The Best Private Schools in Kennard, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kennard. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Francis Borgia Catholic School
Archdiocese of Omaha
St. Francis Borgia Catholic School is a highly-regarded private school located just 15 minutes from Kennard in Blair, Nebraska. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, this long-established institution offers a comprehensive Catholic education with strong academic foundations. The school features modern facilities, dedicated faculty, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes robust STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent teacher-student ratios that provide individualized attention.
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Blair Academy
Independent
Blair Academy is an esteemed independent private school serving the Kennard area from its location in nearby Blair. This college-preparatory institution offers rigorous academic programs for students in grades K-12, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and leadership development. The school features state-of-the-art technology integration across all grade levels, comprehensive advanced placement courses for high school students, and outstanding performing arts programs. With small class sizes and highly qualified faculty, Blair Academy maintains a reputation for academic excellence and student success in college admissions.
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Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart
Network of Sacred Heart Schools
While located in Omaha approximately 30 minutes from Kennard, Duchesne Academy serves families throughout eastern Nebraska and is considered one of the region's premier private schools. This all-girls Catholic school offers the International Baccalaureate program alongside its Sacred Heart curriculum, providing students with globally-recognized academic credentials. The school features exceptional college counseling services, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, fine arts, and community service opportunities. Duchesne's long history of educational excellence and strong alumnae network make it a top choice for families seeking rigorous college preparation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kennard, Nebraska
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Kennard, Nebraska, given that many top-rated schools are in neighboring towns?
As a resident of Kennard, your primary in-town private option is St. Francis Borgia Catholic School (Pre-K-8). For high school and additional choices, you will likely look at schools in nearby communities, which is common for rural Nebraska families. Top considerations include Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart (all-girls, K-12) in Omaha and Blair Academy (private Christian school) in Blair. Transportation is a key factor, as these commutes can be 30-45 minutes. Many families in Kennard form carpools. It's also worth exploring if any Omaha-based schools offer shuttle services from western Sarpy County or eastern Washington County.
How does tuition at private schools near Kennard, NE, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are uniquely available to Nebraska residents?
Tuition for schools accessible from Kennard varies widely. St. Francis Borgia, as a parish school, typically has lower tuition (often $4,000-$6,000/year), especially for registered parishioners. Duchesne Academy's tuition is significantly higher, aligning with Omaha-area independent schools (approximately $15,000+). Nebraska offers the **Opportunity Scholarships Act**, a tax-credit scholarship program that provides financial assistance to eligible families choosing private schools. Additionally, many Nebraska private schools participate in diocesan or institutional aid programs. It's crucial to inquire directly about aid and any multi-child discounts, as these can substantially affect net cost for families in Washington County.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the Kennard area offer that might not be available in local public schools?
Schools in this region often leverage their specific missions to offer unique programs. Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart provides a globally-focused, all-girls leadership curriculum with extensive international exchange opportunities. St. Francis Borgia Catholic School offers a strong faith-integrated curriculum and may have smaller, multi-grade classrooms that allow for personalized pacing. Blair Academy emphasizes a Christian worldview integrated across subjects. A key advantage for Kennard students is access to specialized programs (like advanced STEM, arts, or language immersion in Omaha schools) without needing to relocate, though participation requires managing the commute.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Francis Borgia that serve Kennard families, and are there important local deadlines?
For St. Francis Borgia Catholic School, the enrollment process often begins in January for the following academic year, with priority given to registered parishioners and siblings of current students. Given the small size of the school, applying early is critical. Schools like Duchesne Academy in Omaha have even earlier timelines, with application deadlines often in January or February for the next fall, requiring standardized testing (like the ISEE) and interviews. A key local consideration for Kennard parents is to plan for potential entrance exams in Omaha, which may require multiple trips during the winter months. Re-enrollment for current students is usually secured before open enrollment begins.
For a family in Kennard, what are the primary factors to consider when deciding between the local public school (Arlington Public Schools) and a private school option?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. **Transportation and Community:** The local public school provides busing and is the center of the community for extracurriculars and friendships. Choosing a private school often means a significant daily commute for parents, impacting family logistics. **Educational Approach:** Private options offer specific religious formation (Catholic or Christian) or pedagogical approaches not available in the public system. **Cost vs. Investment:** Weigh the tangible cost of private tuition and gas against the perceived value of a specialized education. **Class Size:** Arlington Public Schools are themselves relatively small, so the class size difference may be less dramatic than in urban areas, though private schools often have even lower student-to-teacher ratios. Many Kennard families value the continuity of a K-12 Catholic education, even if it means commuting for high school.
Private Education Insights
Find the Best Private Pre-K in Kennard, NE: Your Local Guide
As a parent in Kennard, Nebraska, the search for the right early education setting for your child is a journey filled with important questions. When you type "private pre k near me" into your search bar, you're looking for more than just proximity; you're seeking a foundational experience that aligns with your family's values and your child's unique needs. In our close-knit community, the decision often extends beyond the classroom walls, considering the culture, commute, and long-term educational pathway. Fortunately, the greater Kennard area offers several distinguished private pre-kindergarten options, each with its own character and approach to nurturing young learners.
While Kennard itself is a tranquil village, families here benefit from being within a reasonable drive of some exceptional private institutions. This proximity to larger communities like Blair and Omaha means your search for "private pre k near me" can yield programs with robust resources while maintaining a small-town feel. A prime local example is St. Francis Borgia Catholic School in Blair. For many Kennard families, this school represents a seamless blend of faith-based education and academic rigor starting in pre-kindergarten. The commute is manageable, and the community often carpool, turning travel time into social connection. The structured yet nurturing environment at St. Francis Borgia focuses on developing the whole child—spiritually, academically, and socially—providing a strong, values-oriented foundation.
Expanding your search slightly further opens doors to schools like Blair Academy, which offers a different pedagogical perspective. If you are seeking a pre-K program that emphasizes experiential, play-based learning within a private setting, this is a compelling option to visit. The drive from Kennard allows for a gentle transition between home and school, and the intimate class sizes ensure your child receives personalized attention. For families considering a long-term private education plan, understanding the continuum from pre-K onward is crucial. Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart in Omaha, while a longer commute, presents a prestigious, all-girls educational path from pre-kindergarten through high school. For parents in Kennard planning years ahead, this represents a singular, consistent environment focused on leadership and intellectual growth.
Your investigation into "private pre k near me" in Kennard should include practical local considerations. Visit these schools, not just virtually but in person. Feel the atmosphere, talk to the teachers, and observe the students. Ask about daily routines, their philosophy on early literacy and numeracy, and how they support social-emotional development. Inquire about transportation options or if other families from Kennard are enrolled, as creating a local network can be invaluable. Remember, the best private pre-K program is one where your child feels safe, curious, and joyful. It’s the place where the values taught at home are reinforced and where that first, formal love of learning is ignited. Taking the time to explore these local gems—from the faith-based foundation at St. Francis Borgia to the unique environments at Blair Academy and Duchesne—is an investment in your child’s brightest beginning.
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