The Best Private Schools in Steele, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Steele. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Central High School
Diocese of Bismarck Catholic Schools
St. Mary's Central High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students throughout central North Dakota. Located approximately 60 miles from Steele, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 14 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and competitive athletic programs. The school emphasizes character development and faith formation alongside academic excellence, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school has a strong track record of college acceptance and serves many students from rural communities through regional transportation options.
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Oak Grove Lutheran School
Independent Lutheran School
Oak Grove Lutheran School is a premier private Christian school serving students across North Dakota, including those from rural areas like Steele. Located in Fargo approximately 120 miles from Steele, the school offers a comprehensive K-12 education with a strong college preparatory focus. The curriculum includes numerous AP courses, robust STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The school features modern facilities including science and technology labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. Oak Grove has a residential program that accommodates students from distant communities, making it accessible to families throughout the region seeking high-quality private education.
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Trinity Elementary School
Trinity Schools Network
Trinity Elementary School in Jamestown provides exceptional private education for students in central North Dakota, serving families from communities including Steele located approximately 45 miles away. The school offers a classical Christian education model that emphasizes rigorous academics, character development, and faith formation. The curriculum includes strong foundations in reading, mathematics, science, and humanities, complemented by comprehensive music and arts programs. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, Trinity provides personalized attention and a nurturing environment. The school has established transportation partnerships and serves as a regional educational hub for families seeking quality private elementary education in the central North Dakota area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Steele, North Dakota
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Steele, North Dakota, given the small size of the town?
Steele itself is a very small community, so there are no private schools physically located within the town. However, families in Steele commonly consider private schools in nearby larger cities, with Bismarck being the primary hub. The schools you mentioned—St. Mary's Central High School, Oak Grove Lutheran School, and Trinity Elementary School—are all located in Bismarck, approximately a 45-60 minute commute from Steele. This commute is a significant daily consideration for Steele families. Other options might include smaller parochial schools in surrounding communities like Linton or Napoleon, but the Bismarck schools offer the most comprehensive K-12 private education within a reasonable driving distance.
How does the tuition at Bismarck private schools compare to the North Dakota state average, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs for Steele residents?
Tuition for the top Bismarck private schools typically ranges from $5,000 to $9,000 per year for elementary grades and can be higher for high school. This is generally at or slightly below the national average for private schools but is a significant investment relative to North Dakota's cost of living. A key financial consideration specific to North Dakota is the **ND Choice Scholarship Program**. This is a state-funded program that provides need-based scholarships to eligible students attending nonpublic schools. Families in Steele must apply through the participating school (like St. Mary's or Oak Grove) and meet income guidelines. Additionally, many schools offer their own parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and payment plans to help manage the cost.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the Bismarck private schools offer that might justify the commute from Steele?
The commute from Steele is substantial, so the programs offered must provide distinct value. St. Mary's Central High School is known for its strong college-prep curriculum and faith-based education. Oak Grove Lutheran School offers a unique blend of rigorous academics within a Lutheran framework and has notable arts and athletics programs. Trinity Elementary provides a focused, faith-based elementary foundation. A specific draw for rural students is often access to advanced STEM courses, consistent foreign language instruction from an early age, and competitive athletic conferences that are more robust than what many small public schools in the area can offer. These schools also provide smaller class sizes and a different social environment that some Steele families seek.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for a Steele student applying to a Bismarck private school, and how does residency affect it?
The enrollment process for Steele residents is identical to that of Bismarck residents, as these schools serve a regional area. The key difference is the logistical planning. Most Bismarck private schools (like Oak Grove and St. Mary's) begin their priority enrollment or re-enrollment for the following academic year in January or February. Open enrollment for new families typically follows. It is crucial for Steele families to apply early, as some grades may have waiting lists. The process usually involves an application, submission of past academic records, a family interview, and often an assessment for the student. Residency in Steele does not disqualify a student, but parents must have a solid plan for transportation, which is rarely provided by the school for such distances.
For a Steele family, what are the primary factors to consider when choosing between the local public school and a private school in Bismarck?
This decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Steele Public School offers the immense convenience of a very short commute, deep community integration, and no tuition cost. The Bismarck private school option involves a significant daily time and fuel expense (90-120 minutes of driving per day), tuition costs, and potentially less direct involvement in the local Steele community for the student. The trade-off is access to a different educational philosophy (e.g., religious education), potentially more specialized academic tracks, and a wider array of extracurricular activities. For many Steele families, the choice comes down to whether their specific educational, religious, or social goals for their child outweigh the practical and financial challenges of the long-term commute to Bismarck.
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