The Best Private Schools in Lebanon, South Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lebanon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
O'Gorman Catholic School System
Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls
O'Gorman Catholic School System is a premier private education institution serving the greater Sioux Falls region, including Lebanon area families. This comprehensive Catholic school system offers education from preschool through high school with a strong college preparatory focus. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. O'Gorman maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 and offers over 20 Advanced Placement courses. The school has a 100% college acceptance rate and consistently produces National Merit Scholars. Extracurricular programs include championship athletic teams, award-winning music and theater programs, and extensive community service opportunities.
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Sioux Falls Christian Schools
Independent Christian School
Sioux Falls Christian Schools provides comprehensive Christian education from preschool through high school, serving families throughout southeastern South Dakota including the Lebanon area. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, offering a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with numerous honors and Advanced Placement courses. Facilities include modern classrooms, science and technology labs, fine arts performance spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. The school boasts a 99% college acceptance rate and students consistently score above state and national averages on standardized tests. Robust extracurricular offerings include championship athletic teams, competitive fine arts programs, mission trips, and leadership development opportunities.
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Liberty Baptist Academy
Liberty Baptist Church
Liberty Baptist Academy offers a comprehensive Christian education program serving students from kindergarten through high school, drawing families from Lebanon and surrounding communities. The school provides a strong academic foundation with a biblical worldview integration across all subjects. The curriculum emphasizes college preparation with a focus on critical thinking and character development. The school features modern classroom facilities, technology integration, and dedicated spaces for music, art, and physical education. Liberty Baptist maintains small class sizes with individualized attention and offers a variety of extracurricular activities including sports, music programs, and community service projects. The school is known for its family-like atmosphere and strong parent-teacher partnerships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lebanon, South Dakota
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Lebanon, South Dakota, given that the top-named schools are in Sioux Falls?
While Lebanon itself is a very small community without its own private school campus, families typically look to nearby Sioux Falls, approximately 25 miles away. The schools you mentioned—O'Gorman Catholic School System, Sioux Falls Christian Schools, and Liberty Baptist Academy—are the primary options. Enrollment from Lebanon is common, but it requires committing to daily transportation. Some families form carpools. It's important to contact these schools directly to confirm they are accepting out-of-district students and to understand their specific transportation policies for families from smaller surrounding towns like Lebanon.
How does South Dakota's "Partnership for Choice in Education" tax credit scholarship program affect tuition for Lebanon families at Sioux Falls private schools?
South Dakota's tax credit scholarship program, administered by organizations like the Sioux Falls Catholic School Foundation for O'Gorman, can significantly reduce the net tuition cost for eligible families. Income-based scholarships are available, and many Lebanon families utilize this program. The key step is to apply for financial aid directly through the chosen private school (e.g., O'Gorman or Sioux Falls Christian) as soon as you apply for enrollment. They will guide you through the scholarship application process. This state-specific program makes private education in the Sioux Falls area more accessible for qualifying families from Lebanon and across South Dakota.
For a Lebanon family interested in agriculture or trades, do Sioux Falls private schools offer relevant specialized programs?
While Sioux Falls private schools have strong college-prep curricula, specialized programs directly in agriculture are more limited compared to public FFA chapters. However, Sioux Falls Christian Schools and O'Gorman offer robust STEM programs, advanced science labs, and engineering courses that provide an excellent foundation. For hands-on trades, these schools often have partnerships with local technical institutes for dual credit. A unique consideration for Lebanon families is that the local public district may offer more direct agricultural education, so a thorough comparison of specific career-tech goals is recommended when choosing between a Sioux Falls private school and the local public system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and key deadline for applying to a Sioux Falls private school as a Lebanon resident?
The enrollment timeline is critical due to competitive spots. For schools like O'Gorman and Sioux Falls Christian, the main application period for the following academic year typically opens in early January, with priority deadlines in February or March. As a Lebanon resident, it's advisable to apply during this priority window, as some grades have waiting lists. Many schools host open houses in the fall. You should plan to attend these events a year in advance (e.g., fall of your child's 7th grade year for high school). Don't wait until summer, as spots are often filled. Contact the admissions office in the fall to get on their mailing list for specific dates.
What are the unique community and logistical considerations for a Lebanon student attending a private school in Sioux Falls?
The primary consideration is the daily commute, which can be 30-45 minutes each way, impacting participation in before/after-school activities, sports practices, and study groups. However, a unique benefit is the "best of both worlds" dynamic: a tight-knit, small-town home life in Lebanon combined with access to the extensive academic, athletic, and arts facilities of a larger Sioux Falls institution. Students often form strong bonds with carpool mates. Parents should evaluate the school's policy on late-start or early-release days due to weather, as the commute from Lebanon can be affected differently than for Sioux Falls residents. The community feel within the private school is still strong, but it requires proactive effort from Lebanon families to stay connected.
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