The Best Private Schools in Lebanon, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lebanon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John's Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Lincoln
St. John's Catholic School provides exceptional faith-based education serving families in the Lebanon area and surrounding communities. With over 65 years of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum that balances strong academics with Catholic values. The school features small class sizes with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and modern facilities including technology-integrated classrooms. Students benefit from robust STEM programs, competitive athletics, music and arts education, and community service opportunities. The school maintains high parent satisfaction with its family-oriented environment and consistently produces graduates well-prepared for high school and beyond.
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Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School
Catholic Diocese of Salina
Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School is a highly-regarded Catholic institution serving students from Lebanon and the broader region. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, dual credit opportunities, and comprehensive STEM education. With a 10:1 student-teacher ratio, students receive personalized attention and academic support. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, modern athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. Extracurricular offerings include championship athletic teams, competitive academic clubs, performing arts programs, and extensive community service initiatives. The school is known for its strong moral foundation and exceptional college acceptance rates.
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Smith Center Christian School
Independent Christian School
Smith Center Christian School provides outstanding Christian education serving families in Lebanon and surrounding communities. Established in 1979, the school offers a comprehensive K-12 program with strong academic foundations rooted in biblical principles. The curriculum includes college preparatory courses, agricultural science programs, business education, and technology integration. The school features modern classrooms, science laboratories, computer labs, and athletic facilities. Students participate in competitive sports, music programs, academic competitions, and mission trips. With dedicated teachers and a supportive community environment, the school maintains high academic standards and strong character development, preparing students for success in college and life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lebanon, Nebraska
What are the private school options available specifically in Lebanon, Nebraska, and what grade levels do they serve?
Lebanon, Nebraska, is served by a small number of faith-based private schools. The primary options are St. John's Catholic School, which typically serves grades PK-6, and Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School, serving grades 7-12. Just outside Lebanon in Smith Center, Kansas (serving some Nebraska families), you'll find Smith Center Christian School (K-12). Given the rural setting, these schools provide essential private education alternatives to the local public district. It's important to note that options are limited, and some families may consider schools in larger nearby towns like Red Cloud or Belleville.
How does tuition at Lebanon-area private schools compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options for Nebraska residents?
Tuition at Lebanon's private schools is generally below the Nebraska state average for private education due to the lower cost of living in a rural community. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition at St. John's Catholic School is approximately $2,500-$3,500 per student, while Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School is around $4,000-$5,000. Both schools offer parish subsidies for active members, multi-child discounts, and need-based financial aid. Nebraska residents may also be eligible for the Opportunity Scholarships Act, a tax-credit scholarship program that provides financial assistance to families choosing private schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Lebanon, Nebraska, offer that leverage the local community?
Private schools in Lebanon emphasize strong core academics with a values-based education, but their uniqueness lies in their community integration and specialized programs. Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School offers a strong agricultural science program, reflecting the region's farming heritage, and cooperative sports programs with local public schools. St. John's Catholic School incorporates local history and service projects within Lebanon. Due to their size, these schools offer highly personalized attention, with low student-to-teacher ratios often under 10:1, which is a significant advantage in this rural setting.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Lebanon, NE, and are there considerations for transferring mid-year?
The enrollment process for Lebanon's private schools usually begins with an open house or private tour in January or February, with priority registration for existing families and parish members in March. General enrollment opens in April for the following fall. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, and often a pastoral reference for parishioners. Due to the small, stable population, spaces can be limited, especially in specific grade levels. Mid-year transfers are generally accepted if space is available, and the process is streamlined for families moving into the Lebanon area, with schools being accommodating given the rural community's needs.
For a family in Lebanon, what are the key factors when deciding between the local public school and a private school like St. John's or Sacred Heart?
The decision in Lebanon often centers on educational philosophy, class size, and religious affiliation. The local public school, Lebanon Public Schools, offers a comprehensive K-12 education with potentially broader extracurricular offerings. In contrast, private schools like St. John's and Sacred Heart provide a faith-based environment (Catholic), consistently smaller class sizes for individualized attention, and a continuous curriculum from elementary through high school. A practical consideration is transportation, as private schools do not provide district busing. Many families value the close-knit, disciplined community of the private schools, which aligns with the values of this small Nebraska town.
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