The Best Private Schools in Aurora, South Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Aurora. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Sioux Falls Christian Schools
Christian Schools International
Sioux Falls Christian Schools is a highly-rated private Christian institution serving the broader southeastern South Dakota area, including Aurora families. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through high school with a Christ-centered approach to learning. Academic programs include Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM offerings, championship athletics, and extensive fine arts programs. The school maintains excellent teacher-student ratios and has a reputation for strong college placement. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes.
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St. Thomas More School
Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls
St. Thomas More School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the broader southeastern South Dakota region, including Aurora. The school offers a classical Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade with strong academic foundations, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive extracurricular programs. Located approximately 30 minutes from Aurora, it features modern facilities, competitive athletics, music and arts programs, and a tight-knit community atmosphere. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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O'Gorman Junior High School
Catholic School System
O'Gorman Junior High School serves students in grades 7-8 as part of the respected O'Gorman Catholic School system. The school provides a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with advanced mathematics, science labs, and comprehensive language arts. Located in Sioux Falls, it serves families throughout the region including Aurora. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, competitive sports teams, robust arts programs, and a strong focus on faith-based education. Parent satisfaction is high due to academic outcomes and supportive community environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Aurora, South Dakota
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Aurora, South Dakota, given that the top-named schools are in Sioux Falls?
While Aurora itself is a small community without a private school within its city limits, families typically look to nearby Sioux Falls, approximately 15-20 minutes away. The most accessible options include Sioux Falls Christian Schools (PreK-12) and O'Gorman Junior High & High School (part of the Catholic school system). St. Thomas More is a private Catholic elementary school also in Sioux Falls. For Aurora residents, this means commuting is a standard part of the private school choice. Many families carpool. It's important to contact these schools directly regarding their specific transportation policies and any potential bus routes that may extend to the Aurora area.
How does South Dakota's "Partners in Education" tax credit program affect tuition for private schools near Aurora?
South Dakota's Partners in Education (PIE) program is a crucial financial consideration. It provides a tax credit for donations to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) that fund need-based tuition assistance for private K-12 schools. Schools like Sioux Falls Christian and O'Gorman utilize these SGOs. For an Aurora family, this means applying for financial aid through the school may connect you to these state-supported scholarships, potentially reducing your net tuition cost. You should ask the admissions office about their participation in an SGO and the application process for these funds when exploring financial options.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the Aurora area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Sioux Falls region, attended by Aurora students, often offer distinct programs shaped by their missions. Sioux Falls Christian provides a comprehensive, Christ-centered education with strong arts and athletics. O'Gorman Junior High & High School offers a classical liberal arts foundation within a Catholic framework, along with extensive college-prep Advanced Placement (AP) courses and competitive sports leagues. These schools often have more centralized specialty programs (e.g., dedicated theology departments, specific fine arts tracks) compared to the broader, but still excellent, offerings of the Brandon Valley School District, which serves Aurora publicly. The choice often comes down to desired class size, religious integration, and specific program focus.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and key deadlines for private schools in Sioux Falls that Aurora families need to plan for?
Planning ahead is essential due to commuting and limited seats. Most Sioux Falls private schools (e.g., Sioux Falls Christian, O'Gorman) have an open enrollment period that begins in January or February for the following academic year. Priority is often given to siblings of current students and members of supporting churches. For an Aurora family, we recommend initiating inquiries the fall before desired enrollment (e.g., October-November). Key steps include attending open houses (often held in winter), submitting applications by March-April deadlines, and completing financial aid/SGO scholarship applications simultaneously. Waiting lists are common, so early action is strongly advised.
For an Aurora resident, what are the major practical factors to weigh when choosing between the Brandon Valley public schools and a private school in Sioux Falls?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. **Brandon Valley School District** offers a highly-rated public education with no tuition, includes busing within Aurora, and involves minimal commute. The **private school option** in Sioux Falls involves annual tuition ($6,000-$12,000+), a daily 15-30 minute commute each way, and potentially additional activity fees. However, it offers a specific religious or pedagogical environment, often smaller average class sizes, and a defined community that may extend beyond Aurora. Aurora parents must evaluate the value of the commute and cost against the desired educational philosophy, community, and program specialization for their child.
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