Open Book to Private Schools by Omaha World-Herald

O PRIVATE SCHOOLS PEN BOOK TO

Your education to Omaha Metro Area Private Schools Sunday, October 21, 2018

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• SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2018

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Don’t pick a school based on friends’ choices. Do your homework first. By Marjie Ducey ith so many choices, it’s not easy to pick the best private high school for your teen. But don’t fret, says longtime Omaha recruiting director Meg Jones. “There is really a good fit for everyone,’’ she says. Jones has 20 years of experience and says things have changed since she first started in the field. Students have much more say in the decision. But parents still need to do their homework. They know their child’s strengths and interests, and by becoming informed, can help find the right fit. Academics, sports and the arts are where most parents start when picking a school. Then comes deciding on single sex vs. coed. School size is also a factor. “In Omaha, most private schools are faith-based,’’ Meg Jones Jones says. “Retreats, community service and opportunities to grow in their faith are going to be important to some families.’’ Other things to consider are student-teacher ratio, technology programs and support services. Schools are providing all forms of counseling, from college choice to drugs and alcohol issues. “A lot of private schools are taking a wellness approach to counseling,’’ she says. Another big issue is affordability. Some Omaha high schools have soared beyond the $10,000 mark per year with tuition and fees included. That can be a challenge, especially if other children in the home are attending a private grade school or are in college. Make the decision easier by seeing whether the school your child is considering has negotiated tuition or other financial aid, as well as scholarships. Jones recommends that families visit a few schools. Although you may think a single-sex school is best, give your student the opportunity to check out a coed version, too. If your child is especially interested in a specific program, don’t just read what is in the brochure at your visit. Speak with the coach or moderator. See how many students are involved, what competitions they take part in and how they’ve done. Sports can be a difficult issue. It may be harder to make the roster on a Class •

JAMES R. BURNETT

Juniors James Chapman, left, and Matt Lemar, study at Creighton Prep High School. A team, and parents worry that their son or daughter won’t be recruited by college coaches at a Class B or C school. “I don’t think that’s true anymore,’’ Jones says. “You have kids going on to play in college that attended a smaller high school.’’ Jones says she’s had parents in her ofﬁce upset because their son or daughter has picked what they consider the wrong school. Sometimes the student picks a school just because it’s the one their friends plan to attend. Ultimately, Jones says, the ﬁnal decision lies with the parents, who will be footing the bills. Hopefully, though, a school visit seals the deal for everyone. “Students need to have that sense that this is where I belong,’’ Jones says. “That I will thrive and I can be me.’’

CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

From left: Omaha Skutt’s Gracie Yaghmour, Lauren Huber and Hannah Knier Waverly play piccolos at a recent football game.

marjie.ducey@owh.com, 402-444-1034, twitter.com/mduceyowh •

WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

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• SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2018

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Students, teachers share why they like private schools By Marjie Ducey // WorlD-HeralD staff Writer

There’s all kinds of literature about why private schools are good for your children. But we went right to the source: local private school principals, teachers and students. • They have all kinds of reasons why they love their schools.

“At Brownell Talbot, I share a unique bond with my classmates because our class size is so small. I have public school friends who say they don’t know everyone in their grade — it’s really cool to say that I do.” Vikram Menon, Brownell Talbot

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“At a small private school, it feels like family. Going to an allgirls school has empowered me to speak up in class and excel in traditionally male-dominated subjects that I may have been too shy to explore otherwise.’’ Caitlyn Thomas, Mercy High School junior

“I believe that while a motivated student can succeed in either public or private school, private schools provide all encompassing support for all of their students that you would not necessarily receive in a public school. Prep encourages not only academic development but also personal development in a way I have never been exposed to before. Prep’s focus on service and its incorporation of Jesuit values have taught me to have a deeper care and respect for all people as I become a ‘Man for Others.’ ” Joe McLeese, Creighton Prep senior

“First, private school has smaller class sizes, which allows you to converse more with your classmates, and it gives you a more personal connection with your teacher. Next, private school curriculum is challenging. Another note is that attending a private school allows you to have more opportunities in extracurriculars. Finally, I believe private schools offer a tighterknit community. This helps in the future when looking for jobs or other opportunities because you might have better connections with people you attended private school with.’’ Sara Lighthart, Marian High School sophomore

