The Best Private Schools in Oxford, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Oxford. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Catholic School
Diocese of Grand Island
St. Mary's Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving the Oxford area and surrounding communities. With over six decades of educational excellence, this faith-based school offers a comprehensive curriculum from preschool through 6th grade. The school emphasizes strong academic foundations combined with Catholic values, featuring dedicated teachers with low student-teacher ratios. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, and dedicated spaces for music and arts. The school's STEM program incorporates hands-on learning, while their strong community involvement and family atmosphere contribute to exceptional parent satisfaction ratings.
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Kearney Catholic Schools
Kearney Catholic School System
Kearney Catholic Schools represents one of central Nebraska's premier private education institutions, serving students from Oxford and throughout the region. This comprehensive Catholic school system offers education from elementary through high school with a strong college preparatory focus. The school features exceptional academic programs including Advanced Placement courses, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a tradition of academic excellence spanning over six decades, Kearney Catholic maintains high graduation rates and college acceptance records, making it a top choice for families seeking rigorous private education in the Oxford area.
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Holdrege Public Schools - Elementary Programs
Holdrege Public Schools
While part of the public school system, Holdrege Public Schools offers exceptional educational programs that serve as alternatives for families in Oxford and surrounding areas. The district has built a strong reputation for academic excellence with dedicated teachers and comprehensive programs. Their elementary schools feature advanced curriculum preparation, integrated technology programs, and robust fine arts offerings. The district maintains modern facilities including updated classrooms, science labs, and athletic complexes. With high parent satisfaction scores and consistent academic performance, this institution provides quality education accessible to Oxford residents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Oxford, Nebraska
What are the private school options available for families living in or near Oxford, Nebraska?
For families in Oxford, Nebraska, private school options are primarily located in nearby communities, as Oxford itself does not have a standalone private school. The most accessible and notable options include St. Mary's Catholic School in Holdrege (approximately 20 miles away), Kearney Catholic Schools in Kearney (approximately 35 miles away), and the elementary programs within Holdrege Public Schools that may offer specific alternative or magnet-style options. Most families in Oxford considering private education should plan for a commute, making transportation a key factor in the decision.
How does tuition for private schools near Oxford, NE, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Nebraska?
Tuition for private schools serving the Oxford area varies. For example, Kearney Catholic operates on a parish-subsidized model, with lower rates for active parishioners, while St. Mary's in Holdrege also has a similar structure. Annual tuition typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 per child for elementary grades, often with family caps and discounts for multiple children. Nebraska offers the Opportunity Scholarships Act, which provides tax credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, helping eligible families afford private school tuition. Additionally, many schools offer need-based financial aid and participate in diocesan assistance programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Oxford, Nebraska, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the region, such as Kearney Catholic and St. Mary's, emphasize a faith-based education integrated into the core curriculum, which is a primary differentiator. Kearney Catholic offers a comprehensive K-12 program with robust athletics and fine arts, while St. Mary's provides a close-knit, small-class environment. These schools often have strong community service components and may offer specialized instruction in areas like Latin or theology. For families in Oxford, these programs provide an alternative educational philosophy focused on moral development alongside academic rigor, which may not be as explicitly emphasized in the local public school district.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like St. Mary's or Kearney Catholic that serve Oxford-area families?
The enrollment process for schools like St. Mary's (Holdrege) and Kearney Catholic typically begins in January or February for the following academic year, with priority often given to current families, siblings, and active parishioners. For Oxford residents, it's crucial to initiate contact early due to limited space and the commuting logistics involved. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing records from previous schools, a family interview, and often a pastoral referral for Catholic schools. We recommend contacting the admissions office by the fall prior to your desired enrollment year to secure placement and discuss transportation options.
For an Oxford resident, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local Oxford Public School and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision involves several key considerations specific to living in Oxford. First is **commute and transportation**: Attending a private school requires a daily 20-45 minute drive to Holdrege or Kearney, which impacts family logistics and extracurricular participation. Second is **cost**: You must weigh tuition and associated costs against the free public education in Oxford. Third is **educational environment**: Oxford Public Schools offer the convenience of a local community school, while private options offer smaller class sizes and a specific religious or value-based foundation. Finally, consider **long-term continuity**: Some private schools like Kearney Catholic offer a K-12 pathway, whereas Oxford students transition to larger regional public high schools. Visiting both your local Oxford school and the private options is essential to feel the difference in community and approach.