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
1984

The Building

In 1984, Cair Paravel purchased the former Clay Elementary School building for $150,000. It was designed in the tudor style by renowned architects Thomas Wilson Williamson and Ted Greist in 1926, To the school founders, the architecture and aesthetics of the vacant building with its arching windows, terrazzo tile floors, and warm woodwork were a perfect fit.

1984
1987

Merged with Topeka Latin School

In 1987, Cair Paravel merged with Topeka Latin School and for the first time offered classes in 7th-12th grades. Later that year, a graduation ceremony recognized the first three graduates in school history.

1987
1991

Adding a Gymnasium

In 1991 a gymnasium, locker rooms, kitchen, and dedicated science laboratory were added.

1991
1993

Committed to Fine Arts

In 1993, the original gymnasium was transformed into theater to support the growing performing arts program. The new space was dedicated as the Stone Table Theater as another homage to the Chronicles of Narnia.  It featured around 150 seats, a backstage, technical room, and a two-story stone turret on each end of the stage. The existing balcony was expanded to create a small library on the west end.

1993
1994

Leading the Way

In 1994, Cair Paravel Latin School joined with nine other Classical Christian Schools to became charter members of the Association of Classical Christian Schools. The organization is dedicated to promoting and equipping schools that are committed to a classical approach in the light of a Christian worldview. As of 2023, ACCS has grown to serve over 475 ACCS member schools educating more than 62,000 students across the country.

1994
1995

Another Addition

In 1995, a cafeteria was added on the west side of the gymnasium and two classrooms were built above the new cafeteria on the 2nd floor. The space also accommodated the first set of hallway lockers.

1995
2001

Additional Classrooms

In 2001, two free-standing modular office units were added to the north end of the campus to provide 4 additional classrooms as a temporary solution to the growing enrollment.

2001
2001

Uniforms

In 2001, students began wearing uniforms to reflect respect for authority, help reduce distractions, and to forge a distinctive school culture. Concerns about the burden of paying for school uniforms prompted volunteers to maintain a closet filled with donated uniforms that families can take at no charge. This closet is still available year-round and is heavily utilized by families to save money.

2001
2002

Library Renovation

In 2002, a classroom featuring an original fireplace with a travertine surround from the 1926 building was repurposed to create a more-expansive library. Custom built bookcases that closely matched the original woodwork gave the space a rich and traditional aesthetic. 

2002
2006

Adding an Annex

In 2006, the commercial property on the SE corner of 6th & Clay was purchased and converted to provide two new classrooms for high school students.

2006
2009

Additional Property

In 2009, several properties on the east side of Clay Street were purchased and the existing homes were demolished. A practice field was created across the street from the gymnasium to be used by athletic teams and the physical education department.

2009
2010

Larger Library

In 2010, a classroom was renovated to create a larger library to encourage a love of great literature. The beautiful space features an original stone fireplace and wooden hearth from the 1926 building.

2010
2014

Serving Younger Students

The Little Lions Learning Center opened in 2014 to serve students from ages 3-5. There were 12 students on the original roster and they met in the former “Day Care House” located on campus.

2014
2014

Accreditation

In 2014, CPLS earned full accreditation from the Association of Classical Christian Schools.
2014
2016

Creation of a Third Floor

In 2016, an plan was proposed to transform the current unused attic into additional classroom space. It also created a new contemporary entryway with added security features. The largest Capital Campaign in the school’s history raised 2.1 million dollars for this project which allowed the school to remain debt free. The classrooms and new lobby were ready for the 2017-18 school year.

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
2019

Enrollment Goal Met

The original school founders imagined a day when the school would grow to have two homerooms in every grade from K-12. Steady enrollment growth caused the school to reach this milestone in 2019.

2019
2020

Little Lions Expands

Growing interest in the program created long waitlists which prompted the need to move the program into what was previously referred to as the Annex.  A renovation of that space doubled the square footage and provided the space to serve up to 40 students, ages 2 1/2 – 5. Two distinct classrooms were created to serve the needs of younger preschool students separately from those students who would enter kindergarten the following year.

2020
2021

KSHSAA Member

CPLS became a full KSHAA Member and entered into 1A division competition.

2021
2022

State Champions

In ​​2022,  the school celebrated its first KSHSAA State Championship in school history (Cheerleading).

2022
2023

Enrollment Growth

Enrollment growth moved the school into the 2A KSHSAA division.

2023
2023

Capital Campaign

In the summer of 2023, CPLS launched a capital campaign for the most ambitious expansion plan in school history. The design will add seven new classrooms, an extension to the cafeteria/common room, weight room, guest locker rooms, and additional offices. A new parking lot at the SE corner of 7th and Buchanan will add 33 additional parking spots. 

2023
2025

Construction Completion

Construction on the North Addition is planned for completion with the hope to occupy in the fall of 2025.

2025