“Private schools often offer a smaller environment where students can be known on a personal basis. Our school is able to incorporate our faith and religious beliefs into everything that we do, which I consider a huge advantage.’’ Kristi Wessling, Mercy High School principal

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“At Brownell Talbot we encourage our teachers to nurture intellectual curiosity, stimulate personal growth in each student, encourage critical thinking and promote a lifelong love of learning.” Dr. Kristi Gibbs, Brownell Talbot head of school

“While I truly believe there is a right ﬁt for each student be it private or public, there is something to be said about private education. It has to do with a stronger sense of shared experience from a young age. It may seem simple, but wearing a uniform creates a sense of connection at a subconscious level. Beyond this, attending a religious service whether a student belongs to that faith or not also creates that same sense of connection.” Gina Fosco, Mount Michael computer science and journalism teacher

“I chose Gross Catholic because I knew it would be academically challenging and has a world-class theater and ﬁne arts program. I love how it feels like a family.” Tessa Petersen, Gross Catholic sophomore

“I truly love everything about Roncalli Catholic, but the best aspects include the supportive teachers, enthusiastic students and, most importantly, our ability to freely share in our faith.’’ Abbey Schwarz, Roncalli Catholic sophomore

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“A private school has allowed me to meet and get to know more people due to its smaller size. The connections made with the faculty extend beyond the classroom at private schools. I really feel that they care about my success now and in the future. A private school does a great job in preparing me for college from an academic perspective.’’ Nick Buresh, Mount Michael junior

“We do more than teach academics and the brain; we are able to teach the heart, mind and soul as well. In Omaha, we are blessed with stellar public schools, but it is only in the private schools where faith and Catholic formation can walk hand in hand with one’s academic formation. Being able to pray in each class, attend Mass with my students and participate in a schoolwide day of service is something I have never done before teaching here at Skutt Catholic, and it has allowed me to pair the content I deliver with the life experience I can share.” Beth Reisbig, Skutt Catholic English teacher

“A Catholic education, in particular, focuses on the moral development of students and places an emphasis on Gospel-based values. Private schools are an attractive option for families interested in the education of the whole person.” Amanda Marcuccio, English Department chair and student council moderator at Mercy High School

“I think private education is a great option because classes tend to be smaller, leading to a sense of belonging and freedom of self-expression for students and greater opportunities for individualized instruction for educators. The culture of investment on the part of students, families and educators builds tightknit communities and in the case of religious schools, the faith-building identity beneﬁts not only members of the school, but of the larger community through acts of prayer and service.” Cristina Hiddleston, Duchesne Academy English teacher

“We are a big school relative to the programs we offer but yet a small community. Something really great is going on these walls. You feel safe. You feel connected to families. You know everyone by name. It’s like one big family. At a Friday night home football game, you get that smalltown feeling. We deal with issues and problems differently. We talk about Christian morals. We teach the whole child.’’ Andy Jipp, Concordia junior high teacher

“It’s fun to see the students evolve and mature on their journey at Prep as they become immersed in service to the poor, hungry, elderly and handicapped so they can continue being ‘Men for Others’ in their adult lives. Students will surprise you every day as they do more, know more and stretch more. Our students are well-rounded in academics and sports, music and art, and clubs and activities.” Sara Smith, Creighton Prep chemistry teacher

“My experience with private education is a single-sex, Catholic school of which Duchesne Academy is both. The young women witness their peers as leaders, mathematicians, poets, artists, athletes. There are no glass ceilings at a girls school. As a Catholic school our girls can develop their faith by being immersed in a Catholic curriculum, masses, prayer services.” Meg Brudney, Duchesne Academy head of school

“Private schools allow parents to choose their partners in educating their children with a goal to share in the faithbuilding and characterbuilding opportunities of education. Private schools help educate young people by nurturing their soul and doing their best at shaping mind, body and spirit.’’ Marsha Kalkowski, Marian High School English and journalism teacher

