The Best Private Schools in Arlington, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Archbishop Bergan Elementary School
Archdiocese of Omaha Catholic Schools
Archbishop Bergan Elementary School serves students from Arlington and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Catholic education program. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum enhanced by faith formation and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes for personalized attention and offers extensive extracurricular activities including sports, music, and community service programs. Parent satisfaction is high with particular praise for dedicated teachers and strong community atmosphere.
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St. Margaret Mary School
Archdiocese of Omaha Catholic Schools
St. Margaret Mary School serves families from Arlington and the broader eastern Nebraska region with an exceptional private education experience. The school offers a challenging academic program that prepares students for high school and beyond, with particular strengths in mathematics and language arts. The campus features state-of-the-art technology resources, science laboratories, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a strong sense of community with active parent-teacher organizations and numerous family events. Students benefit from diverse extracurricular opportunities including competitive sports, performing arts, and academic enrichment programs.
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St. Patrick's Catholic School
Archdiocese of Omaha Catholic Schools
St. Patrick's Catholic School provides faith-based education to students from Arlington and the greater Fremont area. The school features a strong academic foundation with emphasis on core subjects while integrating technology throughout the curriculum. The campus includes well-equipped classrooms, a library, gymnasium, and playground facilities. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and active parent involvement. Extracurricular offerings include sports teams, choir, and various academic competitions, creating a well-rounded educational experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arlington, Nebraska
What are the private school options for families in Arlington, Nebraska, and what are their religious affiliations?
Arlington, Nebraska, is served by three private, faith-based elementary schools, all of which are Catholic institutions. These are Archbishop Bergan Elementary School (pre-K to 6), St. Patrick's Catholic School, and St. Margaret Mary School. There are no secular private day schools within Arlington itself. For secondary private education, families typically look at options in the larger Fremont area or Omaha, as these Arlington schools primarily cover the elementary grades. This concentration of Catholic schools reflects the strong faith-based community in the area.
How does tuition at Arlington's private Catholic schools compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Nebraska?
Tuition for the private schools in Arlington is generally more affordable than in major metropolitan areas, often ranging from $2,000 to $4,500 per year for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. All three schools offer multi-child discounts. A key Nebraska-specific financial consideration 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 qualifying families. Additionally, many families participate in parish subsidy programs and fundraising activities to help offset costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Arlington, NE, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in Arlington leverage their small size and faith-based mission to offer distinctive programs. A common focus is on integrated faith and character education throughout the curriculum. Academically, they often feature specialized reading programs, strong foundational math, and dedicated music and art instruction. Given their connection to the Archdiocese of Omaha, they may participate in unique archdiocesan-wide academic competitions and events. Their small class sizes (often 15:1 or lower) allow for highly individualized attention, which is a significant draw compared to the larger class sizes in the Arlington Public School district.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for schools like St. Patrick's or St. Margaret Mary in Arlington?
The enrollment process for Arlington's private schools usually begins in January or February for the following academic year, with priority often given to existing families and registered parishioners. The process typically involves submitting an application form, providing baptismal records (for Catholic families), a birth certificate, and immunization records. Most schools require a registration fee to secure a spot. It's highly advisable to contact the school office directly in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year, as spaces, particularly in pre-K and kindergarten, can be limited due to the schools' small size. Open houses are often held in the winter.
For families considering the choice, what are the practical differences between Arlington Public Schools and the local private Catholic schools?
The primary differences are philosophical, logistical, and financial. **Philosophically**, the private schools provide a religious education integrated with academics, while APS is secular. **Logistically**, Arlington's private schools end at 6th grade, requiring a transition for junior high and high school, whereas APS offers a continuous K-12 pathway. Private school class sizes are significantly smaller. **Financially**, APS is taxpayer-funded, while private schools require tuition. However, private school families still pay property taxes that fund APS. A key consideration for Arlington families is the community aspect; the private schools often foster a tight-knit, parish-based community, while the public school serves the entire geographic district.
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