The History

of Cair Paravel Latin School

1980

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.

1980
1985

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.

1985
1987

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.

1987
1991

First Addition

In 1991, a gymnasium and science lab were added to the original building.

1991
1995

Next Addition

In 1995, a cafeteria and two additional classrooms were added.

1995
2001

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.

2001
2016

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.

2016
2016

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.

2016
2018

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.

2018
2022

Top Private School in Shawnee County

2022