The Best Private Schools in Edison, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Edison. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Kearney Catholic High School
Catholic Schools of Kearney
Kearney Catholic High School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving central Nebraska, including the Edison area. Established in 1962, the school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on academic excellence, spiritual formation, and character development. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a wide range of extracurricular activities including competitive athletics, fine arts programs, and community service opportunities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and consistently produces graduates who excel at top universities.
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St. James Catholic School
Catholic Schools of Kearney
St. James Catholic School provides exceptional private education for students in preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout central Nebraska including the Edison community. Founded in 1954, the school offers a rigorous academic program grounded in Catholic values and traditions. The curriculum emphasizes core subjects while integrating technology, hands-on learning, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, library, and gymnasium. The school is known for its strong parent community, experienced teachers, and comprehensive extracurricular offerings including sports, music, and academic competitions that prepare students for success in high school and beyond.
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Hastings Catholic Schools
Diocese of Grand Island
Hastings Catholic Schools is a comprehensive private school system serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, drawing families from Edison and surrounding communities. With roots dating back to 1939, the institution has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and faith-based education. The school offers a challenging college-preparatory curriculum, advanced placement courses, and diverse extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, performing arts, and leadership development. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a supportive community environment that emphasizes service, integrity, and lifelong learning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Edison, Nebraska
What are the private school options for families residing in Edison, Nebraska?
Edison itself is a very small village, so there are no private schools physically located within its boundaries. However, families in Edison typically look to nearby communities for excellent private, faith-based education. The top options include Kearney Catholic High School (grades 9-12) in Kearney, approximately 30 miles west, and St. James Catholic School (grades PreK-8) in Kearney. To the south in Hastings, about 25 miles away, the Hastings Catholic Schools system offers a PreK-12 continuum at St. Michael’s Elementary and St. Cecilia High School. Enrollment from Edison into these schools is common, though it requires planning for transportation.
How does tuition at private schools near Edison, NE, typically work, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for the Catholic schools serving the Edison area is generally more affordable compared to urban private schools, reflecting Nebraska's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition at schools like Kearney Catholic or Hastings Catholic can range from approximately $3,500 to $6,500 per student, with discounts for multiple children and active parishioners of supporting Catholic churches. Significant financial aid is available through the schools themselves, the Diocese of Grand Island, and state-specific programs like the Nebraska Opportunity Grant. Many families also participate in parish-sponsored fundraising and scholarship tax credit programs like the Nebraska Tax Credit for School Tuition Organizations.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Edison, Nebraska, offer that distinguish them?
Given their smaller community settings, private schools near Edison emphasize strong college preparatory academics combined with character formation and tight-knit community involvement. Kearney Catholic High School is known for its robust STEM initiatives and competitive athletics in the Centennial Conference. Hastings Catholic Schools offer unique programs like agricultural science, fitting the region's economy, and a strong fine arts department. A defining feature of all these schools is the integration of faith and service, with students regularly participating in local and regional service projects that connect them to the broader Central Nebraska community.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for securing a spot at a private school like Kearney Catholic or St. James for an Edison resident?
The enrollment process for these schools typically begins in January or February for the following academic year. For Edison families, the first step is to contact the admissions office of the chosen school (e.g., Kearney Catholic or St. James) to express interest and schedule a visit. The formal application process involves submitting an application, academic records from the current school, and often a pastoral reference for Catholic families. Priority is frequently given to siblings of current students and active parishioners. It's crucial to apply by the spring priority deadline, as some grades, particularly kindergarten and freshman year, can fill quickly despite the rural setting.
For an Edison family, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district (likely Kenesaw Public Schools or Heartland Community Schools) to the private Catholic schools in Kearney or Hastings?
The primary considerations are educational philosophy, community, and logistics. The public school districts (like Kenesaw) provide a good education with no tuition and are geographically closer. The private Catholic schools offer a specific faith-based environment, typically smaller class sizes, and a consistent PreK-12 curriculum focused on college prep. For Edison families, the decision heavily involves a commitment to the daily commute (25-30 minutes each way) to Kearney or Hastings and the associated costs of tuition and fuel. Many families choose the private option for the structured environment and shared values, viewing the drive as an investment in their child's holistic development.
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