The Best Private Schools in St Columbans, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in St Columbans. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Brownell-Talbot College Preparatory School
Independent Private School
Brownell-Talbot is Nebraska's only independent, college preparatory school serving students from preschool through grade 12. Located approximately 15 miles from St Columbans in Omaha, this highly-regarded institution offers a rigorous academic curriculum with small class sizes averaging 14 students. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. With a 100% college acceptance rate, Brownell-Talbot provides comprehensive college counseling and numerous Advanced Placement courses. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
Programs:
Creighton Preparatory School
Jesuit Secondary Education Association
Creighton Prep is an all-boys Jesuit college preparatory high school serving the Omaha metropolitan area, including St Columbans students. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 26 Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. Creighton Prep emphasizes the Jesuit educational philosophy of forming "Men for Others" through extensive service programs. The campus features modern academic facilities, extensive athletic complexes, and technology-integrated classrooms. With over 140 years of educational excellence, Creighton Prep has a strong alumni network and consistently ranks among the top private schools in Nebraska for academic achievement and student development.
Programs:
Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart
Network of Sacred Heart Schools
Duchesne Academy is a Catholic, independent college preparatory school for girls in grades 5-12, located approximately 12 miles from St Columbans. As part of the international Network of Sacred Heart Schools, Duchesne offers a values-based education focused on academic excellence, faith formation, and personal growth. The school features a comprehensive STEM program, competitive athletics, extensive fine arts offerings, and a 1:1 technology program. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, Duchesne provides personalized attention and maintains strong college placement records with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in St Columbans, Nebraska
What are the primary private school options available for families in St. Columbans, Nebraska, and how accessible are they?
While St. Columbans itself is a small village, families in the area typically look to the greater Omaha metro for private school options. The most prominent and accessible schools include Brownell-Talbot College Preparatory School (PreK-12, coed), Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart (grades 5-12, all-girls), and Creighton Preparatory School (grades 9-12, all-boys). These schools are located in Omaha, approximately a 20-30 minute commute from St. Columbans. Many families in St. Columbans and surrounding Sarpy County utilize these schools, often forming carpool networks. There are no major private schools physically located within St. Columbans village limits.
How does tuition at top Omaha-area private schools compare, and what financial aid options are available for Nebraska residents?
For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at these schools ranges significantly. Creighton Prep's tuition is approximately $17,500, Brownell-Talbot's is around $20,000 for high school, and Duchesne Academy's is roughly $16,000. These costs do not include fees, books, or transportation from St. Columbans. All three schools offer substantial need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Nebraska also has the Opportunity Scholarships Act, which provides tax credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, increasing privately funded scholarship availability for middle-income families. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do these Omaha private schools offer that might benefit a student from St. Columbans?
Each school offers distinct specializations. Brownell-Talbot, as Omaha's only independent PreK-12 school, provides a continuous International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, a rarity in Nebraska. Duchesne Academy offers a Sacred Heart network global exchange program and a strong focus on STEM and leadership for young women. Creighton Prep is renowned for its rigorous Jesuit college-prep curriculum, extensive service-learning requirements, and dominant athletic programs, particularly in swimming and football. For a student commuting from St. Columbans, these specialized programs offer opportunities that may not be available in local public districts, but require consideration of the longer school day due to travel time.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Creighton Prep or Brownell-Talbot for a family in St. Columbans?
The process begins 12-18 months before the desired entry date. Key steps include: attending open houses in the fall (often September-October), submitting applications by January deadlines, taking entrance exams (like the HSPT for Creighton Prep or school-specific assessments for others) in January, and completing interviews/financial aid applications by February. Admissions decisions are typically released in March. For families in St. Columbans, it's especially important to plan for shadow days (where your child spends a day at the school), as this will involve a significant commute. Building a relationship with the admissions office early is advised to discuss the logistics of commuting from Sarpy County.
For a family residing in St. Columbans, what are the major considerations when comparing the local Papillion-La Vista public schools to private options in Omaha?
The decision hinges on several local factors. The Papillion-La Vista School District (serving St. Columbans) is highly rated, offering a robust curriculum, newer facilities, and no tuition. Choosing a private school in Omaha adds a daily commute of 45+ minutes round-trip, along with significant tuition costs. The trade-off includes often smaller class sizes, specific religious or pedagogical approaches (Jesuit, Sacred Heart, IB), and a traditionally college-preparatory focus with extensive alumni networks. For high school, some families value the single-gender environment offered by Duchesne or Creighton Prep. The decision often comes down to whether the specific mission, community, and academic approach of the private school align with family values enough to justify the cost and commute from St. Columbans.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities