The Best Private Schools in Gretna, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gretna. 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. Located just 15 minutes from Gretna, the school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes, advanced placement courses, and comprehensive college counseling. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a strong emphasis on character development and leadership, Brownell Talbot maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities in athletics, arts, and community service.
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Marian High School
Catholic
Marian High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school for young women located approximately 10 miles from Gretna. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with honors and AP courses, along with specialized programs in STEM, business, and fine arts. Marian's 30-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes leadership development, faith formation, and service learning, with graduates consistently attending top colleges and universities nationwide.
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Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart
Network of Sacred Heart Schools
Duchesne Academy is an independent Catholic school for young women from preschool through grade 12, located approximately 12 miles from Gretna. As part of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools, Duchesne offers a globally-connected education focused on academic excellence, faith, social justice, and personal growth. The school features a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with extensive AP offerings, advanced STEM programs, and outstanding arts education. The beautiful campus includes modern academic facilities, science and technology labs, athletic complexes, and historic buildings that create a supportive learning environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gretna, Nebraska
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Gretna, Nebraska, and are they located within the city limits?
While Gretna itself is a growing community, most of the top-tier private schools serving Gretna families are located in nearby Omaha. The most prominent include Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School (PreK-12, independent), Marian High School (9-12, all-girls, Catholic), and Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart (PreK-12, all-girls, Catholic). These schools are a manageable commute from Gretna via Highway 370 or I-80. Within Gretna proper, private options are primarily faith-based preschools and elementary schools, such as those affiliated with local churches. Many Gretna families choose the Omaha-based schools for their extensive college-prep programs and established reputations.
How does tuition for private schools in the Gretna, Nebraska area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Omaha metro area, which serves Gretna, varies significantly. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect a range from approximately $10,000 to over $25,000 annually for day schools. Marian High School and Duchesne Academy, as Catholic institutions, often have slightly lower base tuition than independent schools like Brownell Talbot, though all are substantial investments. Critically, all these schools offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. Nebraska also has a unique tax-advantaged program called the "Nebraska Educational Savings Trust - Tuition Certificate" program, which allows for pre-tax contributions to be used for K-12 private school tuition. Additionally, the state's "Opportunity Scholarships Act" provides tax credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, increasing need-based aid availability for Nebraska families.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs draw Gretna students to private schools in the Omaha metro area?
The leading private schools accessible from Gretna offer distinct specializations. Brownell Talbot is known for its rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and extensive STEM initiatives. Marian High School emphasizes leadership and women-in-STEM programs, with a strong focus on service learning aligned with its Catholic identity. Duchesne Academy offers the Sacred Heart Network's global curriculum, emphasizing intellectual curiosity, faith, and social responsibility. For extracurriculars, these schools provide competitive athletic conferences (like the River Cities Conference), extensive fine arts offerings, and unique clubs that are often more comprehensive than those in Gretna Public Schools due to focused funding and mission-driven programming.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Brownell Talbot, Marian, or Duchesne for a family moving to Gretna?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For these top schools, the admission cycle for the following academic year typically opens in August or September, with application deadlines between December and February. Key steps include: 1) Attending fall open houses or virtual tours. 2) Submitting an application with essays and recommendations by the deadline. 3) Completing a standardized entrance exam (like the ISEE or HSPT) in the winter. 4) Participating in a student interview and/or shadow day. Notifications are usually released in March. Given Gretna's rapid growth and the competitive nature of these schools, it is crucial to initiate the process at least a year in advance. Sibling and legacy applicants often receive priority consideration.
For a family considering Gretna Public Schools versus a private school in Omaha, what are the key local factors to weigh in the decision?
The decision hinges on several Gretna-specific factors. **Gretna Public Schools** are highly rated, relatively new, and expanding rapidly due to population growth. They offer the convenience of proximity, no tuition, and strong athletic programs. The primary trade-off for private school is the daily commute to Omaha (20-45 minutes). In return, private schools offer smaller class sizes, distinct religious or value-based education (if desired), and often more specialized academic tracks (like IB) that may not be available in the public district. For families seeking a specific educational philosophy or a close-knit community that extends beyond Gretna's boundaries, the private option is compelling. It's advisable to directly compare Gretna High School's offerings with the specific programs at a private school, as the public district's quality makes the decision more nuanced than in areas with underperforming public schools.
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