The Best Private Schools in Allen, South Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Allen. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Augustana University Preschool & Kindergarten Laboratory School
Augustana University
The Augustana University Preschool & Kindergarten Laboratory School serves as both an exceptional early childhood education center and a training ground for future educators. Located in Sioux Falls (approximately 60 miles from Allen), this highly-rated program offers a research-based curriculum focused on whole-child development. The school features small class sizes, experienced lead teachers, and a play-based learning environment that emphasizes social-emotional development alongside academic readiness. As part of Augustana University's education department, the school maintains rigorous academic standards and innovative teaching practices that have earned exceptional parent satisfaction ratings.
Programs:
All Saints School
Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls
All Saints School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located in Sioux Falls (serving the broader southeastern South Dakota region including Allen), the school offers a comprehensive academic program enriched with faith formation. The curriculum includes strong STEM components, fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. With modern facilities, dedicated faculty, and a supportive community atmosphere, All Saints has built a reputation for academic excellence and character development. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities that contribute to its high parent satisfaction ratings.
Programs:
O'Gorman Catholic School System
Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls
O'Gorman Catholic School System is one of South Dakota's premier private educational institutions, serving students from kindergarten through high school. With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, O'Gorman offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum including numerous Advanced Placement courses. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, competitive athletic programs, extensive fine arts offerings, and robust STEM initiatives. Serving families throughout southeastern South Dakota, including those from Allen, O'Gorman maintains high academic standards while emphasizing faith-based education and community service. The school's strong college acceptance record and comprehensive student support services contribute to its excellent parent and student satisfaction ratings.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Allen, South Dakota
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Allen, South Dakota, given that the top-named schools are located in Sioux Falls?
While Allen, SD, is a very small community without its own private K-12 campus, families typically look to schools in the larger Sioux Falls area, approximately 70 miles away. The most accessible options include the O'Gorman Catholic School System, which offers bus transportation from designated areas, and All Saints School. For younger children, Augustana University's lab school is another Sioux Falls-based option. Many Allen families considering private education must plan for a significant commute or explore residential options like the O'Gorman boarding program for high school students. It's also worth investigating if any smaller, faith-based academies exist in closer towns like Parker or Canton.
How does South Dakota's "Partners in Education" tax credit program help with private school tuition for Allen residents?
South Dakota's Partners in Education (PIE) program is a crucial financial consideration. It provides a tax credit to insurance companies that donate to nonprofit scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs). These SGOs then award need-based scholarships to eligible students, including those attending private schools like O'Gorman or All Saints. As an Allen resident, you would apply directly through an SGO, such as the South Dakota Catholic Foundation for O'Gorman, not through a state agency. The scholarship can significantly offset tuition, but availability is subject to annual funding caps, so early application is essential. This state-specific program makes private education more financially accessible for qualifying South Dakota families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs might justify the commute from Allen to a Sioux Falls private school?
Sioux Falls private schools offer programs that are often not available in small rural public districts. For example, the O'Gorman system provides extensive college-prep Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dedicated fine arts facilities, and competitive athletic leagues. All Saints School offers a strong, faith-based STEM initiative and character education program. The Augustana lab school provides a unique, research-based early childhood education model. For a student in Allen with specific interests in robotics, theater, or elite athletics, these programs can be a compelling reason for the daily commute. Additionally, the larger network can provide greater opportunities for internships and college counseling.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for an Allen family applying to a Sioux Falls private school like O'Gorman or All Saints?
The process requires proactive planning due to the distance. Enrollment for the following academic year typically opens in January or February, with priority often given to siblings and parish members (for Catholic schools). As an out-of-area family from Allen, you should initiate contact with the admissions office in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often participating in a student assessment or shadow day. Given the commute, arranging a shadow day may require a full-day trip to Sioux Falls. It's also critical to have early conversations about transportation logistics and any available bus routes that extend toward your area.
How does the community environment of a Sioux Falls private school compare to the Allen public school experience for my child?
The contrast is significant. Allen Public School offers a very small, close-knit rural environment where students are known by everyone. A Sioux Falls private school like O'Gorman, while fostering community, is part of a much larger urban setting with a more diverse student body (though often from similar faith-based backgrounds). The private school will offer more specialized staff, broader course selection, and different social opportunities. However, your child would be leaving a community where they may be one of a handful in their grade for a setting with hundreds of peers. This transition can be enriching but requires social adjustment. The decision often hinges on whether you prioritize highly specialized academic/extra-curricular resources or the intimate, localized support of a very small school district.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities