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.