The Best Private Schools in Decatur, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Decatur. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Mount Michael Benedictine School
Benedictine Order
Mount Michael Benedictine School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Decatur and throughout eastern Nebraska. The school offers both day and boarding options with a rigorous academic program emphasizing STEM education, critical thinking, and Benedictine values. Features include advanced placement courses, state-of-the-art science and technology facilities, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school is known for its exceptional college acceptance rates and strong community atmosphere that fosters both academic excellence and personal growth.
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St. John the Baptist Catholic School
Archdiocese of Omaha
St. John the Baptist Catholic School serves students from Decatur and surrounding communities with a comprehensive K-8 education grounded in Catholic values. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes strong academic foundations, religious education, and enrichment programs. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community feel, and commitment to developing both academic skills and character. The school maintains modern facilities and offers extracurricular activities including sports, music, and community service opportunities.
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St. Wenceslaus School
Archdiocese of Omaha
St. Wenceslaus School provides a comprehensive Catholic education serving families from Decatur and the greater Omaha area. The school offers a strong academic foundation from preschool through 8th grade with emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. The curriculum includes robust language arts and mathematics programs, science labs, technology integration, and fine arts education. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's dedicated teachers, safe environment, and strong sense of community. The school features modern classrooms, updated facilities, and numerous extracurricular activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Decatur, Nebraska
What are the private school options specifically within the city of Decatur, Nebraska, and what grades do they serve?
Within the city limits of Decatur, the primary private school option is St. John the Baptist Catholic School, which typically serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. For high school, families in Decatur often look to nearby institutions, most notably Mount Michael Benedictine School, a highly-regarded private, Catholic, college-preparatory boarding and day school for boys in grades 9-12 located about 30 miles away in Elkhorn. Another nearby option is St. Wenceslaus School in Wahoo, serving Pre-K through 6th grade. The private school landscape in Decatur itself is limited to the elementary/middle level, making transportation and planning for high school an important early consideration for local families.
How does tuition at Decatur-area private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid or scholarship opportunities are available for Nebraska residents?
Tuition at St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Decatur is generally below the state average for private schools, reflecting its community-based, parish-supported model. Specific rates vary, but active parish members often receive a subsidized rate. For Mount Michael Benedictine School, tuition is higher, aligning with its boarding program and extensive college-prep resources. 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 serving Decatur families, offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies, and sibling discounts. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid applications and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Decatur, NE, students that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Decatur area offer distinct programs shaped by their missions. St. John the Baptist provides a faith-integrated curriculum with a strong focus on community values in a small, close-knit setting. Mount Michael Benedictine School offers a rigorous STEM-focused curriculum, advanced placement courses, and a unique Benedictine leadership program that is rare in the region. Its boarding program also allows for immersive academic and extracurricular involvement. These schools often have smaller class sizes than area public districts, allowing for more individualized attention. While Decatur Public Schools provide a solid education, these private options offer specialized religious education, single-gender environments (at Mount Michael), and particular pedagogical approaches that are defining factors for many families.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Decatur, and are there preferences for parish members or local residents?
The enrollment process for St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Decatur typically begins in early spring (February/March) for the following academic year. The process usually involves submitting an application form, providing birth and baptismal certificates (if applicable), and recent academic records. Priority enrollment is almost always given first to active members of St. John the Baptist Parish, then to Catholic families from other parishes, and finally to non-Catholic families if space permits. Given the school's small size, spaces can be limited, especially in early grades, so early inquiry is strongly recommended. An interview or meeting with the principal may also be part of the process for new families.
For a family living in Decatur, what are the key logistical considerations regarding transportation to these private schools, especially for schools outside town like Mount Michael?
Transportation is a significant logistical factor for Decatur families choosing private schools. For St. John the Baptist, being within town simplifies this. For Mount Michael Benedictine School (Elkhorn) or St. Wenceslaus (Wahoo), a daily commute of 30-45 minutes is required. Mount Michael operates shuttle vans from designated pickup points in surrounding areas, which may include a meeting point near Decatur. Many families form carpools with others from the Burt County area. The boarding option at Mount Michael is a definitive solution for some families, allowing students to stay on campus during the week. Assessing the daily time commitment, transportation costs, and the school's available shuttle services is a critical step in the decision-making process for Decatur residents.
Private Education Insights
Top Private Elementary Schools in Decatur, NE: A Parent's Guide
For parents in Decatur, Nebraska, searching for the “best private elementary schools near me” is a journey that blends academic excellence with the strong community values that define our corner of the state. This search is deeply personal, often centered on finding an environment that nurtures not just the mind, but the character of your child. In our rural and tight-knit area, a private school is more than an institution; it becomes an extension of your family’s support system, offering a tailored educational experience that can be hard to find in larger districts. The good news is that Decatur and its surrounding communities are home to several exceptional private elementary options, each with its own distinct mission and approach to fostering young learners.
One of the most prominent local choices is St. John the Baptist Catholic School, right here in Decatur. It provides a foundational Pre-K through 6th grade education deeply rooted in faith and community. For families seeking a close-knit, parish-based school where every teacher knows every child’s name, St. John’s offers a classic, values-driven education. Its small class sizes are a significant advantage, allowing for individualized attention that can help students build confidence and master core academic skills in a supportive, familiar environment. It represents the very heart of a community school.
When your search for the “best private elementary schools near me” extends just a short drive from Decatur, two other outstanding institutions come into focus. In nearby Dodge, St. Wenceslaus School offers a vibrant Pre-K through 6th grade program known for its strong academic curriculum and active family association. It presents another excellent faith-based option with a slightly larger community feel, while still maintaining the personal touch that parents in our area cherish. For families considering a longer-term educational pathway, looking toward the junior high and high school years, Mount Michael Benedictine School near Elkhorn is a renowned destination. While its boarding and day program begins in 7th grade, it is a crucial consideration for Decatur parents planning ahead. The rigorous, college-preparatory environment at Mount Michael is legendary in Nebraska, and many families choose feeder schools with the hope of their child attending there later.
Choosing between these excellent schools ultimately depends on your family’s specific priorities. Consider the daily commute, as transportation is a key factor in our rural setting. Reflect on the importance of a continuous educational pathway from elementary into higher grades versus a more localized elementary experience. We strongly recommend scheduling visits. There is no substitute for feeling the atmosphere of a school, observing classroom interactions, and speaking directly with administrators and teachers. In Decatur, the quest for the right private elementary school is about matching your child’s needs with a community’s spirit. Whether you choose the intimate setting of St. John’s, the engaged community of St. Wenceslaus, or lay the groundwork for a place like Mount Michael, you are investing in a foundation of academic care and personal values that will serve your child for a lifetime.