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.
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