The Best Private Schools in Clearwater, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clearwater. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's School
Catholic Diocese of Lincoln
St. Mary's School in O'Neill provides a comprehensive private education for students in the Clearwater area, emphasizing faith-based learning and academic excellence. It offers a well-rounded curriculum from preschool through 8th grade, with strong programs in music, sports, and technology. The school is known for its supportive community, experienced faculty, and safe, nurturing environment. Parents praise its high standards and the positive impact on student development, making it a top choice for families seeking quality education.
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Norfolk Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Lincoln
Norfolk Catholic High School is a highly-regarded private Catholic institution serving northeast Nebraska, including Clearwater. It offers a rigorous academic curriculum with a focus on college preparation, including advanced STEM courses and a robust arts program. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and a strong emphasis on character development and community service. With dedicated teachers and a wide range of extracurricular activities, it consistently achieves high parent satisfaction and student success rates.
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St. Peter's Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
St. Peter's Lutheran School in Neligh is a respected private institution serving the Clearwater region with a focus on Lutheran values and academic rigor. It offers a K-8 education that integrates faith with learning, featuring programs in music, athletics, and hands-on science. The school boasts a close-knit community, dedicated teachers, and facilities that support holistic student growth. With a strong track record of parent satisfaction and student achievement, it provides a supportive and enriching educational experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clearwater, Nebraska
What are the private school options for families living in Clearwater, Nebraska, and how accessible are they?
Clearwater, Nebraska, is a small village, so there are no private schools physically located within its boundaries. However, families in Clearwater typically look to nearby communities for private education. The most prominent options include Norfolk Catholic High School (grades 9-12) and St. Mary's School (PreK-8) in Norfolk, and St. Peter's Lutheran School (PreK-8) in nearby Battle Creek. These schools are accessible via a commute, often involving carpooling or school-provided transportation from designated areas. For Clearwater residents, choosing a private school means planning for daily travel to Norfolk (about a 25-minute drive) or Battle Creek.
How does tuition at private schools serving Clearwater, NE, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Nebraska?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Mary's elementary tuition is approximately $3,000-$4,000 per child, with parish subsidies available for members. Norfolk Catholic High School tuition is around $6,000-$7,000. St. Peter's Lutheran School typically has tuition in a similar range to St. Mary's. Nebraska offers specific financial aid opportunities, most notably the Opportunity Scholarships Act, which provides tax credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, thereby increasing need-based financial aid for private school students. All three schools also offer their own tuition assistance, multi-child discounts, and active participation in local parish or congregational support programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Clearwater, NE, offer that differentiate them?
Schools serving the Clearwater area emphasize faith-based education combined with strong academics and community-focused activities. Norfolk Catholic High School is notable for its comprehensive college-prep curriculum, competitive athletics in the Mid-State Conference, and unique programs like its endowed scholarship programs for local students. St. Mary's School offers a strong STEM initiative and a close-knit, family-oriented environment from PreK-8. St. Peter's Lutheran School provides a distinctive Lutheran curriculum with dedicated music and religious instruction. A common thread is their small class sizes, which allow for personalized attention—a significant draw for families in Nebraska's rural and small-town communities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools that Clearwater, NE, students attend?
Enrollment for the following academic year typically opens in January or February for existing families and siblings, with open enrollment for new families beginning in early spring. For Clearwater families, it's crucial to apply early, especially for Norfolk Catholic High School, as spaces can be limited and some priority is given to students from its feeder schools like St. Mary's. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing academic records, a family interview, and often a placement assessment. Given the commute, discussing transportation options during the enrollment process is highly recommended. Many families from Clearwater attend open houses held in the fall and winter at these schools.
For a family in Clearwater, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in a neighboring town?
The primary considerations are educational philosophy, cost, and logistics. Clearwater is part of the Clearwater-Orchard Public Schools district, which offers the convenience of a very short commute and no tuition. Choosing a private school in Norfolk or Battle Creek involves a commitment to daily transportation, tuition costs, and a faith-based environment. Academically, private schools often have smaller average class sizes than the rural public schools. For high school, parents might compare Norfolk Catholic's specific college-prep and athletic offerings with those of Orchard High School. The decision often hinges on how much value a family places on religious education and whether they are willing to manage the commute for the perceived benefits.