The Best Private Schools in Oakdale, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Oakdale. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Sacred Heart School
Archdiocese of Omaha
Sacred Heart School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Oakdale area from nearby Norfolk. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and dedicated teachers who provide individualized attention. Programs include advanced STEM curriculum, fine arts, competitive athletics, and community service opportunities. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high with praise for the nurturing environment and strong academic foundation.
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Scotus Central Catholic Jr/Sr High School
Diocese of Lincoln
Scotus Central Catholic is a premier Catholic high school serving students from Oakdale and surrounding communities. Located in Columbus, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses and dual credit opportunities. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, technology integration, extensive athletic facilities, and outstanding performing arts programs. With a strong tradition of academic excellence and character formation, Scotus graduates consistently achieve high college acceptance rates. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular activities.
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St. Mary's School
Diocese of Grand Island
St. Mary's School in O'Neill provides excellent Catholic education serving families from Oakdale and the broader northeast Nebraska region. The school offers preschool through 12th grade education with a focus on academic excellence rooted in Catholic values. Features include comprehensive technology integration, strong music and arts programs, competitive sports teams, and college preparatory curriculum. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and strong parent involvement. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for performing arts and athletics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Oakdale, Nebraska
What are the private school options available for families in Oakdale, Nebraska, and what grade levels do they serve?
In Oakdale and the immediate surrounding area of Antelope County, private school options are primarily faith-based institutions. The notable schools include Sacred Heart School (a K-8 Catholic school located in nearby Norfolk), Scotus Central Catholic Jr/Sr High School (a 7-12 school in Columbus), and St. Mary's School (a PreK-6 school in nearby West Point). It's important for Oakdale parents to note that these schools are not located directly within Oakdale itself, requiring consideration for transportation. For younger students, St. Mary's offers a strong elementary foundation, while Scotus Central Catholic is the primary option for a complete junior/senior high private education in the region.
How does tuition at private schools serving Oakdale, NE, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Nebraska?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, approximate annual tuition ranges are: Sacred Heart School (~$2,500-$3,500 for parishioners), Scotus Central Catholic (~$5,500-$6,500), and St. Mary's School (~$2,000-$3,000). A significant financial consideration for Nebraska families is the **Nebraska Opportunity Grant** and the **Scholarship Grant Program for Students in Nonpublic Schools**, which is a state-funded tuition assistance program for K-12 students attending private schools. Eligibility is based on family income. Additionally, most schools offer parish subsidies for active church members, multi-child discounts, and their own need-based financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible to Oakdale residents offer?
Given their Catholic identity, these schools integrate faith-based learning with core academics. Unique programs include: **Scotus Central Catholic's** strong focus on college preparatory courses, dual-credit opportunities with local colleges, and competitive athletics in the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA). **Sacred Heart School** emphasizes STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math) initiatives. **St. Mary's School** often features specialized programs in early childhood literacy and character development. For Oakdale students, a notable aspect is the close-knit community environment that allows for personalized attention and leadership opportunities often not available in larger public districts.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families in Oakdale looking to secure a spot at these private schools?
The enrollment process for schools like Sacred Heart, Scotus, and St. Mary's usually begins in January or February for the following academic year, with priority often given to existing families, parish members, and siblings. Oakdale parents should proactively contact the admissions office of each school, as they serve a wide geographic region and spaces can be limited, especially in early grades. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing sacramental records (for Catholic schools), academic transcripts, and sometimes a family interview. It's highly recommended to attend open houses, which are often held in the fall and winter, to understand the commute and community fit.
For an Oakdale resident, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Oakdale Public School) and a private school option?
The key considerations are educational philosophy, cost, and logistics. **Oakdale Public School** is a PK-12 district offering a tuition-free education with small class sizes in a single, community-centered building, minimizing daily travel. The private school options provide a specific **faith-based education** and moral framework integrated throughout the curriculum. However, choosing a private school requires accepting a **significant commute** (20-45 minutes to Norfolk, Columbus, or West Point) and the associated tuition costs. Academically, Oakdale Public School provides a solid foundation, while private schools may offer more specialized college-prep tracks (at the high school level) and different extracurricular emphases. The decision often hinges on how much a family values religious education versus the convenience and cost-savings of the local public school.