The Best Private Schools in Elkhorn, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Elkhorn. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Mount Michael Benedictine School
Mount Michael Benedictine
Mount Michael Benedictine School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school for boys in grades 9-12, offering both day and boarding options. The school features a rigorous academic program with 21 Advanced Placement courses and a dedicated STEM Academy. Students benefit from small class sizes with a 9:1 student-teacher ratio and consistently achieve exceptional ACT scores averaging 28.5. The 160-acre campus includes modern science labs, technology centers, athletic facilities, and boarding accommodations. The school emphasizes character development through Benedictine values and offers extensive extracurricular activities including competitive athletics, robotics, and fine arts programs.
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Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School
Independent
Brownell Talbot is Nebraska's oldest independent college preparatory school, serving students from preschool through grade 12. Located just 15 minutes from Elkhorn in Omaha, the school offers both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement courses. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, global awareness, and interdisciplinary learning. The campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts centers, athletic facilities, and technology-integrated classrooms. With small class sizes and a diverse student body, Brownell Talbot provides personalized attention and consistently sends graduates to top-tier universities nationwide. The school offers comprehensive athletics, arts, and community service programs.
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Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart
Network of Sacred Heart Schools
Duchesne Academy is an all-girls Catholic independent school serving students from preschool through grade 12, located approximately 20 minutes from Elkhorn. As part of the international Network of Sacred Heart Schools, Duchesne offers a comprehensive college preparatory education grounded in five educational goals: faith, intellect, social awareness, community, and personal growth. The school features advanced STEM facilities, dedicated arts spaces, and modern athletic complexes. Duchesne students consistently achieve top academic results with 100% college acceptance and significant merit scholarship awards. The school emphasizes leadership development, community service, and global perspective through exchange programs and international partnerships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Elkhorn, Nebraska
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Elkhorn, Nebraska, and are there any located directly within the city?
While Elkhorn itself is primarily served by the highly-regarded Elkhorn Public Schools district, most of the top-tier private schools are located in nearby Omaha, with many Elkhorn families commuting. The most prominent options include Mount Michael Benedictine School (an all-boys, Benedictine college-prep school in Elkhorn's vicinity), Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School (a Pre-K through 12 independent school in Omaha), and Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart (an all-girls, Catholic school in Omaha). There are very few, if any, traditional private K-12 schools physically located within Elkhorn's city limits, making the Omaha metro area the primary source for private education.
How does tuition for private schools in the Omaha/Elkhorn area compare, and are there Nebraska-specific financial aid or scholarship programs?
Tuition in the Omaha metro area varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Mount Michael Benedictine is approximately $16,500, Brownell Talbot ranges from ~$18,000 to $22,000, and Duchesne Academy is around $13,000. Nebraska offers the **Opportunity Scholarships Act**, a tax-credit scholarship program that provides financial assistance to eligible families choosing private schools. Additionally, many schools have their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarship programs. It's crucial to apply for aid directly through the school and investigate the state scholarship, as deadlines are often early in the calendar year.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Elkhorn students that differ from the public school offerings?
The private schools near Elkhorn offer distinct specializations. **Mount Michael Benedictine** is renowned for its rigorous STEM curriculum, robotics, and a unique residential option for boys in grades 9-12. **Brownell Talbot** offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, a rare offering in Nebraska, alongside a comprehensive arts and athletics program. **Duchesne Academy** provides a Sacred Heart network education focused on leadership, faith, and intellectual values, with strong college counseling. These schools often have smaller class sizes and different educational philosophies (e.g., single-gender, religious, IB) not typically found in the Elkhorn Public Schools system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Omaha area that Elkhorn families should be aware of?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For schools like Brownell Talbot and Duchesne, the application cycle for the following academic year typically opens in August or September, with priority deadlines between December and February. The process usually includes a completed application, student assessments/interviews, teacher recommendations, and a campus visit. For Mount Michael, which includes boarding, the timeline is similar but includes additional steps for residential applicants. Elkhorn families must plan at least a year in advance, as waiting lists are common for certain grades. Open houses are typically held in the fall.
For families considering the excellent Elkhorn Public Schools, what are the key factors in deciding between the public district and a private school in the Omaha metro?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, specific student needs, and logistics. **Elkhorn Public Schools (EPS)** is a top-rated, tuition-free district known for strong academics, extensive extracurriculars, and modern facilities. Choosing a private school often involves seeking a specific environment: a religious foundation (Catholic/Benedictine), single-gender education, a particular pedagogical approach like IB, or a more intimate classroom setting. The trade-offs include cost, daily commute to Omaha, and potentially leaving a well-regarded local peer network. The decision is personal, but the high quality of EPS means many families choose private options for mission-fit rather than due to any deficiency in the public system.
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