Topeka Collegiate School

Inclusive, child-centered school which celebrates each child's unique learning talents. I have two children go through it, one currently enrolled. It is unique in Topeka, and is the only school in Topeka comparable to more expensive schools in the Kansas City area such as Pembroke and Barstow. My children who have graduated miss it so much!
—Submitted by a parent

TCS is a welcoming, inclusive academically excellent school. Our family has been so pleased with the teachers and the relationship that our children have developed with them. The education is outstanding. I feel it is head and shoulders above all other schools in Topeka.
—Submitted by a parent

You will not find a more dedicated and knowledgeable teaching staff than the one at Topeka Collegiate. The teachers go above and beyond their assigned duties to ensure every student is successful. All students are considered gifted and rise to the challenges that are presented to them. The best decision we ever made was to send our children to TCS so that they could have the best education Topeka has to offer.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a proud graduate of Topeka Collegiate School. The school has been a gem in the Topeka community for 30 years. At TCS, Learning and being smart are considered cool. Creativity and ingenuity are encouraged. Growth of the whole student is carefully nurtured. Parent participation is eagerly welcomed. Community service is part of the curriculum. High expectations for achievement and behavior are met by students every day. Students learn through meaningful experiences, not just books and computers. Families share a passion for their children s education. Tour the school, meet the new Head of School, and see the powerful results of engaged teachers and motivated students working together.

We are very happy with our experience at Topeka Collegiate. Our son has attended for four years and we couldn't be happier. The teachers clearly love their job and love teaching and it develops children who in turn love learning. We appreciate the small class sizes and the individualized instruction in science, music, computers, spanish, art, and more. I would highly recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

In this active, family-oriented environment, each student learns respect, responsibility and resourcefulness, as well as leadership, organization and decision-making skills. Each student matters and is treated as an individual not a number! Small class sizes facilitate the perfect environment for each student to develop a unique learning style that will best enable him or her to achieve academic success both now and in the future. The competition for scholarships is high, it is our job as parents to set our children up to best achieve academic excellence. Sometimes we are fortunate enough to just get it right.
—Submitted by a parent

Topeka Collegiate is an exceptional school where children are treated as individuals and encouraged to explore their interests. Topeka Collegiate is a school where students, parents, and faculty truly value education. The opportunities and experiences at Topeka Collegiate are unmatched. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this wonderful school community.
—Submitted by a teacher

We have been at Topeka Collegiate school for four years. We have been very happy. My child loves the school, she excels in her academics. The teachers are amazing. They work very hard and it is obvious they enjoy teaching. The school environment is very family friendly and wehave made friends with very many people from diverse environment. Collegiate has a lot to offfer to everyone willing to get a high quality education in a fun secure place.
—Submitted by a parent

If you are looking for a K-8 school which focuses on academic excellence and teaching character and leadership skills, you will find it all with Topeka Collegiate. Small classes, excellent teachers, art and music classes for all add up to a well rounded curriculum. Students matriculate to the public high schools and excel in all aspects. 99% go on to college. Families are welcomed and an integral part of the school.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at Topeka Collegiate for five years and have been extremely pleased. Our children have grown tremendously from the exceptional curriculum, focus on leadership development and learning experiences both in and outside the classroom. All of the faculty and staff have a special passion and share a joy of learning. We appreciate being part of this special school community!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a past parent. I have a Senior in High School and a Junior in College. The education that both of my Sons received at Topeka Collegiate has allow them to excel when compared to their peers. The education my kids received is probably the best investment my Wife and I have ever made.
—Submitted by a parent

