The Best Private Schools in Cambridge, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cambridge. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John's Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
St. John's Lutheran School is a highly-regarded Christian private school serving the Cambridge community with a comprehensive elementary education program. The school provides a faith-based education with strong academic fundamentals, small class sizes, and individualized attention. Facilities include modern classrooms, a gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and offers various extracurricular activities including music, sports, and community service programs.
Programs:
St. Patrick's Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Grand Island
Located in nearby McCook (approximately 30 minutes from Cambridge), St. Patrick's Catholic School serves students from across Southwest Nebraska with a rigorous academic program rooted in Catholic values. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and athletic facilities. Academic programs emphasize college preparation with strong STEM offerings, while maintaining a balanced curriculum including fine arts and religious education. The school has a long tradition of academic excellence and serves as a regional educational hub.
Programs:
St. Patrick's Catholic School
Catholic Schools of Greater Nebraska
Serving students from across the region including Cambridge area families, St. Patrick's in North Platte (approximately 1 hour from Cambridge) offers a comprehensive PreK-12 Catholic education. The school features advanced academic programs, college preparatory courses, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive athletics, fine arts, and technology programs. The campus includes modern academic buildings, science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes both academic achievement and character development.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cambridge, Nebraska
What are the primary private school options available for families in Cambridge, Nebraska, and what are their core affiliations?
Cambridge, Nebraska, offers a small but dedicated selection of private schools, primarily faith-based institutions. The main options are St. John's Lutheran School (Lutheran - LCMS) and St. Patrick's Catholic School (Catholic). These schools serve students from pre-kindergarten through elementary and, in some cases, middle school grades. Given the rural setting of Cambridge, these schools are central pillars of the community, often integrating strong religious values with core academics. There are no secular private or independent day schools within Cambridge itself, so families seeking such an option would need to look in larger regional hubs.
How does tuition at private schools in Cambridge, NE, compare to state averages, and what financial support might be available?
Tuition at Cambridge's private schools is typically below the state average for private education due to the lower cost of living in this rural area. For the 2023-2024 school year, annual tuition at schools like St. Patrick's Catholic School often ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 per student, with discounts for multiple children from the same family. Both schools usually offer active parishioner discounts, and some may have limited need-based scholarships or tuition assistance programs funded by the church or local donors. Nebraska also has a tax-credit scholarship program, the Opportunity Scholarships Act, which can provide financial aid to eligible families choosing private schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Cambridge private schools offer that leverage their local community setting?
Private schools in Cambridge, NE, often emphasize a tight-knit, family-like environment and integrate local resources into their programs. Academically, they provide strong foundational skills with low student-to-teacher ratios. Given the agricultural backdrop of the region, science and environmental studies may incorporate local farming practices. Extracurriculars are often community-focused, with participation in local parades, service projects, and church events. Athletics typically involve cooperation with other small schools in the Tri-Valley Conference or similar leagues. These schools may not offer the breadth of specialized AP courses or robotics clubs found in urban centers, but they compensate with personalized attention and character education rooted in local values.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Cambridge, and are there restrictions for non-parishioners?
Enrollment for the fall semester at Cambridge private schools usually begins in early spring (February/March), with priority given to re-enrolling students and siblings. Open enrollment for new families, including those not affiliated with the church, typically follows. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (if applicable), academic records, and often a family interview. While St. John's Lutheran and St. Patrick's Catholic schools welcome students of all faiths, active members of their respective congregations usually receive first preference and a reduced tuition rate. It's highly recommended to contact the school office directly by January to express interest and understand specific requirements for the upcoming year.
For a family in Cambridge, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school option?
The decision in Cambridge often centers on educational philosophy, class size, and religious instruction. Cambridge Public Schools offer a comprehensive K-12 system with broader extracurricular and transportation options. The private schools provide a distinct faith-based education with typically smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students), allowing for highly individualized instruction. A major practical consideration is transportation, as private schools in Cambridge do not provide district busing; parents are responsible for drop-off and pick-up. Financially, while public school is tuition-free, private school tuition is an added cost, though it may be offset by the mentioned scholarships. Families must weigh the value of a specific religious and moral framework against the program breadth and convenience of the public system.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities