The Best Private Schools in Howard, South Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Howard. 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 Sioux Falls
St. Thomas More High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving students from across eastern South Dakota. With a rigorous academic program featuring 17 Advanced Placement courses and a 100% college acceptance rate, the school emphasizes faith formation alongside academic excellence. The campus features modern science labs, performing arts facilities, and comprehensive athletic programs. Students benefit from small class sizes averaging 18 students and a student-teacher ratio of 12:1. The school serves as a regional educational hub drawing students from communities throughout the area.
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O'Gorman Catholic Schools
Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls
O'Gorman Catholic Schools is one of South Dakota's most respected private educational institutions, serving students from preschool through high school. The comprehensive college preparatory program includes 20 AP courses, dual credit opportunities, and specialized academies in STEM and fine arts. The 50-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and innovation labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. With a tradition of academic excellence spanning over six decades, O'Gorman maintains a 99% graduation rate and consistently produces National Merit Scholars.
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Lutheran School Association
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Lutheran School Association provides a comprehensive Christian education from preschool through high school, serving families across eastern South Dakota. The school's classical education model emphasizes critical thinking, rhetoric, and character development alongside rigorous academics. The college preparatory program features advanced mathematics and science courses, foreign language options, and comprehensive fine arts programming. The campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic facilities. LSA maintains small class sizes and personalized attention while fostering spiritual growth and community service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Howard, South Dakota
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Howard, South Dakota?
While Howard itself is a smaller community, families typically look to nearby Sioux Falls for the closest private school options. The most prominent and accessible schools from Howard include St. Thomas More High School (a Catholic, co-ed 9-12 school), O'Gorman Catholic Schools (a system with elementary, junior high, and high school campuses), and the Lutheran School Association (offering preschool through 8th grade). These schools often serve families from surrounding towns like Howard, with many providing bus transportation or carpool networks. It's important to note that there are no private school campuses physically located within the city limits of Howard, so commuting is a standard consideration.
How does South Dakota's "Partners in Education" tax credit program affect private school tuition for Howard families?
South Dakota's unique Partners in Education (PIE) tax credit program can significantly help Howard families with private school costs. This program allows individuals and businesses to receive a 100% state tax credit for donations made to approved scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs). These SGOs then award need-based scholarships to students attending private schools like St. Thomas More or O'Gorman. For a Howard family, this means applying for financial aid directly through the school and potentially through an SGO. The availability of these scholarships can make private education in the region more accessible, though demand often exceeds supply, so early application is key.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the Howard area offer that differ from local public schools?
Private schools in the Sioux Falls region, attended by Howard students, often offer distinct programs rooted in their religious missions and college-prep focus. For example, St. Thomas More High School has a strong emphasis on STEM and service learning, while O'Gorman offers extensive advanced placement (AP) and dual-credit courses through local universities. The Lutheran School Association provides a continuous Lutheran education from preschool through middle school. A notable difference for Howard families is the consistent, faith-based integration across all subjects and often smaller class sizes, which can provide a different educational environment compared to the larger, regional public school systems.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like O'Gorman or St. Thomas More for a family relocating to Howard?
The enrollment process for the major private schools serving Howard is highly structured and often begins very early. For schools like O'Gorman, priority is given to siblings of current students and active parishioners of affiliated Catholic churches, with open enrollment for new families typically starting in January for the following fall. St. Thomas More also has an early application period. For a family moving to Howard, it is critical to contact the admissions offices as soon as possible, even mid-year, to check for availability. Many grades, especially in elementary schools, have waitlists. You will need to submit application forms, academic records, pastoral references (for religious schools), and often participate in a family interview or student assessment.
For a family in Howard, what are the key logistical and community factors to consider when choosing a private school in Sioux Falls?
The decision involves significant logistical planning. The commute from Howard to Sioux Falls is approximately 45-60 minutes one-way, so daily transportation is a major factor. Many Howard families form carpools. It's also important to consider the community connection; your child's social circle and extracurricular activities will largely be in Sioux Falls, which can impact family time and involvement. On the positive side, these schools offer a tight-knit, values-based community that can be very supportive. When comparing to the local Howard public school (Howard School District), the private option offers a specific religious education and potentially different academic tracks, but requires a substantial commitment in time, cost, and family logistics.
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