The Best Private Schools in Ellsworth, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ellsworth. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Scottsbluff Catholic Schools
Diocese of Grand Island
Scottsbluff Catholic Schools serves students from preschool through 12th grade across the Panhandle region, including Ellsworth area families. The school offers a comprehensive Catholic education with strong college preparatory curriculum, advanced placement courses, and robust STEM programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and technology-integrated learning spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with many graduates attending competitive colleges and universities.
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St. Mary's Catholic School
Diocese of Cheyenne
Located in Cheyenne, Wyoming, St. Mary's Catholic School serves families throughout the region, including those from the Nebraska Panhandle area like Ellsworth. The school provides comprehensive Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong foundation in faith formation and academic excellence. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, literacy programs, science enrichment, and technology integration. The school features modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, library resources, and extracurricular activities including music, arts, and athletics programs.
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Gering High School (Private Division)
Gering School District Alternative Programs
While primarily a public school district, Gering Schools offers specialized private alternative education programs that serve students throughout the Panhandle region, including Ellsworth. The program features personalized learning plans, career and technical education pathways, and flexible scheduling options. The school focuses on providing individualized attention and support services, with strong partnerships with Western Nebraska Community College for dual credit opportunities. Facilities include updated career labs and technology resources.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ellsworth, Nebraska
What are the actual private school options for families living in Ellsworth, Nebraska, given that the top schools listed are in Scottsbluff and Gering?
For families residing in Ellsworth, Nebraska, dedicated private school options within the city limits are extremely limited. The primary private education institutions serving the broader region are located in nearby Scottsbluff and Gering, approximately 30-40 miles away. These include Scottsbluff Catholic Schools (St. Agnes Elementary and Scottsbluff Catholic High) and St. Mary's Catholic School in Gering. Gering High School does not have a private division; this is likely a reference to a specific program. Therefore, Ellsworth parents must consider commuting or relocation as key factors. Some families may also explore smaller, faith-based preschools or homeschool cooperatives within the local community as alternatives.
How does tuition at Panhandle-area Catholic schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available for Nebraska residents?
Tuition for K-8 at schools like St. Mary's in Gering or St. Agnes in Scottsbluff typically ranges from $2,500 to $4,500 per year per student, with lower rates for parish members. High school tuition at Scottsbluff Catholic High can be $6,000-$8,000. These figures are generally below the Nebraska private school average, partly due to the region's lower cost of living. Financial aid is primarily offered through individual school scholarship funds and the statewide **Nebraska Opportunity Grant (NOG)** for eligible families. Crucially, Nebraska also has the **Opportunity Scholarships Act**, which provides tax credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, increasing need-based aid availability for Ellsworth-area families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Scottsbluff/Gering area offer that might benefit a student from Ellsworth?
The regional private schools offer programs that leverage both their faith-based identity and the local environment. Scottsbluff Catholic High School provides a college-prep curriculum with dual-credit courses through partnerships with Western Nebraska Community College. Given the agricultural prominence of the Panhandle, science programs often have strong ties to local agri-business. Extracurricularly, these schools compete in the NSAA (Nebraska School Activities Association) against both public and private schools, offering sports like football, volleyball, and track. A unique aspect is the close-knit community and leadership opportunities within a smaller student body, which can be a significant draw for families from smaller towns like Ellsworth seeking a structured environment.
What is the enrollment timeline and process for Catholic schools in the Scottsbluff/Gering area, and how early should an Ellsworth family apply?
Enrollment for the following academic year typically opens in January or February for existing families and parishioners, with open enrollment for new families (including those from Ellsworth) beginning in March. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, baptismal certificate (if applicable), and often a family interview. Due to limited space, especially in specific grade levels, it is highly advised for Ellsworth families to initiate contact with the admissions office by December. A key consideration is transportation, as these schools do not provide bus service from Ellsworth. Families must plan for daily commuting, which influences enrollment decisions and may lead some to consider boarding options at private schools further afield in Nebraska.
For an Ellsworth family, what are the main practical and philosophical considerations when choosing between the local public school and commuting to a private school in Scottsbluff?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Practically, the 60-80 mile daily round-trip commute to Scottsbluff/Gering adds significant time and cost. The local Ellsworth Public Schools offer proximity, no tuition, and deep community integration. Philosophically, the choice centers on educational approach. The private Catholic schools offer a consistent faith-based education from K-12, which may be fragmented in the public system. Academically, class sizes are often smaller in the private schools. For high school, a family must weigh the benefits of a dedicated college-prep environment against the offerings and extracurriculars at Ellsworth High School. Many families in the Nebraska Panhandle choose based on whether they prioritize a religious foundation and are willing to make the logistical sacrifice.