This school suffers from poor leadership both from the Headmaster/administration as well as the Board of Directors. When you have a concern, neither the Headmaster nor the Board are willing to talk to you. They do not want or allow input from parents unless you have BIG $$$. Over the last several years they have gotten rid or chased away most of their top-notch teaching staff. Teachers are so afraid to lose their jobs that they don't dare say or do anything unless they are told to do so. This certainly is not the friendly and welcoming place it used to be many years back. While there are a limited number of 'middle class' families, a majority are (or think they are) upper class and give upper class families a bad name. Many parents walk the halls with their noses in the air which is unfortunate. Overall, this is an extremely expensive and unfriendly school. There are other options that provide an equal or superior education in an environment that is much more family friendly and supportive.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have been at Collegiate for 6 years now. They have been wholly educated--they learn from books, they learn through experiences, they learn through others' experiences and the teachers make sure they have a complete education. My kids are complimented regularly on their maturity and behavior and when I accompany the classes on field trips, the organization always says how well-mannered the TCS kids are. I love this school and as my kids enter middle school, I am delighted that they will be thoroughlly prepared for upcoming higher education. I am delighted that we will have the advantage of the experienced, professional teachers that fill our middle school. The upcoming year will be especially exciting with new leadership and the positive environment established by the departing Head of School.
—Submitted by a parent

Topeka Collegiate is still the best preK-8 education in Topeka. Forget the testing-driven, rote-learning that is now the norm in public schools, and many parochial ones as well. At TCS students experience rich, authentic learning enhanced by many special traditions, field trips, and experiential learning--the type of education that unfortunately is falling by the wayside in favor of test prep in many schools. They are still getting an excellent grounding in the basics. All graduates enter the honors/AP/advanced tracks in the high schools. The interim principal has done a great job creating a positive environment and the school really feels like a family. The teachers know your kid, and find ways to make your child shine. Yes, we have to make sacrifices as a family to make it work, but what could be more important than our kids' education?
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers at TCS must obey the Headmaster without question if they want to keep their job. Many very good long time dedicated teachers have either left on their own or been forced out during the past several years. it is not the school it was when we first joined the TCS family over 15 years ago. Those with plenty of money get the most benefits. Anyone thinking about sending their child should carefully research the school and not just take the word of the school officials and their paid supporters.

Our children have attended TCS for several years and we have been very pleased. It is a very nurturing place where I can drop off my children and not have to worry if they are safe. They have learned so much, more than they would have if they attend local public schools. The family atmosphere has allowed us to build life long friendships and has made our children's educational experience even that more meaningful. The new Head of School has made so many positive changes in the short time he has been there. He is readily available for parents, children and teachers. I recommend this school to anyone who is truly looking for the best in Topeka area!
—Submitted by a parent

We love the experience we are having with TCS and couldn't be happy with all the information our son is learning from caring teachers. We also love the extracurricular activities planned for families. I really feel a part of his school and appreciate seeing first hand what he is learning.
—Submitted by a parent

The parents at this school have worked very hard to keep the events going. And of course, the kids are great! Unfortunately, leadership is lacking at this school and the teaching staff replacing rate are pretty high for the past few years.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has many good teachers. There are 2 classes per grade. The kids take a lot of fun and exciting field trips. Each class is paired with another of a different grade (from PreK to 8th) to have year long book buddies. Each year, each child is given at least 2 opportunities to preform for the the school in a play or an assembly. They have many extra activities after school and also offer before and after care. Those do cost extra. But at least its there when you need it. It is the most expensive school in the area. We have saved lots of money by going paperless. I had hoped it would have helped the cost of tutiton, but it didn't.
—Submitted by a parent

Between our kids who were spaced years apart, we have spent the better part of the last 16+ years at TCS. We can't think of a better educational opportunity for our children that exists in Topeka. That was true 16 years ago and is still true today. We have seen firsthand the benefits from our kids TCS education as they have gone on to high school and beyond. Yes there are changes underway at the school . Change isn't always welcome with open arms as evidenced by some of the remarks posted here. We believe that the changes being made at TCS are in keeping with looking towards the future and what is in the best interests of our children. After all, that is what the school is all about.We would and do continue to recommend this school wholeheartedly to anyone who asks.
—Submitted by a parent