts opportunities. Plus the high school is also able to take advantage of the Career Center in Columbia as well. It is the best of both worlds! Even though our kids are 5 school years apart, they attend the same building from Pre-K to 12th grade. This was a nice bonus for us as well. If you're looking for a great school with top notch academics to send your kids to, definitely check this out!... Read 39 reviews

• grade A

• Students 419

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Kansas City, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.78 out of 5  9 reviews

Niche User: My wife and I have three grown children and now 5 grandchildren. We are thrilled that two of our grandchildren are currently enrolled at FCA. The Christian environment is genuine, the collaborative model involves parents and the classical education being offered is phenomenal! We love the focus is on truth, beauty and goodness - yet the ultimate focus in all classes is on Jesus Christ, our Lord. This is a great school.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 423

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Saint Louis, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  31 reviews

Parent: Both of my children attended the Christian Academy of Greater St. Louis from preschool until they graduated from the 12th grade. They were well loved and taken care of. The academics were challenging. Several of the teachers have their Masters degree and they incorporate hands-on learning, as well as cooperative learning, in their classrooms. My children participated in the athletic programs and had wonderful coaches. The spiritual emphasis of the school is strong and permeates all that goes on. The students were welcoming/friendly to one another and I enjoyed getting to know the other parents. Definitely check this school out if you are looking for a place for your child to belong. CAGSL feels like family!... Read 31 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 123

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Saint Louis, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  15 reviews

Parent: We have three children currently enrolled at Providence, ranging Pre-K - 4th. The best description of Providence that was shared with me by a fellow parent early on in our journey is that Providence is a humble group of people doing the right thing. The administration & teachers know each of my children by name, respond to any & all of our inquiries or concerns promptly with thoughtfulness and grace. Administration and teachers show vested interest in our children’s interests & talents; our children are encouraged to develop & share these things with their classes & the greater school community. Academically our children are thriving & exceeding grade-level expectations while enjoying & looking forward to school each day. Their love for reading, writing, & history has been especially fostered at Providence in a way that I am confident it wouldn’t have been elsewhere. My children have participated in cross country (starts at K,) basketball (starts at 3rd,) & chess club.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 161

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Lees Summit, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  82 reviews

Parent: SCA is the best school in the Kansas City area! I attended SCA and graduated and now I have my own children there. The tuition may be pricey, but you get what you pay for. This is not just another payment, it is an investment worth making. The culture of SCA is phenomenal! It is Christ centered in all aspects, the teachers treat this as a ministry rather than a job, and the staff is excellent to work with as well! I feel so blessed to be on the parenting side of things now and to be able to make sacrifices to have my kids in a school that is not only academically rewarding, but one that will lead them to Christ on a daily basis! No school is perfect, but as long as you keep it Christ centered and keep pointing to God's word as the basis on which you work from, then the outcomes of any issues can be resolved in a Godly way. The Lord is doing amazing things at this school and the community of families here is just a bonus! To sum it up, Amazing school, teachers, and staff!... Read 82 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,217

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Sedalia, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  73 reviews

Parent: Sacred Heart is a welcome partner in the moral and academic formation of my kids. I appreciate the safe, faith-filled and family-friendly school environment. The small class sizes provide for greater 1-1 learning. The dedicated faculty challenge my students academically and never make them feel like a number. Sacred Heart has a remarkable track record of academic and athletic success. I'm proud of the development I'm witnessing in my children, and encourage everyone to visit SHS. We are academically and athletically strong, but above all, we are family!... Read 73 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 362

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Point Lookout, MO•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.83 out of 5  12 reviews

Alum: School of the Ozarks radically changed my life. It is, undoubtedly, one of the top schools in the state. While instilling a strict set of values in their students, they remain dedicated to preparing their students academically, emotionally, and spiritually to go out into the world. School of the Ozarks provides unique opportunities to learn, being a classical school and all. The professors push students to learn, not only from books, but from each other, using harkness discussions and other various tools to get students engaged and discussing tough topics. School of the Ozarks Faculty work diligently to produce tomorrows God-fearing, patriotic leaders. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunities and character development they provided me, and cannot wait to have my children apply one day.... Read 12 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 283

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Columbia, MO•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  26 reviews

Alum: I attended Heritage Academy from 2008 to 2012 (8th grade to graduation), and looking back at my time there it has been one of the best decisions my parents ever made to have me go there. Heritage was a challenging yet fun atmosphere where I was blessed by having amazing teachers throughout my time there who taught a Christian worldview through every subject. My time at Heritage also served to prepare me for a rigorous college experience. Currently working at my Alma mater at Central Methodist University, I see a lot of freshmen who enter their first year and have a tough time transitioning to the college setting. When I first came to CMU, it just felt like another semester because I was prepared for what a classwork felt like and what was expected of me. This is what makes Heritage unique. It's essentially a college liberal arts education and puts students in a position to succeed at a high level after high school. I wouldn't trade my experience there for anything.... Read 26 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 117

