About
Cair Paravel Latin School
Our History
The History
of Cair Paravel Latin School
Origins
In 1980, a small group of families seeking the very best in education for their children founded Cair Paravel School. They did not represent a certain church, organization, or political persuasion. However, they were friends who shared a common vision for educating their children.
Several of the founders were shaped by their participation in the Integrated Humanities Program at the University of Kansas. They wanted to establish an educational experience that would culminate in similar dynamic learning. In addition to KU professors, the greatest influence on the founders was the twentieth century Christian philosopher and author, C.S. Lewis. The founders adopted the school’s name from Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia and the castle of Cair Paravel.
The Building
In 1985, Cair Paravel purchased the former Clay Elementary School building. Constructed in the Tudor style in 1926, it was designed by architects Thomas Wilson Williamson and Ted Greist, who later designed the perpendicular Gothic-styled Topeka High School.
Latin School
In 1987, Cair Paravel merged with Topeka Latin School to become Cair Paravel Latin School. Latin in the name represents the language that formed Western Civilization and emphasizes the classical nature of the school.
First Addition
In 1991, a gymnasium and science lab were added to the original building.
Next Addition
In 1995, a cafeteria and two additional classrooms were added.
Uniforms
In 2001, CPLS started requiring uniforms for students, and started the uniform closet for families to share and source uniforms for free. CPLS found uniforms and grooming standards lead to a more productive learning environment with fewer distractions, allowing students to focus on academics and less on the peer pressure associated with keeping up with the latest fashion trends.
3rd Level
In 2016, the school discovered a bat colony living in the attic, leading to costly removal and cleanup work. Upon final inspection, school leaders found there was much more attic space than previously known. Thus began work to add a third level and a contemporary new entryway. The bat colony turned into a blessing with the addition of new classroom space in the 2017-2018 school year.
One of the top private schools
In the 2016, Ingram’s Business Magazine ranked CPLS #8 on the list of the Top 25 private high schools in a 22-county region surrounding Kansas City, including Lawrence and Topeka, based on ACT scores, student to teacher ratio and other academic data.
Most Beautiful Private Schools List
In 2018, Architectural Digest recognized Cair Paravel in an exclusive top 50 list of the Most Beautiful Private High Schools In America.
Top Private School in Shawnee County
In 2022, Niche rankings named CPLS #1 Best Private High School in Shawnee County.