The Best Private Schools in Howells, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Howells. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Skutt Catholic High School
Archdiocese of Omaha
Skutt Catholic High School is a highly rated private Catholic school serving students from Howells and the broader region. It offers a rigorous academic curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including athletics, fine arts, and community service. The school is known for its dedicated faculty, modern facilities, and high parent satisfaction, with a strong focus on college readiness and character development.
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Scotus Central Catholic High School
Diocese of Lincoln
Scotus Central Catholic High School is a respected private institution offering a challenging academic environment with a focus on college preparation and Catholic values. It serves students from Howells and the regional community, providing advanced coursework, vibrant fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school is praised for its experienced teachers, safe and engaging campus, and high levels of parent and student satisfaction, ensuring a well-rounded education.
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Bergan Catholic School
Archdiocese of Omaha
Bergan Catholic School provides a comprehensive faith-based education from elementary through high school, serving families in Howells and surrounding areas. It emphasizes academic excellence with small class sizes, individualized attention, and a strong foundation in religious studies. The school features well-maintained facilities, a variety of extracurricular programs including sports and clubs, and a supportive community that fosters student growth and parent involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Howells, Nebraska
What are the private school options directly in Howells, Nebraska, and what are the nearest Catholic high schools that Howell's families commonly consider?
There are no private K-12 schools physically located within the village of Howells itself. For private education, families in Howells typically look to nearby communities, particularly for secondary education. The most prominent options are Catholic high schools in the broader eastern Nebraska region. These include Scotus Central Catholic High School in Columbus (about 25 miles away), Bergan Catholic School in Fremont (approximately 50 miles away), and Skutt Catholic High School in Omaha (roughly 80 miles away). For younger grades, some families may utilize smaller parochial schools in closer towns like Clarkson or Leigh. Transportation is a key consideration, with many families forming carpools.
How does tuition for private high schools like Scotus or Skutt compare for families residing in Howells, and are there any Nebraska-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the regional Catholic high schools varies. For the 2024-2025 school year, Scotus Central Catholic tuition is approximately $5,000-$6,000, while Skutt Catholic in Omaha is closer to $11,000-$12,000, not including additional costs for transportation from Howells. Critically for Nebraska residents, the state offers the **Opportunity Scholarships Act**, which provides tax credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations. This can increase the availability of need-based financial aid for families choosing private schools. Additionally, all the mentioned schools have their own parish subsidy programs, tuition assistance, and payment plans. Active participation in a supporting Catholic parish often significantly reduces the tuition rate.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs might attract a Howells student to a school like Scotus Central Catholic versus Bergan Catholic?
While both offer strong college-prep curricula rooted in Catholic values, their programs have distinct draws for Howell's students. **Scotus Central Catholic**, being closer, often has more students from the immediate agricultural community and may offer stronger FFA (Future Farmers of America) and agriscience programs integrated with its curriculum. **Bergan Catholic** in Fremont has invested heavily in STEM initiatives and a 1:1 technology program. **Skutt Catholic**, as a larger Omaha-area school, offers the widest array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, specialized fine arts programs, and competitive athletic conferences. For a student in Howells, the choice may hinge on whether proximity and agricultural ties (Scotus) or specific program breadth (Bergan or Skutt) are the higher priority, balanced with commute time.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a student from Howells applying to a private high school like Scotus or Skutt?
The enrollment process begins early, often in the fall prior to the desired school year (e.g., September-October for the following August). For Howell's families, the first step is usually a shadow day, where the 8th-grade student spends a day at the high school. Applications are typically due by January or February. Key requirements include transcripts from the current school (Howells Public School or a feeder parochial school), pastor/priest recommendations for Catholic schools, and often an entrance exam or placement test. Given the distance, schools are accustomed to working with rural families, and interviews can sometimes be conducted via video call. It's crucial to contact the admissions office directly, as some schools have priority deadlines for students from supporting parishes or feeder schools.
For a family in Howells, what are the primary considerations when comparing the local public school with a private Catholic school option a significant distance away?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. **Howells Public School** offers the convenience of no commute, a tight-knit community where students can participate in all activities without travel constraints, and no tuition. The **private Catholic school** option involves a daily commute of 30 minutes to over an hour each way, tuition costs, and potentially less time for after-school farm or family responsibilities. However, it offers a specific religious education, often smaller class sizes, and different extracurricular opportunities (e.g., different sports conferences, theology classes). For many Howell's families, the choice is deeply connected to faith and long-term community ties—many opt for private school to continue education within the network of their parish and extended family traditions, despite the logistical and financial investment.
Private Education Insights
How Much Does Private K-12 School Cost in Howells, NE? A Parent's Guide
For families in Howells, Nebraska, considering a private education for their children, understanding the full scope of k12 private academy cost is a crucial first step. It's a significant investment, but one that many local families find delivers exceptional value through personalized attention, strong community values, and rigorous academic preparation. While Howells itself is a tight-knit community, parents here often look to nearby institutions with long-standing reputations, such as Skutt Catholic High School in Omaha, Bergan Catholic School in Fremont, and Scotus Central Catholic High School in Columbus. The financial commitment to these schools requires careful planning, but it's important to view it not just as a tuition bill, but as an investment in your child's entire formative journey.
The advertised tuition is the most visible part of the k12 private academy cost, but it's rarely the whole picture. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at these area schools can range significantly, often falling between $5,000 and $10,000 annually for parishioners, with higher rates for non-Catholic families. However, this base figure is just the beginning. Families must budget for additional, sometimes overlooked expenses. These include registration and technology fees, which can add several hundred dollars. Textbook rentals, lab fees for science courses, and costs for extracurricular activities, from sports uniforms to band instruments, are also standard. For families in Howells, transportation is a key logistical and financial factor, as daily commutes to Fremont, Columbus, or Omaha mean factoring in fuel, vehicle maintenance, and time.
Thankfully, Nebraska offers supportive structures to help manage the k12 private academy cost. The state’s Tax Credit Scholarship Program is a vital resource. Donations to nonprofit scholarship granting organizations provide funds for eligible students, and donors receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. For many working families in Howells and the surrounding agricultural community, this can make private education dramatically more accessible. Additionally, each of the mentioned schools has robust financial aid and tuition assistance programs funded by parish subsidies, endowments, and fundraising. It is imperative to apply for aid early and communicate openly with the school's financial office. Many also offer multi-child discounts, which can provide substantial relief for larger families.
Ultimately, when evaluating the k12 private academy cost from your perspective in Howells, consider the intangible returns. These schools foster a close partnership between parents, teachers, and the community, extending the supportive environment you value at home. The academic rigor prepares students for college and beyond, while faith-based education reinforces the values central to many families here. The decision involves balancing your family’s budget with your educational priorities. We encourage you to reach out directly to the admissions offices at Bergan, Scotus, and Skutt. Schedule a visit, ask detailed questions about the full cost structure, and explore all available financial aid options. The investment is substantial, but for generations of Nebraska families, the lifelong benefits of character, community, and academic excellence have proven to be worth the careful planning.