The Best Private Schools in Gary, South Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gary. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Great Plains Lutheran High School
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Great Plains Lutheran High School is a highly-regarded Christian private school serving students throughout northeastern South Dakota, including the Gary area. Founded in 1972, the school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum rooted in Lutheran values. The campus features modern academic facilities, science labs, and athletic complexes. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and character development. The school offers extensive extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, music, drama, and various clubs. With over 50 years of educational service, GPLHS has established a strong reputation for preparing students for college and life beyond.
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Lake Area Christian School
Independent Christian School
Lake Area Christian School provides quality Christian education to families throughout Codington County and surrounding areas, including Gary. Serving students from kindergarten through 8th grade, the school emphasizes academic rigor within a faith-based environment. The curriculum includes strong foundational programs in literacy, mathematics, science, and biblical studies. Facilities include modern classrooms, technology resources, and dedicated spaces for arts and physical education. The school is known for its committed teachers, family atmosphere, and comprehensive approach to student development. Parents consistently praise the school's caring environment and strong academic preparation for high school.
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Holy Rosary School
Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls
Holy Rosary School is a long-standing Catholic educational institution serving families in northeastern South Dakota, including the Gary community. Founded in 1950, the school offers education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith formation and academic excellence. The curriculum integrates traditional subjects with Catholic teachings, technology education, and character development. The school features well-maintained facilities, updated technology resources, and a supportive learning environment. With over 70 years of operation, Holy Rosary has built a reputation for strong community involvement, dedicated faculty, and preparing students well for secondary education. The school serves multiple rural communities in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gary, South Dakota
What are the private school options for families living in or near Gary, South Dakota?
Gary itself is a very small community, so most private school options are located in nearby towns within Deuel County and the broader region. The primary options include Great Plains Lutheran High School in Watertown (about 30 miles away), which serves grades 9-12. For younger students, Lake Area Christian School in Watertown offers a K-8 program, and Holy Rosary School in nearby Kranzburg provides a Catholic education for Pre-K through 8th grade. Families in Gary should be prepared for a commute, as these are the closest established private institutions, reflecting the common rural South Dakota model of regional private schooling.
How does tuition at private schools near Gary, SD, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for the private schools serving the Gary area is generally below the national average but aligned with regional South Dakota costs. For the 2023-2024 school year, elementary tuition at schools like Holy Rosary or Lake Area Christian typically ranges from $2,500 to $4,500 annually. Great Plains Lutheran High School tuition is higher, often between $7,000 and $9,000. Critically, South Dakota has the "Partners in Education" tax credit program, which provides scholarships for students to attend private schools. All these schools offer financial aid, and many local families also utilize support from their affiliated churches to help manage costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Gary, SD, region offer that differentiate them from public schools?
The private schools near Gary emphasize specific value-based education and specialized programs. Great Plains Lutheran High School offers a strong college-prep curriculum with distinctive theology courses and competitive athletics in the Dakota Christian Athletic Association. Lake Area Christian School and Holy Rosary School integrate faith-based learning throughout their daily instruction, which is a key differentiator. Due to their smaller sizes, these schools often provide more individualized attention. However, public schools in Deuel County may offer a wider range of vocational/technical courses and larger-scale extracurricular activities, so the choice depends on a family's priorities for class size, religious integration, and specific program offerings.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Gary, South Dakota families?
The process typically begins in the winter or early spring prior to the desired school year. For example, Great Plains Lutheran High School often holds open houses and begins accepting applications in January. Lake Area Christian and Holy Rosary also recommend applying by March or April for the following fall, though they may accept students year-round if space is available. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, a pastor's reference (for religious schools), and a family interview. Due to the limited seats in these small schools, especially in specific grade levels, early application is strongly advised for Gary-area residents to secure a spot and arrange transportation.
For a family in rural Gary, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and community when choosing a private school?
Transportation is a primary practical concern. Public school busing is not provided for private school students in South Dakota, so families from Gary must arrange their own transportation to Watertown, Kranzburg, or other locations. This often involves forming carpool groups with other local families or making a significant daily commute. On the community side, these private schools create tight-knit networks where families from various small towns converge. Choosing a school like Holy Rosary or Great Plains Lutheran often means your child will build friendships across a wider regional area rather than just their local public school district, which can be a unique benefit for rural social development.
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