South KC private schools prepare for 2026-27 school year

Barstow School’s middle, upper school students get modern science labs

Classes at the independent K-12 Barstow School resume on Aug. 20 following a full slate of back-to-school retreats and orientations for both parents and students.

Middle and upper school students will see the $600,000 modernization of their Chemistry, Environmental Science and Physics labs, which Barstow says reflects its deep commitment to STEAM education. New equipment, upgraded lab infrastructure, flexible classroom design and improved safety systems in the labs will allow students to engage in authentic experimental design, data collection and analysis. 

The upgrades were covered by donors including the Hodgdon, Graves, Humphreys and Simpson families, as well as the William T. Kemper foundation, according to Barstow.

Daniel Academy continues gym, athletic facility construction

Nondenominational pre-K through 12 Christian school the Daniel Academy, located at 106th Street and Wornall Road, started classes on Aug. 12. In the days leading up to Wednesday, students attended meet-your-teacher events on the campus.

The Daniel Academy continues construction on a new 36,000-square-foot gymnasium with 12 classrooms and a soccer field. The facility is set to include a recreational field, parking, sidewalks and an extended driveway connecting to 106th Street. The Daniel Academy currently has no gym and must lease space from the Center School District when necessary.

Lutheran High School of Kansas City

The Lutheran High School of Kansas City starts classes on Wednesday, Aug. 19, following orientation on Monday, Aug. 17. 

The school broke ground on its $5 million Prepare the Way capital campaign expansion plan in 2024 and continues construction this year. Half the money, $2.5 million, is being used to expand Lutheran High School facilities to meet its needs in science, the arts and athletics.

The remaining $2.5 million is going toward making admission more affordable, growing the Lutheran High School Foundation Endowment to ensure future stability, and paying down debt and community awareness efforts.

Rockhurst High School offers financial aid matching, expands transportation

All-boys Catholic school Rockhurst High School started classes on Aug. 17 after a week of welcome masses, orientations and senior college application workdays.

Father Stephen Kramer, principal, told the Telegraph that starting this year, Rockhurst High School now has the resources to offer financial aid matching to any student who is accepted: “If they were accepted, they’re coming here,” he said. “We’ll figure it out, and we now have the financial ability to offer that to 100% of our students.” 

Also prioritizing physical access, Rockhurst has expanded transportation from 2 routes to 10 routes, which serve students in more than 90 zip codes.

Rockhurst High School is also introducing a new program to help students grow in the seven virtues, which is integrated with the expanded counseling center offerings. School curriculum will be aligned with a monthly theological or cardinal virtue, and counselors will track students’ growth in those areas over four years. 

St. Teresa’s Academy unveils new track, continues fundraising for St. Teresa’s Center

The first day of classes at the all-girls Catholic high school St. Teresa’s Academy was on Aug. 17 following orientation day on Aug. 12. St. Teresa’s Academy will also celebrate the unveiling and blessing of its newly improved athletic track on Aug. 14.

St. Teresa’s Academy’s ongoing Ignite the Future campaign has a $25 million goal, $22 million of which will go toward creating a performing arts center and hub for community gathering called St. Teresa’s Center. The school has raised more than $10 million and continues to collect funds.

The remaining money, just over $1.9 million, covered the expansion and improvement of St Teresa’s parking lots and covered renovations of Donnelly Hall last year.