The Best Private Schools in Omaha, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Omaha. 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 Jesuit college preparatory school for young men, renowned for its rigorous academic program and commitment to forming "Men for Others." The school offers comprehensive Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM programs, and championship-caliber athletics. The 40-acre campus includes modern science and technology centers, multiple athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. With a strong alumni network and 100% college acceptance rate, Creighton Prep emphasizes intellectual excellence, spiritual growth, and service to the community through its Jesuit tradition.
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Brownell-Talbot College Preparatory School
Independent
Brownell-Talbot is Omaha's premier independent college preparatory school, serving students from preschool through grade 12. With a 137-year legacy of academic excellence, the school offers a rigorous curriculum emphasizing critical thinking and character development. The campus features state-of-the-art STEM labs, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. Student-teacher ratio of 9:1 ensures personalized attention, with 100% of graduates accepted to four-year colleges. The school emphasizes global citizenship through international programs and community service initiatives.
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Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart
Network of Sacred Heart Schools
Duchesne Academy is an all-girls Catholic college preparatory school offering education from preschool through 12th grade. As part of the international Network of Sacred Heart Schools, it provides a values-based education focused on academic excellence, faith formation, and personal growth. The school features modern science laboratories, extensive arts facilities, and competitive athletic programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Duchesne emphasizes leadership development and community engagement, preparing students for success in college and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Omaha, Nebraska
What are the main types of private schools available in Omaha, Nebraska, and how do they differ?
Omaha offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily categorized as independent college-preparatory, Catholic/parochial, and single-gender institutions. Top-tier independent schools like Brownell-Talbot College Preparatory School provide a rigorous, secular education. Omaha has a strong network of Catholic schools, including prestigious single-gender options like Creighton Preparatory School (all-boys) and Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart (all-girls), which offer faith-based education alongside strong academics. There are also Lutheran, Montessori, and other faith-based schools. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious affiliation, campus culture, and specific program offerings, such as Creighton Prep's renowned engineering track or Duchesne's Sacred Heart network affiliation.
How does tuition for Omaha private schools compare to the Nebraska state average, and what financial aid options are locally available?
Tuition at Omaha's leading private schools is generally above the Nebraska state average for private education, reflecting their extensive resources and programs. For the 2024-25 academic year, tuition at schools like Brownell-Talbot and Duchesne Academy ranges from approximately $15,000 to $20,000+ annually. Creighton Prep's tuition is slightly lower but comparable. Importantly, most Omaha private schools have robust financial aid programs funded through endowments and donations. The Nebraska Department of Education also administers the Opportunity Scholarships Act, a tax-credit scholarship program that provides need-based assistance for families to choose private schools. Additionally, many schools offer multi-child discounts and flexible payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are signature offerings at Omaha's top private schools?
Omaha's premier private schools have developed distinctive programs leveraging local partnerships and community assets. Creighton Preparatory School features a nationally recognized Applied Sciences program with dedicated engineering and robotics labs. Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart emphasizes global citizenship through its Network of Sacred Heart Schools exchange programs and a strong focus on STEM for girls. Brownell-Talbot offers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, one of the few in the state, and has a unique partnership with nearby University of Nebraska Omaha for advanced coursework. Many schools also integrate Omaha's strong business and agricultural community into their curricula through internships and project-based learning.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Omaha, Nebraska?
The enrollment process for Omaha's most sought-after private schools begins early, often 12-18 months before the desired start date. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically held in the fall), submitting an application by January or February for the following academic year, and completing entrance assessments (like the ISEE or school-specific exams). Schools like Creighton Prep and Brownell-Talbot also require student interviews and teacher recommendations. Admission decisions are usually communicated in March. For younger grades, especially pre-K and kindergarten, waitlists are common. It's highly recommended for Omaha families to engage with their schools of interest by the start of the prior school year and to apply to multiple options due to competitive spaces.
For families considering both sectors, what are the practical differences between Omaha Public Schools (OPS) and private schools in terms of daily life and outcomes?
Key differences include class size, curricular flexibility, and community scope. Omaha private schools typically have significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25-30+ in OPS), allowing for more individualized attention. Private schools have the autonomy to design curricula beyond state mandates, often offering more advanced placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, like at Brownell-Talbot. Extracurricular access can be broader per capita in private schools, though OPS offers a wider array of specific programs due to its large size. Geographically, OPS students are generally zoned to a neighborhood school, while private schools draw from across the entire Omaha metro, creating a different community dynamic. Post-graduation, Omaha's top private schools consistently report near-100% college matriculation rates, often with high rates of acceptance into selective universities, which can differ from OPS's more varied post-secondary pathways.
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