The Best Private Schools in Ellsworth Afb, South Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ellsworth Afb. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Thomas More High School
Catholic Diocese of Rapid City
St. Thomas More High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving the Rapid City area and Ellsworth AFB community. With a 100% college acceptance rate, the school offers rigorous academic programs including 14 Advanced Placement courses and comprehensive STEM education. The campus features modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and service learning while maintaining small class sizes for personalized attention. Extracurricular offerings include championship athletic teams, robotics, debate, and numerous clubs.
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Rapid City Christian School
Independent Christian School
Rapid City Christian School provides a comprehensive classical Christian education from preschool through high school, serving military families from Ellsworth AFB. The school features a rigorous academic program with dual credit opportunities through local colleges, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The 40-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, gymnasium, and athletic fields. The school maintains a strong community atmosphere with emphasis on spiritual growth and academic excellence, offering small class sizes and individualized learning plans.
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Canyon Lake Christian School
Canyon Lake Church
Canyon Lake Christian School offers a Christ-centered education using the Accelerated Christian Education curriculum, serving families throughout the Rapid City area including Ellsworth AFB. The school provides individualized learning plans that allow students to progress at their own pace while maintaining high academic standards. The program emphasizes character development, leadership skills, and spiritual growth. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer lab, library, and gymnasium. The school offers various extracurricular activities including music programs, sports, and community service opportunities, creating a supportive environment for military families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ellsworth Afb, South Dakota
What are the primary private school options available for families stationed at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota?
While Ellsworth AFB itself does not host private schools on base, families have several well-regarded options in the nearby Rapid City area, which is the primary community for base personnel. The top schools include St. Thomas More High School (Catholic, grades 9-12), Rapid City Christian School (interdenominational Christian, Pre-K-12), and Canyon Lake Christian School (Christian, K-8). The commute from the base to these schools in Rapid City typically takes 15-25 minutes. It's important to note that South Dakota has a very limited number of private schools overall, making these Rapid City institutions the central options for Ellsworth AFB families seeking private education.
How does tuition for private schools near Ellsworth AFB compare to the South Dakota state average, and are there financial aid options for military families?
Tuition for private schools in the Rapid City area serving Ellsworth AFB is generally below the national private school average but can vary. For the 2023-2024 school year, annual tuition ranges from approximately $5,000-$9,000 for K-8 and $8,000-$11,000 for high school. South Dakota has one of the lowest average private school tuitions in the country, which is reflected locally. Financial aid is available at each school, often through need-based scholarships and parish subsidies (for Catholic schools). Military families should inquire about specific scholarships for dependents and explore using the Department of Defense's "Your Tuition Assistance" website for potential state-specific programs, though South Dakota does not have a large private school voucher program.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Ellsworth AFB offer that cater to a mobile military community?
Private schools in Rapid City are accustomed to serving military families from Ellsworth AFB and often have supportive structures in place. St. Thomas More High School offers a strong college-prep curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses and robust athletics. Rapid City Christian School provides a comprehensive K-12 program with a focus on integrating faith and learning, which can offer stability and community for students amidst transitions. Canyon Lake Christian School emphasizes individualized learning in a smaller setting. While specific "military student" programs are limited, these schools are experienced with mid-year enrollments, providing transcripts promptly, and helping new students integrate quickly—a critical consideration for PCSing families.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for private schools near Ellsworth AFB, and how should military families planning a PCS manage it?
Enrollment processes vary by school but typically involve an application, submission of records, a family interview, and possible placement testing. For families PCSing to Ellsworth AFB, the key is to initiate contact as early as possible, ideally 4-6 months before your move. The primary enrollment period for the following academic year is often in January-February, but schools like Rapid City Christian and St. Thomas More frequently accept mid-year enrollments due to the transient nature of the military community. It is highly recommended to contact the school's admissions office directly, explain your military status and PCS timeline, and provide previous school records promptly. Many are willing to conduct virtual interviews to secure a spot before you arrive.
For families at Ellsworth AFB, how do the local private schools compare to the on-base public school (Black Hills State University at Ellsworth) and the Rapid City Area Schools (RCAS) district?
This is a fundamental choice for Ellsworth AFB families. The on-base public school, Black Hills State University at Ellsworth, is a unique K-8 partnership school within the RCAS district, offering convenience and a student body of primarily military peers. Off-base RCAS high schools are larger and offer diverse programs. In comparison, private schools in Rapid City offer smaller class sizes, a specific religious or value-based education (if desired), and often a more traditional college-prep focus. The decision often hinges on priorities: the convenience and military-centric environment of the on-base school versus the specialized mission, religious education, and perceived academic rigor of the private options, which require a commute and tuition investment.
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