The Best Private Schools in Franklin, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Franklin. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Cecilia Elementary & Middle School
Catholic Schools of Grand Island
St. Cecilia Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located approximately 30 miles from Franklin, this school offers a comprehensive Catholic education with strong academic foundations. The school features modern facilities, dedicated faculty with an average of 15+ years teaching experience, and a robust curriculum that includes STEM education, fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent academic preparation for high school. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, ensuring personalized attention for each student.
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Kearney Catholic Elementary School
Kearney Catholic Schools
Kearney Catholic Elementary School serves students in grades K-6 with a strong reputation for academic excellence and character development. Located about 40 miles from Franklin, this faith-based institution provides a comprehensive educational experience with emphasis on core academic subjects, religious education, and extracurricular activities. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated science labs, and extensive athletic facilities. Parent reviews highlight the school's committed teachers, safe learning environment, and strong community involvement. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, music education, and competitive sports programs, preparing students exceptionally well for middle school and beyond.
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First Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
First Lutheran School offers quality Christian education for students from preschool through 8th grade. Serving families throughout the region including Franklin area (approximately 40 miles away), this accredited institution provides a balanced education combining strong academics with faith-based values. The school features technology-integrated classrooms, dedicated music and art facilities, and comprehensive physical education programs. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its caring faculty, strong academic standards, and inclusive community atmosphere. The curriculum emphasizes core subjects while incorporating hands-on learning experiences, music education, and character development programs that have earned the school its excellent regional reputation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Franklin, Nebraska
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Franklin, Nebraska?
For families in Franklin, Nebraska, the most accessible private schools are faith-based institutions in nearby communities, as Franklin itself has a very limited number of schools. The top options typically include **St. Cecilia Elementary & Middle School** in Hastings (approx. 30 miles away), **Kearney Catholic Elementary School** in Kearney (approx. 50 miles away), and **First Lutheran School** in Kearney. Many Franklin families consider these schools, which necessitates planning for transportation. There are also smaller parochial schools in other surrounding towns. It's important to directly contact these schools to confirm they are accepting students from outside their immediate district.
How does tuition at private schools near Franklin, NE, compare, and are there any Nebraska-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the private schools serving the Franklin area varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at schools like St. Cecilia or Kearney Catholic typically ranges from approximately $3,500 to $5,500 per year for parishioners, with higher rates for non-members. A key Nebraska-specific financial consideration is the **Opportunity Scholarships Act**, which provides tax credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, thereby increasing need-based financial aid available to families. Additionally, many schools offer parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and payment plans. It's crucial to inquire about total costs, including fees for technology, activities, and the required transportation from Franklin.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Franklin, Nebraska, region offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the region, such as Kearney Catholic and St. Cecilia, emphasize a faith-integrated curriculum alongside strong core academics. Unique offerings often include dedicated **religious education**, **Latin programs**, and a focus on classical education elements. Due to their smaller size, they often provide a low student-to-teacher ratio and a strong sense of community. Extracurriculars may be more limited than a large public school but are tightly integrated, with opportunities for students to participate in multiple sports and activities. Many also have robust **service-learning programs** tied to their religious mission, which is a distinctive feature for families in the Franklin area seeking character formation.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like First Lutheran or Kearney Catholic for a family from Franklin?
The enrollment process for schools serving Franklin families usually begins in **January or February** for the following fall. It is a multi-step process: First, attend an open house or schedule a tour (often requiring a drive to Kearney or Hastings). Second, submit an application by the priority deadline (often in early spring) along with a fee. Third, provide records from your current school. For faith-based schools, baptismal or parish membership records may be required. **Early application is strongly recommended**, especially for families outside the immediate city, as some grades have limited space. After acceptance, you'll complete registration forms and set up tuition payments. Contacting the admissions office by December is advisable.
For a family in Franklin, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school 30-50 miles away?
The decision hinges on several Franklin-specific logistics. The major consideration is **transportation**. Parents must commit to daily driving (potentially 60-100 miles round trip) or organizing a carpool. This impacts time, fuel costs, and involvement in after-school activities. Academically, you're choosing between the convenience and potentially broader offerings of the **Franklin Public School district** and the specialized, faith-based environment of a private school. Socially, your child's peer group will largely be from the school's city, not Franklin. Financially, you must weigh tuition and travel costs against your educational priorities. Many families find the community and values alignment worth the commute, but it requires significant family commitment.
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