The Best Private Schools in Valley, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Valley. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School
Archdiocese of Omaha
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School serves students from Valley and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education. The school emphasizes faith-based learning combined with strong academic fundamentals, featuring modern STEM labs, dedicated art and music programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and individualized attention, the school maintains high parent satisfaction and strong academic outcomes. The campus includes state-of-the-art facilities with technology integration throughout all grade levels.
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Mount Michael Benedictine School
Mount Michael Abbey
Mount Michael Benedictine School is a prestigious Catholic college preparatory school serving Valley and the greater Omaha metropolitan area. The school offers both day and boarding options for boys in grades 9-12, featuring a rigorous academic curriculum with extensive AP course offerings and a renowned STEM Academy. The 300-acre campus includes modern science laboratories, athletic facilities, and dedicated spaces for robotics and technology. With a 100% college acceptance rate and strong emphasis on character development, Mount Michael consistently ranks among Nebraska's top private schools.
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Brownell-Talbot College Preparatory School
Independent
As Nebraska's only independent, college preparatory school offering the International Baccalaureate program from Pre-K through grade 12, Brownell-Talbot serves families from Valley and across the Omaha metro area. The school features a comprehensive academic program with small class sizes, extensive arts facilities including dedicated music and theater spaces, and competitive athletic programs. The campus includes state-of-the-art science laboratories, technology-rich classrooms, and recently renovated learning spaces. With a long history of academic excellence and strong college placement records, Brownell-Talbot provides a well-rounded education focused on developing critical thinking and leadership skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Valley, Nebraska
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Valley, Nebraska?
While Valley itself is a smaller community, it benefits from proximity to several highly-regarded private schools in the greater Omaha area. The most prominent options include St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School (PreK-8) in Omaha, Mount Michael Benedictine School (an all-boys, grades 9-12 boarding/day school) in Elkhorn, and Brownell-Talbot College Preparatory School (PreK-12) in Omaha. For Valley residents, these schools are a short commute away and represent the core of private education choices, ranging from parish-based to independent college preparatory models. There are limited, if any, private school facilities physically located within the town of Valley itself.
How does tuition at private schools near Valley, NE, compare, and are there Nebraska-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-25 academic year, St. Francis of Assisi has a lower tuition range typical of parish-supported Catholic schools. Mount Michael and Brownell-Talbot, as independent college-prep schools, have higher tuition, with Mount Michael's boarding option being a premium cost. Nebraska offers the **Opportunity Scholarships Act**, a tax-credit scholarship program that provides financial assistance to eligible families choosing private schools. Additionally, all three schools have their own need-based financial aid and scholarship programs. It's crucial to apply for aid directly through the schools' financial aid portals (often using the SSS platform) and to investigate the state scholarship program's eligibility requirements.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Valley, Nebraska, offer that distinguish them?
Each school provides distinct specializations. **Mount Michael Benedictine** is renowned for its rigorous STEM-focused curriculum, advanced robotics program, and unique all-boys, Benedictine boarding community environment. **Brownell-Talbot** offers a comprehensive PreK-12 International Baccalaureate (IB) program, one of the few in Nebraska, emphasizing global-mindedness and inquiry-based learning. **St. Francis of Assisi** provides a strong foundational Catholic education with dedicated arts and faith formation programs. For Valley families, these options mean access to specialized educational philosophies—from single-gender STEM leadership to IB World School status—without needing to reside in a major city center.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Mount Michael or Brownell-Talbot for a family from Valley?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For schools like Brownell-Talbot and Mount Michael, prospective families should initiate inquiries **12-18 months** before the desired entry date. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting an application by January or February for the following fall, completing student assessments and interviews, and providing teacher recommendations and transcripts. Rolling admissions may apply after priority deadlines, but spaces, especially in entry-level grades, fill quickly. Given Valley's location, planning for transportation (whether driving, carpooling, or boarding at Mount Michael) is a critical part of the enrollment decision process.
For a family in Valley, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district (Douglas County West) and a private school in the Omaha area?
The decision hinges on educational philosophy, cost, and community. **Douglas County West Public Schools** offer a well-regarded, tuition-free education with strong extracurriculars and the convenience of a local community school. Choosing a private school like those near Omaha involves a financial investment and commute but provides alternatives: a specific religious foundation (Catholic), a single-gender environment (Mount Michael), or a globally-focused IB continuum (Brownell-Talbot). Parents should consider the class size, specialized academic tracks, and values alignment. For many Valley families, it's a choice between the integrated local public system and seeking a distinct, mission-driven private community that may require greater logistical and financial planning.