The Best Private Schools in Arlington, South Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Sioux Falls Christian Schools
Sioux Falls Christian Schools
Sioux Falls Christian Schools is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the broader southeastern South Dakota region, including Arlington. With over six decades of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on academics, faith integration, and character development. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school consistently achieves high test scores and college acceptance rates, with extensive AP course offerings and competitive athletic programs. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high due to small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong community atmosphere.
Programs:
O'Gorman Catholic Schools
O'Gorman Catholic School System
O'Gorman Catholic Schools is a premier private Catholic school system serving students from Arlington and throughout southeastern South Dakota. Founded in 1954, the institution provides a rigorous academic program grounded in Catholic values and traditions. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including advanced science laboratories, technology centers, and comprehensive athletic facilities. O'Gorman offers extensive Advanced Placement courses, competitive sports programs, and diverse extracurricular activities. The school maintains high academic standards with graduates consistently attending top colleges and universities nationwide. Parent reviews frequently highlight the exceptional faculty, strong community involvement, and well-rounded educational experience.
Programs:
Lutheran School of the Good Shepherd
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Lutheran School of the Good Shepherd is a highly-rated private Christian school that serves families from Arlington and the surrounding Sioux Falls metropolitan area. Established in 1969, the school provides a Christ-centered education with strong emphasis on academic excellence and spiritual development. The school offers comprehensive elementary education with specialized programs in music, art, physical education, and technology. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated music room, gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. The school is known for its nurturing environment, experienced teachers, and strong parent-teacher partnerships. Reviews consistently praise the school's family-like atmosphere, academic rigor, and commitment to developing well-rounded students.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arlington, South Dakota
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Arlington, SD, given that the top schools listed are in Sioux Falls?
For families in Arlington, SD, private education primarily involves commuting to nearby Sioux Falls, approximately 45 minutes away. The schools you mentioned—Sioux Falls Christian Schools, O'Gorman Catholic Schools, and Lutheran School of the Good Shepherd—are all located there. There are typically no private K-12 schools within Arlington itself. Therefore, your decision will heavily factor in transportation logistics, carpool possibilities, and the school's policy on accepting out-of-district students. Many families in smaller South Dakota towns like Arlington make this commute, so it's common to connect with other local parents for shared drives.
How does South Dakota's "Partners in Education" tax credit program affect tuition for Arlington families considering Sioux Falls private schools?
South Dakota's Partners in Education (PIE) tax credit program is a significant financial consideration. It allows individuals and corporations to receive a 100% tax credit for donations to scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs). These SGOs then provide need-based scholarships to students attending qualifying private schools, including those in Sioux Falls. For an Arlington family, this means you may apply for financial aid through the school, and part of that aid could be funded via PIE scholarships, effectively reducing your out-of-pocket tuition costs. It's crucial to ask each school about their specific SGO partners and application process during your financial aid discussions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs at Sioux Falls private schools might justify the commute from Arlington?
Sioux Falls private schools offer specialized programs not typically available in smaller public school districts like Arlington's. For example, O'Gorman offers extensive college-prep Advanced Placement (AP) and dual-credit courses. Sioux Falls Christian has strong STEM and fine arts programs, including dedicated engineering and theater tracks. Lutheran School of the Good Shepherd provides a Lutheran-centered education with small class sizes. These schools also offer robust athletic conferences, competitive speech and debate, and mission trip opportunities that can enrich a student's experience, potentially making the commute worthwhile for families seeking these specific opportunities.
What is the enrollment timeline for Sioux Falls private schools, and how early should an Arlington family apply?
Enrollment timelines for Sioux Falls schools are critical for out-of-town families due to limited space. Typically, re-enrollment for current students begins in January, with open enrollment for new families (like those from Arlington) starting in February or March for the following fall. However, many schools have waiting pools for popular grades. It is highly advisable to begin your research and school visits in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. Contacting admissions offices at O'Gorman, Sioux Falls Christian, or Lutheran School of the Good Shepherd by October or November is a prudent strategy to understand deadlines, required entrance assessments, and to secure a spot before they fill.
How do the community and class size at a Sioux Falls private school compare to the public school experience in Arlington, SD?
The Arlington public school district offers a close-knit, small-town community with very small class sizes, often allowing for highly individualized attention. In contrast, Sioux Falls private schools like O'Gorman or Sioux Falls Christian are larger institutions but still maintain smaller class sizes than Sioux Falls public high schools—typically 20-25 students. The community feel is different; it's based on shared religious values (Christian or Catholic) and a larger, more diverse student body drawn from across the region. For an Arlington student, the transition means integrating into a faith-based community and accessing more resources, but leaving behind the familiarity where everyone knows each other. The choice hinges on prioritizing a specific educational environment versus a localized community setting.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities