Omaha, being the largest city in Nebraska, has several private high schools. Private schools differentiate themselves from public schools through smaller class sizes, specialized educational philosophies, and rich extracurricular programs.

In Omaha, where religious schools are prominent, Catholic high schools stand out in terms of academic achievement and college admission rates. This article details three highly regarded private high schools in the Omaha area, focusing on their characteristics, programs, and school atmosphere.

The first school to be introduced is Creighton Preparatory School. Established in 1878 by the Jesuit foundation, Creighton Prep is a prominent all-boys private high school in Omaha. Jesuit education is well-known for emphasizing critical thinking, service to others, and intellectual excellence, and Creighton Prep offers a rigorous academic curriculum and a wealth of extracurricular activities based on this tradition.

It offers a wide range of AP courses, with over 99% of graduates going on to four-year colleges. The school consistently produces graduates who attend top universities such as Harvard, Yale, and MIT. The student body is around 1,000, allowing for a low student-to-teacher ratio that enables personalized learning support.

Extracurricular activities in sports, debate, music, and theater are also of high quality, and there is active engagement in community service. Admission is competitive, and scholarship programs are available.

The second school is Mount Michael Benedictine High School. Located near Elkhorn in northwest Omaha, this school is a unique Catholic private high school operated by a Benedictine monastery. As a boarding school, it attracts students from across the country while also accepting day students. With a student population of around 200, it is very small, allowing for one-on-one guidance and deep relationships with faculty. The monastery campus provides a unique environment conducive to self-discipline and academic focus.

Students have access to AP courses and dual enrollment opportunities, and the college admission rate is very high. It offers a unique option for families looking to experience community living in a natural setting. While it emphasizes religious values, non-Catholic students are also welcome to apply.

The third school is Marian High School. Founded in 1923, Marian High School is a Catholic girls' school and one of the oldest private high schools for girls in Omaha. Operated by the IHM (Immaculate Heart of Mary) Sisters, it combines traditional Catholic educational values with modern academic programs. It offers a wide range of AP courses and excels in both STEM and arts subjects.

The majority of graduates go on to four-year colleges, consistently producing students who are accepted into both local institutions like Creighton University and major universities nationwide. The school actively promotes leadership training and service programs, fostering holistic growth among students. With small class sizes, there is a strong bond between teachers and students, and the alumni network is robust.

In addition, there are other noteworthy private high schools in the Omaha area. Roncalli Catholic High School has recently moved to a new campus with modern facilities, and Omaha Cathedral and Archbishop Bergan are also well-known Catholic schools in the region.

As for non-religious private schools, Archbishop Ryan High School is among them, but the Omaha private school market is predominantly led by Catholic institutions.

There are practical considerations to keep in mind when choosing a private school. First is the issue of tuition. Annual tuition for private high schools in Omaha varies by school but generally ranges from $8,000 to $18,000.

For Creighton Prep, the annual tuition is reported to be around $15,000, and various scholarship and financial aid programs are available at each school, so it is advisable to review financial aid applications before enrollment. Marian High School and Mount Michael also offer merit-based scholarships and need-based financial support.

The admission process also differs from public schools, requiring a separate application procedure. Generally, entrance exams (HSPT or their own tests), transcripts, recommendations, and interviews are required. Application timelines vary by school but typically focus on the previous fall to winter (October to January). If you are planning to move to Omaha, it is important to prepare during this period. Checking the admission open house schedules on each school's website will provide opportunities to tour the campus and speak with teachers and current students.

In summary, private high schools in Omaha, particularly those with a Catholic tradition, combine strong academic programs with character education. Creighton Prep (all-boys), Marian High School (all-girls), and Mount Michael Benedictine (boarding school option) each have distinct characteristics, allowing families to choose based on their child's gender, learning style, and boarding preferences. Families prioritizing college admission should carefully consider the college counseling programs and AP/Dual Enrollment options offered by these schools.