The Best Private Schools in Amherst, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Amherst. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Cathedral School
Grand Island Catholic Schools
St. Mary's Cathedral School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving central Nebraska, including the Amherst area. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and dedicated art and music spaces. The school features a robust STEM program, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular activities. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high with praise for the dedicated faculty and strong community atmosphere.
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Kearney Catholic High School
Kearney Catholic Schools
Kearney Catholic High School serves students from throughout central Nebraska, including the Amherst community. This college-preparatory Catholic school offers a challenging academic curriculum with multiple Advanced Placement courses and comprehensive college counseling. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complex. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a wide range of extracurricular activities including championship athletic programs and extensive fine arts opportunities.
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St. James Catholic School
Grand Island Catholic Schools
St. James Catholic School provides exceptional private education for students in preschool through 6th grade, serving families from Amherst and surrounding communities. The school emphasizes strong foundational skills in reading, mathematics, and writing while integrating technology throughout the curriculum. The faith-based environment fosters character development and community service. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer lab, library, and playground areas. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing atmosphere, experienced teachers, and strong academic preparation for middle school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Amherst, Nebraska
What are the private school options for families living in Amherst, Nebraska, and are there any located directly in the town?
Amherst itself is a very small village and does not have a private school within its village limits. However, families in Amherst commonly look to nearby communities for excellent private, faith-based education. The most prominent options are St. Mary's Cathedral School (PreK-6) in nearby Grand Island, Kearney Catholic High School (7-12) in Kearney, and St. James Catholic School (PreK-6) in Kearney. Enrollment from Amherst is typical, and these schools are accustomed to serving families from surrounding rural areas. Transportation is a key consideration, as parents often form carpools or drive their children to school.
How does tuition at private schools near Amherst, NE, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Nebraska?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Kearney Catholic High School tuition is approximately $6,500-$7,500, while elementary schools like St. Mary's or St. James are typically in the $3,500-$4,500 range for parishioners. A significant financial consideration for Nebraska families is the **Opportunity Scholarships Act**, which provides state tax credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations. This can increase the availability of need-based scholarships for private school enrollment. Additionally, many schools offer multi-child discounts and parish subsidies for active members.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving Amherst students offer, given their smaller community setting?
Schools like Kearney Catholic High School leverage their size to offer a robust, college-preparatory curriculum with notable strengths in STEM and theology, alongside a strong emphasis on character formation. A unique aspect for Amherst-area students is the access to competitive athletics and activities (like speech and music) that might not be available in very small public districts. St. Mary's and St. James offer specialized programs in fine arts and faith integration, with small class sizes ensuring personalized attention. These schools often foster a close-knit, family-like atmosphere that resonates with families from rural communities like Amherst.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Kearney Catholic that serve Amherst families?
The enrollment process for schools like Kearney Catholic and St. James typically begins with an open house in the winter (January-February), with priority application deadlines for returning families and parish members in early spring. For new families from Amherst, it is crucial to apply by March or April for the best chance of admission for the following fall. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview. Due to the limited seats and demand from across central Nebraska, early inquiry and application are strongly recommended.
For an Amherst resident, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local Amherst Public School and a private school in Kearney or Grand Island?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. **Amherst Public School** (PK-12, part of the Amherst Broncos district) offers the convenience of a very short commute and a tight-knit rural school community. In contrast, private schools in Kearney or Grand Island involve a commute of 25-45 minutes but offer a faith-based education, often larger academic and extracurricular program offerings (especially at the high school level), and a different peer network. Families must weigh the importance of religious instruction, desired program breadth, transportation logistics, and cost against the value of the local community school. Many Amherst families value the private school option for its specific moral environment and college-prep focus.