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Joplin, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  65 reviews

Junior: I love that I was given the opportunity to be given an excellent education with a Biblical worldview in mind. The teachers care about the students, and chapel is an amazing time that is set aside to worship God and learn more about him. Our missions week program is a wonderful opportunity to spread the good news of Jesus. This school has equipped me with motivation as I begin transitioning into being an adult. If I could change one thing about my school, it would be to focus more on the mental health of the students and to give a better understanding of its impact. I've found that the homework load combined with the many extracurricular activities I've been involved in has given me a lot of stress as well as some anxiety. I still appreciate this school immensely and wouldn't choose any other school over it.... Read 65 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 591

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Springfield, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  32 reviews

Parent: Our children began their enrollment at The Summit in the Early Learners program at 3 and 5 years old. We chose The Summit after interviews and tours of other area schools. The Summit's focus on progressive education geared toward the individual learner along with small classes were what made us take a tour. We have been at the school for two years now and plan to continue for years to come. Our kids have been thriving in a hands on learning environment versus learning from a textbook. As a parent, I love that our kids get quality education which also includes daily Spanish, music, art and even yoga! I also appreciate the many forms of communication we receive through the weekly Raven Report, text updates, classroom blog emails complete with photos of our kids and open communication and timely responses from both teachers and administration. We are loving The Summit difference!... Read 32 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 173

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Springfield, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  34 reviews

Senior: My experience with New Covenant Academy was excellent! I have attended New Covenant Academy since I was in kindergarten to my current senior year of high school. New Covenant Academy has provided me with a positive and uplifting high school experience that has well-prepared me for college. The teachers and faculty are dedicated to creating an encouraging environment and growing students to their full potential. The campus offers many sports such as baseball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, cross country, basketball, golf, and swimming. There are also many clubs and activities to participate in. The small atmosphere has allowed me to build strong relationships with my fellow classmates and teachers. I feel very well prepared for college and look forward to my future!.... Read 34 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 773

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• O'fallon, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  66 reviews

Senior: I joined the Christian school district my junior year. Before attending Christian High School, I was at a poor public school. I had no idea what to expect. On my first day everyone there was so welcoming, teachers and students alike. All of the teachers I have had both this year and last year have been phenomenal. They will meet you where you are academically, and are always willing to lend a helping hand. Not only that but there is a great sense of community there. It’s a small school, so everyone knows your name. It makes you feel like you are cared about. I would say one thing the school needs to work on is the diversity. They have had past issues with race before, but they are making active changes to fix there mistakes. Be sure to try one of the amazing cookies from the cafeteria!... Read 66 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 609

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Manchester, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Junior: I have been a student at Al-Salam Day School for about 6 years. Throughout those years, I have seen the school develop and change into a beautiful community now. While the school has a small population of students and staff, it is well-diverse with people from different backgrounds. This has helped me to better understand different cultures, traditions, and languages. Since the school is a private school, there aren't many resources and classes are limited. However, the education system is important to all members of the school; therefore, there have been offers to many new opportunities for the students such as new clubs, advanced programs, and dual enrollment. Overall, Al-Salam Day School has helped me create strong bonds with many people, helped me discover new opportunities, and has helped me feel safe in the community.... Read 1 review

• grade B+

• Students 345

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Saint Louis, MO•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  18 reviews

Senior: I became a student at Tower Grove Christian School in my sophomore year of high school. To become a student, I had to be interviewed by both the head of the school and the principal of high school. Meeting them was a great experience. They made me feel right at home, and insured me that I would have no problem in a different school curriculum. Attending Tower Grove was the best decision I made in my entire high school experience. I am certain that if I had not met the people that I met at the school, I would not have become Student Body President nor had such a fantastic experience. If I were to change one thing, it would be making sure all of the teachers are certified.... Read 18 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 220

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Saint Joseph, MO•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.59 out of 5  29 reviews

Senior: I am blessed to be attending SJCS. It is a private Christian school and my education is centered around Jesus Christ and his teaching. I have received an excellent education and the support of a Christian family upbringing. The size of the school has been very good for me. It has allowed me to involved in many extracurricular activities. The fine arts program is superb! I have been in the concert band 5th grade thru my senior year and just returned from playing at Carnegie Hall in NYC, an experience I will never forget. I’m appreciative of the administrators and faculty as they are caring Christian leaders and great educators. The only area they could be one better is to have a lunch cafeteria with hot meals. Currently, PTF brings in fast food three times a week, so I take my lunch every day.... Read 29 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 310

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1