The Best Private Schools in Bellevue, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bellevue. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Elementary School
Archdiocese of Omaha Catholic Schools
St. Mary's Elementary School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving Bellevue families for over 70 years. The school offers a comprehensive faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade with strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. Features include modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with low student-teacher ratios, robust STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including music, art, and sports. The school maintains strong community ties and consistently receives high marks from parents for its nurturing environment and rigorous academic preparation.
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Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School
Independent Private School
Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School, located in nearby Omaha, is Nebraska's oldest independent college preparatory school and serves families throughout the greater Omaha metropolitan area including Bellevue. The school offers a rigorous International Baccalaureate curriculum for all grade levels (Pre-K through 12) and features small class sizes, exceptional faculty, and outstanding college placement. Campus facilities include modern science laboratories, extensive athletic facilities, dedicated arts spaces, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Brownell Talbot is known for its diverse student body, comprehensive extracurricular programs, and strong track record of academic achievement with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Daniel J. Gross Catholic High School
Archdiocese of Omaha Catholic Schools
Daniel J. Gross Catholic High School is a premier co-educational Catholic high school serving the Bellevue and greater Omaha area. Founded in 1968, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, and specialized academies in STEM and fine arts. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. With a strong focus on faith formation and academic excellence, Gross Catholic consistently graduates students who are well-prepared for college and beyond, with a 100% college acceptance rate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bellevue, Nebraska
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Bellevue, Nebraska?
Bellevue offers a focused selection of private schools, primarily with religious affiliations. For elementary education, St. Mary's Elementary School (Pre-K-8) provides a Catholic foundation. For high school, families often look to Daniel J. Gross Catholic High School, which serves grades 9-12 and draws students from Bellevue and the wider Omaha metro area. While not located directly in Bellevue, Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School in nearby Omaha is a prominent independent, non-sectarian option for Pre-K-12 that many Bellevue families consider. The landscape is characterized by these established institutions rather than a large number of choices, making early research and campus visits important.
How does tuition at Bellevue, Nebraska private schools compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in Bellevue varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Mary's Elementary is generally the most affordable, with parish-subsidized rates. Daniel J. Gross Catholic High School's tuition is higher, reflecting a comprehensive high school program. Brownell Talbot, as a premier independent school, has the highest tuition, comparable to national college-preparatory standards. Importantly, all these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Gross Catholic and St. Mary's have active tuition assistance programs funded by the Archdiocese of Omaha and parish support. Nebraska also has a tax-credit scholarship program, the Opportunity Scholarships Act, which provides private school scholarships for eligible families, a key financial consideration for Nebraska residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Bellevue area specialize in?
Private schools in the Bellevue/Omaha metro area offer distinct specializations. Daniel J. Gross Catholic High School has strong STEM initiatives and a renowned music program, including competitive show choir. Its connection to the Catholic community also emphasizes service learning. Brownell Talbot, with its college-preparatory focus, offers advanced placement and honors courses across disciplines, global studies programs, and extensive arts and athletics. St. Mary's Elementary provides a foundational Catholic education with an emphasis on character development. A unique local consideration is the proximity to Offutt Air Force Base; several schools have experience supporting military families and may offer specific resources or flexibility for their needs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Bellevue, Nebraska?
Enrollment timelines for Bellevue-area private schools are crucial due to limited seats. Most schools, including Gross Catholic and Brownell Talbot, begin their application processes in the fall (September-October) for the following academic year, with deadlines often in January or February. St. Mary's may have a more rolling admission but prioritizes parish families. Key steps usually include: submitting an application, providing transcripts and teacher recommendations, completing a family interview or student assessment, and applying for financial aid concurrently. Siblings of current students and active parishioners often receive priority. It is highly recommended to attend open houses, typically held in the fall, to understand each school's specific deadlines and requirements.
For families moving to Bellevue, what are the key factors in choosing between the Bellevue Public Schools district and a local private school?
The choice in Bellevue often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and religious instruction. Bellevue Public Schools (BPS) offer a diverse, tuition-free education with a wide range of programs across multiple neighborhood schools. Private options offer smaller class sizes, a specific religious or values-based curriculum (at Gross Catholic and St. Mary's), and a particular college-prep intensity (at Brownell Talbot). For military families at Offutt AFB, private schools may provide more continuity if facing frequent transfers. Academically, BPS has strong programs, but private schools often have more flexibility in curriculum pacing. The decision frequently comes down to whether a family seeks a faith-based environment or a specific pedagogical approach not available in the public system, balanced against the significant financial investment of private tuition.
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