The Best Private Schools in Ames, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ames. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Kearney Catholic High School
Diocese of Grand Island
Kearney Catholic High School is a premier private Catholic secondary school serving students in grades 9-12 from throughout central Nebraska, including the Ames community. The school boasts exceptional academic outcomes with a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum featuring multiple Advanced Placement courses. Students benefit from small class sizes, experienced faculty, and outstanding college counseling services. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, athletic complexes, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school maintains a strong tradition of excellence in both academics and extracurricular activities, with championship athletic teams and award-winning fine arts programs.
Programs:
St. James Catholic School
Diocese of Grand Island
St. James Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located approximately 30 miles from Ames in Kearney, this school offers a comprehensive faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent academic preparation for high school. The campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, a gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for music and art instruction.
Programs:
Trinity Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Trinity Lutheran School provides exceptional Christian education for students in preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout central Nebraska including the Ames area. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based framework, offering rigorous college preparatory curriculum alongside spiritual development. Notable programs include comprehensive music education, competitive sports teams, and technology integration across all grade levels. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement, dedicated faculty, and supportive learning environment. Facilities include modern classrooms, a chapel, computer lab, and playground areas designed for different age groups.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ames, Nebraska
What are the specific private school options available for families residing in or near Ames, Nebraska?
In the immediate Ames area, the primary private school is St. James Catholic School, which serves students in grades Pre-K through 8. For high school, many families in Ames look to nearby Kearney, where Kearney Catholic High School is a popular choice. Additionally, Trinity Lutheran School in nearby Lexington offers a Lutheran-based education. Given Ames's smaller size, most private education involves a commute to neighboring communities, and exploring schools in Kearney (about 30 miles away) significantly expands the options available to Ames residents.
How does tuition at private schools serving Ames, NE, typically work, and are there any Nebraska-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 school year, St. James Catholic School has a parishioner tuition rate and a non-parishioner rate, with multi-child discounts common. Kearney Catholic High School's tuition is higher, reflecting its secondary programming. Critically for Nebraska residents, the state offers the **Opportunity Scholarships Act**, a tax-credit scholarship program that provides financial assistance to eligible families choosing private schools. Additionally, many schools have their own need-based aid and fundraising-supported scholarship funds. It's essential to inquire directly with each school about their specific tuition structure and aid application process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Ames, Nebraska, area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in this region often emphasize a specific value-based education and close-knit community. St. James Catholic School integrates faith throughout its curriculum and offers small class sizes. Kearney Catholic High School, while a commute, provides a comprehensive college-prep curriculum, competitive athletics in the NSAA, and distinctive programs like its spiritual retreats and dedicated STEM courses. These schools often have more flexibility to tailor education to their mission, which can mean a stronger focus on classical education, religious formation, or character development compared to the broader mandates of public districts in Buffalo County.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. James that serve Ames, NE?
Enrollment timelines for schools like St. James Catholic School often begin in early winter (January-February) for the following academic year, with priority given to current families and parish members. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), academic records, and possibly a family interview. For Kearney Catholic High School, which draws from a wide region, adhering to their published deadlines is crucial, as spaces can be limited. We highly recommend contacting the schools directly in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year to get exact dates, open house information, and application packets.
For a family in Ames, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between the local public school (likely Elm Creek or Kearney Public Schools) and a private school option?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. First is **commute and logistics**: Attending St. James in Ames is local, but choosing Kearney Catholic means a significant daily drive. Second is **cost**: Weighing tuition and available aid against the no-tuition public option is essential. Third is **educational philosophy**: Do you seek a faith-based environment or a specific pedagogical approach? Fourth is **scale**: Private schools offer smaller, community-focused settings, while public schools in Kearney provide larger, more diverse student bodies and potentially more specialized electives or AP courses. Finally, consider **continuity**: St. James ends at 8th grade, so planning for high school (whether Kearney Catholic or public) is a necessary part of the long-term decision.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities