There was a family preparing to move to Omaha. They struggled for a long time between private and public schools due to concerns about their children's education. They were unsure if they could afford private school tuition or if public school would be sufficient.

The school they ultimately looked into was Brownell Talbot School. It is a private school in the Dundee area of Omaha that serves students from preschool through 12th grade. It received an A+ rating from Niche and is considered one of the highest-rated private schools in Nebraska. The total enrollment is 462 students, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 8 to 1.

The annual tuition for the highest grade is $19,950. Compared to private schools in major cities on the East or West Coast, this is relatively less burdensome. Ninety-nine percent of graduates go on to four-year colleges, and the most recent graduating class achieved a 100% college acceptance rate. The average SAT score is 1340, and the ACT score is 29. The average GPA is 3.76.

On the public school side, Westside Community Schools is frequently mentioned. However, there are variations among schools. Westside Middle School has a GreatSchools rating of 7, while Westside High School has a rating of 4. It's worth noting that there are differences between schools even within the same district. For reference, the GreatSchools rating is based on test scores, college readiness, equity indicators, and more, rated on a scale of 1 to 10. Niche adds parent and student reviews, safety, and facility evaluations to give grades from A to F. Since these two ratings do not always align, it's more accurate to check both when comparing schools.

Looking at housing budgets, the choice between private and public schools also affects home prices. The Dundee area, where Brownell Talbot School is located, has shown a clear upward trend in the recent market. According to Redfin, the median sale price in March 2026 was $359,000, which is a 25.7% increase from the previous year. In comparison, the overall median price in Omaha is around $289,000 to $306,000, making Dundee noticeably higher. The average home value near Westside High School is even higher at $689,725.

Private school admissions typically accept applications in the fall and notify results between winter and early spring. If there are siblings already enrolled, they may give priority, so it's worth inquiring in advance. If assigned to a public school, it can be helpful to compare the curriculum and number of AP courses offered on the district's website before registration.

The Dundee area, being an older neighborhood, has cafes and shopping areas within walking distance. For families considering renting first, it's better to check the exact rental prices on sites like Zumper or Apartments.com. From an investment perspective, while the area has recently shown significant price increases, it cannot be assumed that this trend will continue. It's safer to look at vacancy rates and rental demand together.

Families moving to Omaha from other states may find the property tax structure unfamiliar. In Nebraska, property tax rates can vary significantly by area. If you only consider the tax system of your previous state when budgeting, you may miss important details, so it's advisable to check the property tax for the specific address with the Douglas County Assessor's office in advance.

Mortgage rates tend to change weekly, so it's good to check the latest figures from Freddie Mac. The Dundee area is about a ten-minute drive to downtown Omaha, making the commute manageable. Calculating private school tuition alongside mortgage payments clarifies the actual monthly budget.

Initially, the family was unsure whether to choose private or public schools, but by matching tuition, commute distance, and home prices, the answer became clear. Comparing both options based on the same criteria made the decision easier.

School district boundaries can change over time. It's advisable to double-check on the district's website which school a specific address is assigned to before making a purchase or rental agreement. This article does not constitute investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult real estate and tax professionals before any actual contracts.