Choosing where your child will learn is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a parent. The good news? Families in the Manhattan area have more educational choices than ever before.
Whether you’re considering public school, private school, a hybrid model, homeschooling, or virtual learning, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every child learns differently, and what works beautifully for one family may not be the best fit for another.
Our hope is that this guide serves as a helpful starting point as you explore the many educational opportunities available throughout Manhattan and the surrounding communities.
Traditional Public Schools 
Many local families attend their neighborhood public schools, which offer a wide variety of academic programs, athletics, fine arts, extracurricular activities, and student support services.
Local school districts include:
- Manhattan-Ogden USD 383
- Riley County USD 378
- Wamego USD 320
- Junction City USD 475
- Rock Creek USD 323
If you’re new to the area, your home address typically determines which public school your child will attend.
Private Schools 
Private schools often offer smaller class sizes, faith-based education, unique teaching philosophies, and close-knit communities.
Manhattan Catholic School
Grades: Preschool–8th Grade
Manhattan Catholic School has served local families for generations with a strong academic foundation rooted in Catholic values. Students enjoy a caring community, faith formation, service opportunities, athletics, and extracurricular activities.
Flint Hills Christian School
Grades: Preschool–12th Grade
Flint Hills Christian School provides a Christ-centered education from preschool through high school. Students participate in rigorous academics, athletics, fine arts, leadership opportunities, and community service while learning from a biblical worldview.
St. Xavier Catholic School (Junction City)
Grades: Preschool–8th Grade
Located about 20 minutes from Manhattan, St. Xavier provides Catholic education in a welcoming community for families throughout the Junction City area.
St. John Lutheran School (Alma)
Grades: Kindergarten–8th Grade
About 30 minutes from Manhattan, St. John Lutheran School combines strong academics with Christian values in a small, supportive school environment.
Hybrid Schools 
Hybrid schools combine the flexibility of homeschooling with the structure and community of classroom learning. Students typically attend school on designated campus days and complete teacher-directed assignments at home the remainder of the week.
Ambrose Academy (Manhattan)
Recently moved into Manhattan, Ambrose Academy offers a classical Christian hybrid education that blends classroom instruction with learning at home. The program emphasizes rigorous academics, character development, and intentional parent involvement.
For many families, hybrid schools offer the best of both worlds, providing classroom experiences while allowing families to remain actively involved in their child’s education. Ambrose Academy offers both full time private school and hybrid-school options.
RISE Academy (Manhattan)
RISE Academy is a Christian hybrid school that partners closely with families in their child’s education. Students attend classes two days each week and complete teacher-planned lessons at home during the remaining three days with the support of a parent or caregiver.
Serving Pre-K through 6th grade, RISE Academy focuses on core academics while integrating Biblical principles throughout the curriculum. Families often appreciate the smaller class sizes, strong parent partnership, and flexible schedule that allows for meaningful family involvement.
Homeschooling 
Kansas is one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the country, making homeschooling an increasingly popular choice for local families.
Homeschooling allows parents to tailor education to each child’s interests, learning style, and pace. Some families follow a structured curriculum while others take a more flexible or child-led approach.
One of the biggest misconceptions about homeschooling is that families are on their own. In reality, the Flint Hills has a vibrant homeschool community with countless opportunities to learn, play, and build friendships.
Many homeschool families participate in:
- Weekly co-ops
- Park days
- Field trips
- Nature clubs
- Library programs
- Sports and recreational leagues
- Dance, music, and art classes
- STEM clubs
- Community service projects
- Educational enrichment classes
Check out our Ultimate Manhattan & Flint Hills Area Homeschool Guide for more information!
Virtual Schools 
Virtual schools allow students to complete school from home while following a structured curriculum taught by licensed teachers.
Kansas families may wish to explore options such as:
- Andover eCademy
- Kansas Connections Academy
- Kansas Virtual Academy
- Kansas Online Learning Program
- Insight School of Kansas
Virtual schools can be a wonderful option for students who thrive in an online environment, need flexible scheduling, travel frequently, or have unique educational or medical needs.
Nature-Based Learning 
If your child lights up when they’re outdoors, there are many wonderful opportunities around the Flint Hills to incorporate nature into learning.
While there isn’t currently a full-time forest school in the Manhattan area, families can enjoy educational programming through organizations such as:
- Konza Prairie
- Flint Hills Discovery Center
- Sunset Zoo
- K-State Gardens
- K-State Insect Zoo
- Manhattan Parks & Recreation
Many homeschool groups also organize regular outdoor adventures, hiking days, and nature study throughout the year.
Learning Beyond the Classroom 
Education doesn’t stop when the school day ends.
Many local families enrich their children’s learning through:
- Dance
- Music lessons
- Art classes
- Martial arts
- 4-H
- Scouts
- STEM clubs
- Community theater
- Library programs
- Private tutoring
- Volunteer opportunities
These experiences help children discover new interests, develop confidence, and build lifelong friendships.
How Do You Know What’s Right for Your Child? 
As you explore your options, consider questions like:
- Does my child thrive in a large or small classroom?
- Would they benefit from more flexibility?
- Is faith-based education important to our family?
- Does my child enjoy hands-on or outdoor learning?
- What level of parent involvement works best for our family?
- What schedule fits our family’s needs?
- What educational environment will help my child feel confident and supported?
Remember, there isn’t one “best” school.
The best educational choice is the one where your child feels safe, encouraged, challenged, and excited to learn.
A Final Encouragement 
One of the wonderful things about raising a family in the Manhattan area is that you truly have options.
Some families thrive in public schools. Others choose private school, a hybrid program, homeschooling, or virtual learning. Many families even change paths over the years as their children’s needs evolve and that’s perfectly okay.
Take tours. Ask questions. Talk with other parents. Trust your instincts.
No matter which educational path you choose, one thing remains true: children flourish when they have loving, engaged adults who support their learning.
We hope this guide helps you feel more informed and encouraged as you discover the educational path that’s just right for your family. And remember, Manhattan Moms is here to help connect you with local resources, answer questions, and cheer you on every step of the way.
