The Best Private Schools in Douglas, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Douglas. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School
Independent
Brownell Talbot is Nebraska's oldest independent college preparatory school, serving students from preschool through grade 12. The school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes, advanced placement courses, and comprehensive college counseling. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence, with a diverse student body and extensive extracurricular opportunities including robotics, debate, and championship athletic teams.
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Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart
Network of Sacred Heart Schools
Duchesne Academy is a Catholic, independent college preparatory school for young women in grades 5-12, part of the international Network of Sacred Heart Schools. The school combines rigorous academics with character formation and spiritual development. Features include a 1:1 iPad program, extensive AP course offerings, and a global studies program with exchange opportunities. The campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong sense of community and commitment to developing confident, compassionate leaders.
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Creighton Preparatory School
Jesuit Schools Network
Creighton Preparatory School is an all-boys Jesuit college preparatory high school serving the Omaha metropolitan area, including Douglas. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with 26 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM programs, and championship athletic teams. The 35-acre campus features modern academic facilities, multiple science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school's Ignatian identity emphasizes academic excellence, faith formation, and commitment to justice through required service programs. Over 99% of graduates attend four-year colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Douglas, Nebraska
What are the main types of private schools available in Douglas, Nebraska, and how do they differ?
Douglas, Nebraska, offers a diverse range of private school options, primarily concentrated in the Omaha area. The top schools include prestigious college preparatory institutions like Brownell Talbot, which serves Pre-K through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on academics and the arts. There are single-gender options such as the all-girls Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, with a faith-based, holistic education model, and the all-boys Creighton Preparatory School, a Jesuit institution known for rigorous academics and character formation. Beyond these, Douglas County also has various parochial schools (Catholic and Lutheran), independent schools, and Montessori programs. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious affiliation, single-gender vs. coed environments, and specific programmatic strengths.
What is the typical tuition range for private schools in Douglas, Nebraska, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for private schools in Douglas, Nebraska, varies significantly based on the grade level and type of school. For the leading college-prep schools like Brownell Talbot, Duchesne, and Creighton Prep, high school tuition can range from approximately $15,000 to $20,000+ per year. Elementary and middle school grades are generally lower. Most private schools in Douglas County are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. Additionally, Nebraska has the Opportunity Scholarships Act, which provides tax credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, potentially increasing scholarship availability for K-12 students attending private schools.
How does the enrollment and application timeline work for competitive private schools in Douglas, Nebraska?
The enrollment process for top private schools in Douglas, Nebraska, like Brownell Talbot, Duchesne, and Creighton Prep, is structured and often begins over a year in advance. Key steps typically include: attending open houses (usually in the fall), submitting applications by January or February for the following academic year, completing student assessments or interviews, and providing teacher recommendations and transcripts. Many schools have a late winter/early spring notification date for admissions decisions. For high-demand grades, especially kindergarten, 6th, and 9th, starting the process early is essential. Some schools also have sibling and legacy priority policies. We recommend contacting the admissions office of each specific school in August or September to get their exact calendar.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Douglas, Nebraska private schools offer that set them apart?
Private schools in Douglas, Nebraska, often provide specialized programs that leverage local partnerships and community resources. For example, Brownell Talbot offers a comprehensive Global Studies program and a renowned visual and performing arts curriculum. Creighton Preparatory School emphasizes its Jesuit identity with a required Ignatian Service Project, integrating community service into its academic framework. Duchesne Academy provides the Sacred Heart Network's Goals & Criteria, focusing on intellectual values and social awareness. Many schools also have strong connections to Omaha's cultural institutions like the Joslyn Art Museum and the Henry Doorly Zoo for experiential learning. In the STEM fields, several schools participate in regional competitions and have partnerships with local universities like Creighton and the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
For families in Douglas County, what are the key considerations when choosing between a private school and the highly-rated public school districts?
Choosing between private and public schools in Douglas, Nebraska, involves several local considerations. Douglas County has some highly-rated public school districts, such as Westside Community Schools and Millard Public Schools, which offer strong academic programs and extensive extracurriculars at no direct tuition cost. The decision often hinges on: **Educational Approach:** Private schools typically offer smaller class sizes, specific religious or philosophical instruction, and a tailored college-prep focus. **Consistency:** Private schools provide a consistent educational model from K-12, whereas public school assignments are based on your specific neighborhood within the county. **Cost vs. Investment:** Public schools are funded by taxes, while private tuition is a direct financial commitment. **Specialized Needs:** If seeking a single-gender environment, a particular faith-based education, or a very specific pedagogical approach (like Montessori), private schools in Douglas offer those focused options. Visiting both types of schools is the best way to gauge the right fit for your child.
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