The Best Private Schools in Mills, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Mills. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Creighton Preparatory School
Jesuit Schools Network
Creighton Prep is a highly-regarded Jesuit college preparatory school serving the greater Omaha area, including Mills. With a 100% college acceptance rate and rigorous academic programs, the school offers comprehensive Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular activities. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Known for developing "Men for Others," the school emphasizes character formation alongside academic excellence.
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Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart
Network of Sacred Heart Schools
Duchesne Academy is a premier Catholic independent school for young women serving the Omaha metropolitan area. The school follows the Sacred Heart educational tradition with five core goals focused on faith, intellectual values, social awareness, community, and personal growth. Students benefit from small class sizes, extensive AP course offerings, and outstanding college placement. The campus features modern academic facilities, science and technology labs, and comprehensive arts programs.
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St. Margaret Mary School
Archdiocese of Omaha
St. Margaret Mary School provides exceptional Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout the Omaha area including Mills. The school offers a strong academic foundation with integrated technology, comprehensive STEM programs, and faith-based character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, gymnasium, and dedicated art and music spaces. The school is known for its strong community involvement and excellent preparation for high school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Mills, Nebraska
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Mills, Nebraska?
While Mills itself is a small village, families typically look to the greater Omaha area for private school options. The most prominent and accessible schools from Mills include Creighton Preparatory School (all-boys, Jesuit, grades 9-12), Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart (all-girls, Catholic, grades PK-12), and St. Margaret Mary School (co-ed, Catholic, grades PK-8). These schools are located in Omaha, a short commute from Mills, and represent the core of private, faith-based education serving the area. Transportation considerations are important, as Mills does not have its own private schools.
How does Nebraska's tax policy, like the Opportunity Scholarships Act, affect private school tuition for Mills residents?
Nebraska's Opportunity Scholarships Act provides significant financial relief for families choosing private schools. This law allows individuals and businesses to donate to nonprofit scholarship-granting organizations and receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit. These organizations then provide need-based scholarships to eligible students, including those at schools like Creighton Prep, Duchesne, and St. Margaret Mary. For Mills families, this means applying for these scholarships can substantially reduce the out-of-pocket cost of tuition, making these Omaha-based private schools more accessible.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Mills, NE, offer that differentiate them?
The private schools serving the Mills area offer distinct programs. Creighton Preparatory School is renowned for its rigorous Jesuit college-prep curriculum, extensive robotics and engineering programs, and strong tradition in athletics and debate. Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart provides a globally-focused education through the Sacred Heart Network, with advanced STEM initiatives and a renowned visual and performing arts program. St. Margaret Mary School offers a strong foundational education with dedicated specialty classes in Spanish, art, music, and technology starting in younger grades. Their proximity to Omaha also allows for partnerships with local universities and cultural institutions.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for the top private schools accessible from Mills, Nebraska?
The enrollment process for Omaha-area private schools is competitive and requires early planning. For schools like Creighton Prep and Duchesne, the process for high school often begins in the fall of a student's 7th or 8th grade year with open houses and shadow visits. Application deadlines are typically in early winter (January/February), with placement tests and interviews occurring shortly after. St. Margaret Mary and other elementary/middle schools may have rolling admissions but prioritize parish members and siblings. Mills families are advised to contact admissions offices 12-18 months prior to desired enrollment, especially for higher grades, as spaces are limited.
For a family in Mills, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district (Douglas County West or similar) to private schools in Omaha?
The key considerations involve community, commute, curriculum, and cost. The local public schools offer a neighborhood-centric, no-tuition model with a focus on Nebraska state standards. In contrast, private schools like Creighton Prep or Duchesne offer a specific value-based education (Jesuit or Sacred Heart), often with smaller class sizes, a wider array of Advanced Placement courses, and distinct religious formation. The commute to Omaha (15-25 minutes) is a daily factor for private school. Financially, while public school is tax-funded, private tuition can be offset by Nebraska's scholarship tax credit program. The decision often hinges on whether a family seeks a particular faith-based environment and is willing to manage the logistics and cost for a specialized program.
Private Education Insights
Understanding K-12 Private Academy Costs in Mills, Nebraska: A Parent's Guide
For parents in Mills, Nebraska, considering the educational journey for their children, understanding k12 private academy cost is a fundamental and often daunting part of the decision-making process. It’s more than just a tuition figure; it’s an investment in a specific kind of community, values, and academic future. Here in the Omaha metro area, which includes our community of Mills, families have access to several esteemed private institutions, each with its own financial structure and philosophy. Navigating this landscape requires a local lens, as costs and considerations here differ from those in larger coastal cities.
When we talk about k12 private academy cost in our area, it’s essential to look at the range. Local options like Creighton Preparatory School, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, and St. Margaret Mary School represent different models. Creighton Prep and Duchesne, as independent college-preparatory schools, typically have tuition that reflects a comprehensive program including advanced academics, extensive extracurriculars, and campus facilities. St. Margaret Mary, as a parish school, often has a different fee structure, sometimes with lower base tuition for parish members, highlighting how religious affiliation can directly impact cost. Current annual tuition for these schools can range significantly, often falling between $8,000 and $15,000 for the upper grades, with elementary levels sometimes being less. It is crucial to contact each school directly for the most accurate and current figures.
However, the listed tuition is rarely the full story of k12 private academy cost. Parents must budget for additional fees that can include registration, technology, books, lab fees, and activity charges for sports or arts. Transportation is another key factor; unlike some districts, private schools in the Mills/Omaha area may not provide busing, adding potential fuel and time costs to your family’s logistics. Uniforms, though potentially simplifying wardrobe choices, are an upfront annual expense to consider. Many families are pleasantly surprised to learn that a significant portion of the k12 private academy cost is often offset by financial aid and scholarships. Schools like Creighton Prep and Duchesne have robust need-based financial aid programs funded through endowments and annual giving. It is always worth applying, as family income thresholds can be higher than many assume. Additionally, Nebraska offers the Opportunity Scholarships Act, a tax-credit scholarship program that can provide financial assistance to eligible families choosing private schools, a vital local resource to investigate.
Ultimately, evaluating k12 private academy cost in Mills is about measuring value against investment. It’s about small class sizes where teachers know your child’s name, a consistent values-based environment, and a clear pathway to college preparation. We encourage you to look beyond the sticker price. Schedule tours at these schools, ask detailed questions about what tuition includes, and have open conversations with the admissions and financial aid officers. They are there to help make their school accessible. The investment is substantial, but for many families in our community, the return—seen in their child’s growth, readiness, and sense of belonging—is immeasurable. Your research today is the first step in unlocking that potential for your student.
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