The Best Private Schools in Oldham, South Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Oldham. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Sioux Falls Christian Schools
Sioux Falls Christian School Association
As one of South Dakota's premier private Christian schools, Sioux Falls Christian serves families across the region including Oldham area. The school offers a rigorous academic program with numerous Advanced Placement courses, championship athletic teams, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The 50-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and modern athletic complex. The school maintains a strong college preparatory focus with nearly 100% college acceptance rate.
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Arlington Christian School
Independent Christian School
Arlington Christian School serves students from Oldham and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Christian education program. The school emphasizes academic excellence through small class sizes and individualized instruction, combined with strong spiritual development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science lab, and athletic facilities. The curriculum integrates technology with traditional subjects while maintaining a Christ-centered approach to learning.
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Brookings Christian School
Independent Christian School
Brookings Christian School provides quality Christian education to students from Oldham and surrounding communities. The school focuses on developing students academically, spiritually, and socially through a comprehensive curriculum that integrates biblical principles across all subjects. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the school offers various extracurricular activities including music, sports, and community service programs. The safe, nurturing environment emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Oldham, South Dakota
What are the private school options specifically available for families residing in Oldham, South Dakota?
While Oldham itself is a small town, families have access to several well-regarded private Christian schools in the broader region. The closest options include Arlington Christian School in Arlington (about 15 miles away) and Brookings Christian School in Brookings (approximately 25 miles away). Sioux Falls Christian Schools, a larger K-12 system, is located in Sioux Falls, roughly 50 miles from Oldham, and is a common choice for families willing to commute. There are no private schools physically located within Oldham's town limits, so transportation is a key consideration for Oldham residents seeking private education.
How does tuition at private schools near Oldham, SD, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for the private schools serving Oldham families is generally below the national private school average but aligns with regional costs in South Dakota. For the 2024-2025 school year, expect tuition ranges from approximately $4,500 to $8,500 annually for elementary grades, with higher rates for high school. South Dakota offers the Partners in Education (PIE) tax credit program, which provides scholarships for students to attend private schools based on financial need. Additionally, individual schools like Sioux Falls Christian and Brookings Christian offer need-based financial aid, sibling discounts, and active fundraising to help subsidize costs for qualifying families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Oldham offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in this region emphasize a faith-based education integrated into all subjects, which is their primary differentiator. Academically, they often offer strong STEM programs, with Sioux Falls Christian providing notable robotics and engineering tracks. For families in Oldham, these schools may also offer more consistent small class sizes compared to consolidating rural public districts. Extracurricularly, they provide distinct opportunities like statewide Christian athletic conferences (SDHSAA), extensive music and worship arts programs, and mission trip experiences that are central to their curriculum, which are not typically found in the Oldham-De Smet public school system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Arlington Christian or Brookings Christian that serve Oldham students?
The enrollment process for these schools usually begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority given to re-enrolling students and siblings. For Oldham families, it's crucial to apply early due to limited space, especially in lower grades. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, a family interview, and often a pastoral reference due to the religious affiliation. Many schools host open houses in the fall and winter; given the distance from Oldham, scheduling a visit and interview well in advance is highly recommended. Rolling admissions may continue if spots remain, but waiting lists are common.
For an Oldham resident, what are the key logistical considerations when choosing a private school like Sioux Falls Christian versus a closer option?
The key logistical factors are commute, community integration, and cost. Choosing Sioux Falls Christian (a 50-mile one-way commute) requires a significant daily time commitment or exploring carpool options with other families. In contrast, Arlington or Brookings Christian involves a shorter, more manageable rural commute. However, the larger school in Sioux Falls offers a wider array of academic electives, sports, and arts programs. Families must also consider the child's social connections, as attending a school far from Oldham may limit local peer interactions. Many families balance this by participating in local sports or 4-H while the child's academic and faith community is centered in the school city.
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