The Best Private Schools in Lexington, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lexington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Kearney Catholic High School
Catholic Schools of Kearney
Located approximately 30 miles from Lexington, Kearney Catholic High School is a highly-regarded college preparatory school serving students throughout central Nebraska. The school offers a rigorous academic program with multiple Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM facilities, and competitive athletic programs. With a strong track record of academic achievement and college placements, the school features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The faith-based community emphasizes service learning and character development alongside academic excellence.
Programs:
Lexington Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Lexington Christian Academy is a comprehensive K-12 private Christian school offering a rigorous college preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical worldview education. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a strong emphasis on character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and offers extensive extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, music, drama, and community service opportunities.
Programs:
St. James Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Grand Island
St. James Catholic School provides faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade, serving the Lexington community for over six decades. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum rooted in Catholic traditions while emphasizing academic excellence in core subjects. Features include dedicated chapel space, updated technology integration, music and art programs, and strong parent involvement. The school maintains small student-teacher ratios and focuses on developing the whole child through spiritual, academic, and social formation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lexington, Nebraska
What are the main private school options available for families in Lexington, Nebraska, and what grade levels do they serve?
Lexington, Nebraska, offers a few key private school options, primarily faith-based institutions. **Lexington Christian Academy** is a Protestant K-12 school providing a continuous education from elementary through high school. **St. James Catholic School** serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th, after which many students transition to a Catholic high school elsewhere. For high school, many Lexington families consider **Kearney Catholic High School** in nearby Kearney (about a 30-minute drive), which serves grades 9-12. The private school landscape in Lexington is characterized by small, community-focused environments with strong religious foundations.
How does tuition for private schools in Lexington, NE, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Nebraska?
Tuition in Lexington varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. James Catholic School typically has lower tuition rates for its Pre-K-8 program, often with discounted rates for parish members. Lexington Christian Academy's K-12 tuition is generally higher, reflecting its broader grade range and facilities. Kearney Catholic High School's tuition is comparable to other regional private high schools. Importantly, Nebraska offers the **Opportunity Scholarships Act**, a tax-credit scholarship program that provides financial assistance to eligible families choosing private schools. All these schools also offer their own need-based financial aid, payment plans, and often multi-child discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Lexington area offer that differentiate them from public schools?
Private schools in the Lexington area leverage their small size and specific missions to offer distinctive programs. **Lexington Christian Academy** often emphasizes a college-prep curriculum integrated with biblical worldview teaching across all subjects and may offer unique agricultural or fine arts opportunities reflective of Central Nebraska. **St. James Catholic School** provides strong sacramental preparation and character education within its core curriculum. **Kearney Catholic High School**, while not in Lexington, is a common destination and offers a wider array of competitive athletics, advanced placement courses, and faith-based leadership programs that a smaller district might not provide. All prioritize low student-to-teacher ratios and personalized attention.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Lexington, Nebraska?
The process typically begins in the winter or early spring prior to the desired school year. For **St. James Catholic School** and **Lexington Christian Academy**, interested families should contact the school office for a tour and application packet. Priority is often given to re-enrolling students, siblings of current students, and active church members (for parish schools). Applications for **Kearney Catholic High School** usually open in the fall for the following academic year, with placement tests scheduled for incoming freshmen. It's crucial to apply early, as spaces, especially in lower grades, can be limited due to small class sizes. All schools require submission of records, an application fee, and often a family interview.
For a family in Lexington, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
Key considerations include educational philosophy, cost, and community fit. Lexington Public Schools offer a diverse, comprehensive K-12 system with no tuition and a wide range of extracurriculars, including strong athletic programs. Private options like LCA or St. James offer a specific religious and values-based education in smaller classroom settings. Families must weigh the commitment of tuition and potential commuting to Kearney for high school against the desire for a faith-integrated curriculum. Additionally, the social environment in a small private school can be very tight-knit. Many Lexington families value the private schools' ability to provide consistent, personalized teacher relationships from kindergarten through graduation, which can be a decisive factor.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top Prep Schools Near Lexington, NE: A Parent's Guide to Excellence
When you find yourself searching for "prep schools near me" from Lexington, Nebraska, you're embarking on a significant journey for your family. The term "prep school" often conjures images of distant, ivy-covered campuses, but here in central Nebraska, the concept is beautifully grounded in community, values, and a deeply personalized approach to preparing students for their futures. For Lexington parents, this search is less about finding a distant boarding school and more about discovering the right local environment that fosters academic rigor, character development, and a supportive pathway to college and beyond.
In Lexington and the surrounding region, your primary options include institutions like Lexington Christian Academy and St. James Catholic School, which serve younger grades with strong foundational programs. For a comprehensive high school experience that fits the traditional "college-prep" model, many Lexington families look to Kearney Catholic High School, a short commute away. Each of these schools offers a distinct educational philosophy, but they all share a commitment to small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a structured environment that emphasizes future readiness. This is the heart of what a preparatory education can offer here: a tailored, attentive approach that is often challenging to replicate in larger settings.
Your local search for "prep schools near me" requires considering what preparation truly means for your child. In a community like Lexington, with its strong agricultural roots and growing diversity, preparation extends beyond academics. It includes developing resilience, ethical leadership, and the practical skills to contribute meaningfully, whether that's at a university, a technical college, or back in the local community. When visiting schools, ask specific questions about their college counseling support, the variety of advanced or dual-credit courses offered, and how they integrate real-world learning. Kearney Catholic, for instance, has a strong track record of graduates attending Nebraska universities and beyond, supported by a guidance program that starts early.
The logistical aspects are crucial for Nebraska families. The concept of "near me" takes on practical importance with our rural landscape. Consider the daily commute to a school like Kearney Catholic, the involvement in after-school activities when you live a town over, and how the school community embraces families from Lexington. Building connections with other parents from your area can provide invaluable carpool solutions and insights. Furthermore, investigate the financial investment. Private education is a significant commitment, so explore all available options, including parish subsidies for Catholic schools at St. James or Kearney Catholic, and potential scholarship opportunities at Lexington Christian Academy.
Ultimately, your search for preparatory schools near Lexington is about finding a partnership. It's about aligning your family's values with a school's mission to nurture not just a successful student, but a well-rounded individual. Take the time to schedule visits, have your child spend a shadow day, and talk to current parents. The right fit will feel like an extension of your family—a place where your child is known, challenged, and inspired to build a strong foundation for whatever future they choose. The excellent options within reach make this a hopeful and promising search right here in central Nebraska.