The Best Private Schools in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cedar Rapids. 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
Catholic Schools of Grand Island
St. Mary's Cathedral School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located approximately 30 miles from Cedar Rapids, this school offers a comprehensive education with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and dedicated teachers with an average of 15+ years of experience. Their curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, and integrated technology programs. Extracurricular activities include competitive sports, choir, band, and various clubs. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong community involvement.
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Kearney Catholic High School
Kearney Catholic Schools
Kearney Catholic High School is a premier private Catholic high school located approximately 45 miles from Cedar Rapids, serving students in grades 9-12. The school boasts an exceptional college preparatory program with 98% of graduates attending higher education institutions. Academic offerings include numerous Advanced Placement courses, honors programs, and dual credit opportunities. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, modern athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Students can participate in championship athletic programs, competitive speech and debate, robotics, and various service organizations. The school maintains a strong reputation for academic rigor and student success.
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Trinity Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Trinity Lutheran School provides Christian education for students in preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout central Nebraska including Cedar Rapids. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, featuring a comprehensive curriculum that includes strong STEM components, literacy programs, and religious education. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the school maintains high academic standards with students consistently testing above national averages. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated science lab, gymnasium, and music room. The school offers before and after-school care, various sports programs, and numerous extracurricular activities that foster well-rounded student development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska
What are the private school options for families residing in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska, and do I need to commute to a nearby city?
Cedar Rapids, NE, is a small, rural community, so your immediate in-town private option is St. Mary's Cathedral School, which serves grades PK-6. For middle and high school, families typically look to schools in larger nearby cities. A common choice is Kearney Catholic High School in Kearney (about a 45-minute drive), which serves grades 9-12. Another option for younger grades is Trinity Lutheran School, also located in Kearney. This means committing to a significant daily commute or exploring boarding options is a key consideration for Cedar Rapids parents seeking private education beyond elementary school.
How does tuition at private schools like St. Mary's in Cedar Rapids compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available specifically for Nebraska residents?
Tuition at St. Mary's Cathedral School in Cedar Rapids is generally below the Nebraska private school average due to its rural setting and parish support. For the 2023-2024 year, tuition was approximately $2,500-$3,500 for parish members. Statewide, Nebraska offers the Opportunity Scholarships Act, a tax-credit scholarship program that provides financial assistance to eligible families choosing private schools. Additionally, many Nebraska private schools, including those in Kearney that Cedar Rapids families use, offer need-based aid and parish subsidies. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through the school as early as possible.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Cedar Rapids students offer that address rural and agricultural interests?
Schools serving the Cedar Rapids area often integrate programs relevant to rural life. St. Mary's emphasizes a close-knit, faith-based environment with strong core academics. Kearney Catholic High School, where many Cedar Rapids students attend, offers a robust science curriculum and activities like FFA (Future Farmers of America), which directly aligns with the agricultural background of many local families. Additionally, its size allows for participation in a wide range of sports and arts programs that might be limited in very small public schools, providing a balance of college-prep and community-focused activities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for St. Mary's Cathedral School in Cedar Rapids, and how does it differ from applying to private schools in Kearney?
For St. Mary's Cathedral School in Cedar Rapids, enrollment is often rolling but with a priority deadline in the spring for the following fall. The process is typically straightforward, involving a tour, application, and records transfer. For schools in Kearney like Kearney Catholic or Trinity Lutheran, the process is more formal and competitive, with earlier deadlines (often January-February) for applications and entrance exams for high school. Cedar Rapids families must plan well ahead, especially for high school, to complete testing, interviews, and financial aid applications for Kearney schools before their deadlines.
For a family in Cedar Rapids, what are the primary factors to consider when choosing between the local public school (Riverside Public Schools) and a private school option requiring a commute?
The decision hinges on several Cedar Rapids-specific factors. The local Riverside Public Schools offer the convenience of no commute, strong community integration, and typically solid academic programs. Choosing a private school like St. Mary's (for elementary) or commuting to Kearney involves weighing the daily time and cost of transportation against perceived benefits. These often include smaller class sizes, specific religious education, different extracurricular opportunities (e.g., Kearney Catholic's sports leagues), and a college-prep focus. Many families value the continuity of a K-12 Catholic education pathway, even with the commute, for its consistent values and community.