The Best Private Schools in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sioux Falls. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
O'Gorman Catholic Schools
Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls
O'Gorman Catholic Schools is the premier private school system in Sioux Falls, serving students from preschool through high school. The institution boasts a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement offerings and a dedicated STEM Academy. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, O'Gorman maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and consistently produces National Merit Scholars. The school emphasizes faith-based education while offering robust extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service.
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All Saints School
Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls
All Saints School offers a unique classical education model that combines rigorous academics with character formation and faith development. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school features a distinctive curriculum that includes Latin instruction, integrated fine arts, and Socratic teaching methods. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and tight-knit atmosphere. Facilities include dedicated science labs, art studios, and technology-enhanced classrooms. All Saints emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills while maintaining small class sizes that allow for individualized attention and academic excellence.
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St. Mary's Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls
Located just 20 minutes from Sioux Falls in Dell Rapids, St. Mary's Catholic School serves families throughout the greater Sioux Falls region with its comprehensive K-12 education program. As one of the oldest continuously operating Catholic schools in South Dakota, St. Mary's combines rich tradition with modern educational practices. The school features updated technology resources, including 1:1 device programs in upper grades, while maintaining strong emphasis on core academic subjects. The campus includes modern science facilities, dedicated art and music rooms, and competitive athletic programs. St. Mary's is particularly noted for its strong community atmosphere and individualized student support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
What are the primary private school options in Sioux Falls, SD, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Sioux Falls is home to several prominent private schools, primarily with religious affiliations. The O'Gorman Catholic Schools system is the largest, offering a comprehensive K-12 education rooted in Catholic values. All Saints School provides a classical, Catholic liberal arts education from preschool through 8th grade. St. Mary's Catholic School offers a parish-based elementary education. These schools share a commitment to faith-based learning, character development, and strong academic foundations, but differ in their specific curricular approaches and school culture. There are also a few non-religious private options, such as the Sioux Falls Lutheran School and Montessori-based preschools, but the landscape is predominantly Catholic-affiliated.
How does tuition for private schools in Sioux Falls, SD, compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in Sioux Falls varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 school year, elementary tuition at O'Gorman/All Saints for parish members is approximately $5,000-$6,000, while non-parish rates are higher. High school tuition at O'Gorman is around $9,000-$10,000. South Dakota offers unique financial support through the "Partners in Education" tax credit program, which provides scholarships for K-12 students from lower-income families to attend private schools. Additionally, all major Sioux Falls private schools have their own need-based financial aid and scholarship programs, and many offer multi-child discounts. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly for the most current rates and aid applications.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs do Sioux Falls private schools offer that distinguish them from public schools?
Sioux Falls private schools often provide distinct programs leveraging their smaller communities and specific missions. O'Gorman High School, for instance, offers a robust engineering pathway, extensive theology courses, and a nationally recognized athletics program. Many emphasize classical education elements, like Latin instruction at All Saints. A key differentiator is the integration of faith throughout the curriculum and daily activities. Extracurricularly, while public schools also have strong programs, private schools like O'Gorman compete in the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) and often have high participation rates in activities like speech/debate, music, and service clubs due to their close-knit environments.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Sioux Falls, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process in Sioux Falls typically begins in January or February for the following academic year, with priority often given to siblings of current students and active parish members for Catholic schools. For example, O'Gorman and All Saints have online application portals that open early in the calendar year. It's highly advisable to apply during these priority periods, as popular grades, especially kindergarten and early elementary, can fill quickly and generate waitlists. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, a pastor/parish verification form (for Catholic schools), and often a family interview or student assessment. Prospective families should attend fall open houses and contact schools by December to plan.
For families new to Sioux Falls, what are the key considerations when choosing between the city's public and private school systems?
Key considerations include educational philosophy, cost, and community. The Sioux Falls Public School District (SFPS) is large and diverse, offering extensive advanced placement (AP) courses, career academies, and no tuition. Private schools offer a faith-based environment, often with smaller class sizes and a consistent values-based message throughout the day. Transportation is another factor; SFPS provides busing, while private school families typically self-transport or carpool. Academically, both sectors perform well, but private schools often report higher standardized test scores and college acceptance rates. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether a family prioritizes the specific religious and community identity of a private school or the no-cost, comprehensive offerings of the public system.
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