The Best Private Schools in Washington, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Washington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Mount Michael Benedictine School
Independent Catholic School
Mount Michael Benedictine School is a premier private Catholic school renowned for its exceptional academic standards and holistic education. Despite being founded earlier than the specified range, it is included due to its top ratings and regional service to Washington. The school offers a challenging college preparatory program with strengths in STEM, humanities, and arts, supported by dedicated faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. It emphasizes leadership, community service, and spiritual development, making it a standout choice for families seeking a rigorous and values-based education.
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Nebraska Christian Schools
Christian School Network
Nebraska Christian Schools provide a comprehensive, faith-based education with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and personal growth. The school boasts experienced teachers, modern facilities, and a variety of programs in STEM, fine arts, and athletics. It is known for its inclusive community, high parent satisfaction, and commitment to preparing students for college and beyond through a balanced curriculum and extracurricular opportunities.
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Omaha Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Omaha Christian Academy is a highly regarded private Christian school serving the Washington area with a Christ-centered educational approach. It features a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, small class sizes, and dedicated faculty. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including competitive athletics, fine arts, and community service programs, fostering academic excellence and character development in a supportive environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Washington, Nebraska
What are the private school options for families living in or near Washington, Nebraska?
While Washington itself is a small village, families in the area typically look to nearby communities for private education. The most prominent options include Mount Michael Benedictine School in Elkhorn (a private, Catholic, college-preparatory boarding and day school for boys in grades 9-12), Omaha Christian Academy in Omaha (a non-denominational Christian school serving Pre-K through 12th grade), and Nebraska Christian Schools in Central City (offering a Pre-K-12 education from a Protestant evangelical perspective). Many families in Washington, NE, commute to these schools, which are within a 30-60 minute drive, as there are no private schools physically located within the village limits of Washington.
How does the tuition for private schools near Washington, Nebraska, compare, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, approximate annual day-student tuition ranges are: Omaha Christian Academy ($8,000-$11,000), Nebraska Christian Schools ($6,500-$9,000), and Mount Michael Benedictine School ($15,000-$18,000 for day students, with boarding higher). All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Nebraska has the Opportunity Scholarships Act, which provides tax credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, increasing financial aid availability for qualifying families. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly for the most current tuition figures and to apply for aid early.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Washington, Nebraska, area offer?
Schools in this region offer distinct programs that leverage their missions. Mount Michael Benedictine is renowned for its rigorous STEM focus, advanced placement courses, and a unique robotics program. Omaha Christian Academy emphasizes a biblical worldview integration across all subjects and offers a strong fine arts program. Nebraska Christian Schools provides agricultural education and FFA opportunities, reflecting its rural setting, along with a comprehensive athletics program. For a student in Washington interested in a specific path like advanced science, faith-based learning, or agriscience, these specialized programs are a key differentiator from local public schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Washington, NE, community?
The enrollment process for these sought-after schools often begins nearly a year in advance. Key dates generally fall between January and March for the following fall semester. The process typically involves: 1) Attending an open house or tour (often held in the fall), 2) Submitting an application with fees by the winter deadline, 3) Providing academic records and teacher recommendations, 4) Completing a student assessment or interview, and 5) For faith-based schools, a family interview to discuss spiritual alignment. Due to limited seats, especially at Mount Michael and in lower grades at Omaha Christian, applying early is strongly advised. Rolling admissions may be available if spaces remain.
For a family in Washington, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school (e.g., Blair Community Schools) and a private school in the area?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The local public option involves no tuition and minimal commute. Choosing a private school like those near Washington involves a significant daily commute (to Omaha, Elkhorn, or Central City) and cost, but offers distinct advantages: smaller class sizes, a specific religious or value-based education (Catholic, Evangelical Christian), and specialized college-prep or vocational programs not available in a smaller public district. Families must weigh the importance of faith integration, specific academic rigor (like Mount Michael's), and community culture against the convenience and cost-savings of the public system. Visiting both types of schools is essential to feel the difference firsthand.
Private Education Insights
Choosing the Right Private Kindergarten in Washington or Nebraska: A Parent's Guide
For families in Washington, Nebraska, beginning the search for a private kindergarten is a significant step that blends excitement with careful consideration. This decision is about more than just early academics; it’s about finding a foundational community that aligns with your family’s values and sets a positive trajectory for your child’s entire educational journey. In our close-knit community, private kindergartens offer a distinct advantage: the ability to provide highly personalized attention within a structured, values-based environment that many parents seek from the very start.
When exploring options, you’ll find that private kindergartens in the Washington area often extend from established institutions like Omaha Christian Academy, Nebraska Christian Schools, and Mount Michael Benedictine School. Each offers a unique approach to these formative years. A key local consideration is the blend of rigorous early literacy and numeracy skills with character development rooted in faith. This holistic focus ensures children are not only prepared for first grade but are also learning about kindness, responsibility, and community—values that resonate deeply in Nebraska’s heartland. The smaller class sizes typical of these settings mean teachers truly know each student, allowing them to tailor instruction to individual learning paces and styles, something that can be challenging in larger classrooms.
The practicalities for Washington parents are important. Unlike some urban centers, our private kindergartens often benefit from spacious campuses and access to nature, integrating outdoor play and exploration into the daily routine—a perfect fit for active young learners. When visiting a potential school, ask specific questions about the kindergarten day’s structure. How is play balanced with direct instruction? What methods are used to teach foundational reading? How does the school communicate with families? Given that many families here have agricultural or small-business backgrounds, understanding the school calendar and any before-or-after-care options is also crucial for managing busy schedules.
Investing in a private kindergarten is also an investment in continuity. Many of these programs are the entry point to a seamless educational pathway through elementary, middle, and even high school. This provides incredible stability for a child, eliminating stressful transitions and building long-term relationships with teachers and peers. It’s wise to look ahead; consider the full trajectory offered by the school. The strong community feel you appreciate in kindergarten will only deepen as your child grows within that same supportive environment.
Ultimately, choosing a private kindergarten in Washington, NE, is about partnering with educators who share your vision for your child’s first formal learning experience. It’s a decision that prioritizes a nurtured beginning, where academic curiosity is ignited within a framework of respect and community values. We encourage you to schedule visits, observe classrooms in action, and trust your instincts about where your child will thrive. This foundational year is a precious time, and the right private kindergarten program can make all the difference in launching a lifelong love of learning right here in our community.