The Best Private Schools in Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cedar Bluffs. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School
Archdiocese of Omaha Catholic Schools
St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School is a top-rated private institution serving the greater eastern Nebraska region, including families from Cedar Bluffs who commute for its exceptional educational programs. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum from preschool through 8th grade with particular strengths in mathematics, language arts, and emerging STEAM programs. Facilities include state-of-the-art technology labs, science classrooms, extensive library resources, and modern athletic facilities. The school is known for its highly qualified faculty, strong parent community involvement, and outstanding academic performance metrics that consistently exceed state and national averages.
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Fremont Bergan Junior/Senior High School
Archdiocese of Omaha Catholic Schools
Fremont Bergan is a highly-regarded Catholic junior/senior high school serving the Cedar Bluffs area and greater Dodge County region. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. Students benefit from advanced placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The school maintains strong community ties and has a reputation for academic excellence, with graduates consistently accepted to top universities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic complexes.
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Archbishop Bergan Elementary School
Archdiocese of Omaha Catholic Schools
Archbishop Bergan Elementary School provides exceptional private education for students in preschool through 6th grade, serving families throughout the Cedar Bluffs and Fremont area. The school features a strong academic foundation with integrated technology, comprehensive literacy programs, and hands-on learning experiences. With a focus on character development and Catholic values, the school maintains small class sizes and individualized learning plans. The campus includes modern classrooms, dedicated science and computer labs, playground facilities, and a school chapel. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the nurturing environment and strong academic outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska
What are the private school options specifically for families residing in Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska?
While Cedar Bluffs itself is a small village without a private school campus, resident families typically look to nearby Fremont, Nebraska, for primary options. The most prominent are the Catholic schools under the Archdiocese of Omaha: Archbishop Bergan Elementary School (PreK-6) and Fremont Bergan Junior/Senior High School (7-12). St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School in Omaha is a considerable commute. Many Cedar Bluffs families choose the Bergan system for its continuity from elementary through high school. Transportation to Fremont is a key logistical consideration for Cedar Bluffs parents.
How does tuition at Fremont Bergan schools compare to Nebraska's public school funding, and are there financial aid options for Cedar Bluffs families?
Tuition at Fremont Bergan schools is set by the Archdiocese of Omaha and is distinct from Nebraska's tax-funded public school system. For the 2024-2025 school year, parishioner tuition is approximately $4,300 for the first child at the elementary level, with higher rates for junior/senior high and non-parishioners. Critically, Nebraska offers the Opportunity Scholarships Act, a tax-credit scholarship program that provides financial assistance to eligible families choosing private schools. Additionally, the schools themselves and supporting foundations offer need-based aid and scholarships, which Cedar Bluffs residents can apply for.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the Fremont Bergan schools offer that might attract families from Cedar Bluffs?
Fremont Bergan schools offer programs that differentiate them from the local public school district (Cedar Bluffs Public Schools). Bergan High School provides a college-preparatory curriculum with a required theology program, and offers dual-credit courses through local colleges. A notable feature is the "1:1 Technology Initiative" where students in grades 7-12 use school-provided laptops. For athletics and activities, Bergan is a member of the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA), allowing students from Cedar Bluffs to compete in a wider range of sports, like the renowned Bergan wrestling program, without being limited by the smaller Class D offerings of their local public school.
What is the enrollment timeline and process for a Cedar Bluffs family new to the private school system, specifically for Archbishop Bergan Elementary?
The enrollment process for Archbishop Bergan Elementary typically begins with an open house in January or February for the following academic year. Priority registration for existing families and registered parishioners of supporting churches usually opens in early spring, with open enrollment for new families (including those from Cedar Bluffs) following shortly after. It is crucial to apply early as spaces can be limited. The process requires submitting an application, birth and baptismal certificates, immunization records, and previous school records. A family interview may also be part of the process. Contacting the school's admissions office by December is highly recommended to get on their communication list.
For a family in Cedar Bluffs deciding between the local public school and a private school in Fremont, what are the key logistical and community factors to consider?
The decision involves significant logistical and community trade-offs. Cedar Bluffs Public Schools offer the convenience of a short, local commute and immersion in the immediate community. Choosing Fremont Bergan involves a daily commute of about 15-20 minutes each way, requiring family coordination for transportation, though carpooling with other Cedar Bluffs families is common. The community factor is distinct: your child would be part of a faith-based, regional community drawn from multiple towns, rather than the village-based peer group. Academically, it's a choice between a small, close-knit public school environment and a private institution with a specific religious mission and often different resource allocations for programs like STEM or the arts. Visiting both types of schools is essential.