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Best Missouri Private Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 664 private schools serving 120,053 students in Missouri (there are 2,474 public schools, serving 891,639 students). 12% of all K-12 students in Missouri attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
The average private school tuition is $12,565 for elementary schools and $15,027 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
The top-ranked private schools in Missouri include St. Louis University High School, Barstow School, and Cor Jesu Academy.
The average acceptance rate is 85% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 20% and the student-teacher ratio is 12:1.
73% of schools are religiously affiliated, with most being Catholic or Christian.

Top-Ranked Missouri Private Schools by County (2026)

County
# Schools
# Students
% of K-12 Students in Private Schools
24
10,175
29%
10
1,545
11%
4
1,048
14%
19
3,777
8%
16
3,554
25%
12
2,366
14%
20
3,870
9%
76
15,216
13%
5
1,169
36%
185
38,724
22%
36
6,113
17%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked private schools in Missouri?
The top-ranked private schools in Missouri include St. Louis University High School, Barstow School, and Cor Jesu Academy.
How many private schools are located in Missouri?
There are 664 private schools are located in Missouri.
How much do private schools cost in Missouri?
The average private school tuition in Missouri is $12,565 for elementary schools and $15,027 for high schools
How diverse are private schools in Missouri?
Approximately 20% of students in Missouri private schools are minority students (compared to the national percentage).
What percentage of students in Missouri go to private school?
12% of all K-12 students in Missouri attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Missouri?
73% of private schools in Missouri are religiously affiliated, with most being Catholic or Christian.
Which private schools in Missouri are often viewed compared to one another?

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