“My favorite part about going to a private school is the underlying kindness and respect everyone has toward each other. I think going to a Catholic high school has instilled the morals and virtues I have today. No matter what kind of relationship you have with your peers, you always show kindness and respect to them because we are all children of God who are called to love one another.’’ Hannah Rodricks, Skutt Catholic senior

“Teaching at an independent school affords me the opportunity to discover, truly, what inspires each of my students. I know their passions, strengths and challenges, and that is reﬂected in how I teach. We are a family of learners who work together to not only better ourselves, but each other as well.” Natalie Simms, Brownell Talbot third-grade teacher

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“Gross Catholic is a smaller school, and you really get to know the teachers and students. I chose Gross Catholic because my dad and brothers all attended Gross Catholic. It feels like family here.” Ben Larsen, Gross Catholic senior

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ESTABLISHED: 1863

OPEN HOUSES:

Preschool-Grade 4

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2018 8:15 - 9:30AM Grades 5-12

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2018 8:15 - 9:30AM or call for private tour

OUR MISSION: Brownell Talbot is a safe, caring community dedicated to academic excellence and to preparing students for success in college and in life. Through experiences in academics, activities, and the arts, students learn passionately, think critically, act responsibly, and lead with integrity.

Brownell Talbot students are known

inspired

challenged

Classroom ratio of 13:1 promotes individualized instruction and full participation.

Curriculum that encourages experiential learning, problem-solving, and collaboration.

A culture of supported risk-taking that builds character and conﬁdence.

BY THE NUMBERS:

• BT is ethnically diverse with 37% of students • identifying as persons of color. • BT offers world languages in all grades beginning • with preschoolers who spend 22 hours per school • year developing this skill. • The average class size is 13 students. • BT offers 10 team sports and 17 extracurriculars. • College counseling seminar classes begin in eighth • grade with every Upper School student assigned a • counselor for individual guidance. • 24% of students receive financial aid to attend BT. • The mean ACT score for Upper School students • is 27.8, 6.4 points above the state average. • 100% of graduates are accepted to college.

brownell.edu/goBT Nebraska’s only private, preschool through grade 12, independent, coeducational day school.

402-556-3772 • brownell.edu/goBT kim.schinzel@brownell.edu 400 N. Happy Hollow Blvd, Omaha, NE

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OMAHA CATHOLIC SCHOOL CONSORTIUM

A Collaboration of Parishes, Schools, Parents and Community Partners

ESTABLISHED: 2012

THE TIME IS NOW TO TAKE A TOUR!

Visit any of our schools; call us to arrange a time!

OUR MISSION:

HOLY CROSS OUR LADY OF LOURDES SAINT BERNADETTE SAINT THOMAS MORE SAINTS PETER & PAUL DUAL LANGUAGE ACADEMY

The Omaha Catholic School Consortium provides academic, administrative and financial support to its member schools to ensure students have access to an exceptional education in a nurturing and culturally unique environment, where they are encouraged to explore their Catholic faith and become Disciples of Christ.

BY THE NUMBERS:

• More than 1,800 students this school year • More than 40% minority • 40% of Consortium students receive • tuition assistance of some kind. • Individualized tuition plans are • available based on need. • 76% of last year’s eighth grade graduates • matriculated to Catholic high schools • 90% Catholic • First Dual Language English and • Spanish immersion experience for • children as young as preschool offered • at the new Dual Language Academy.

CONTACT US: 402-590-2810 www.OmahaCSC.org Follow us on Facebook: @OmahaCatholicSchoolConsortium 4501 S. 41st St., Omaha, NE 68107

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• SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2018

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ESTABLISHED: 1998

OPEN HOUSE:

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2018 NOON - 3:00PM

OUR MISSION:

LY! I M A F A I D R O C N O C E H T N .org I a m O a i d r o c n o w w w.C C o n c o r d ia O m

aha

Concordia Students are... Faith Secure, World Ready, Kingdom Leaders.

BY THE NUMBERS:

• Faith-infused welcoming community • K-12 STEM curriculum • Faith in Action through community service • Student leadership development • Average ACT 25 • 50+ Student Activities • 10+ Nebraska School Activities State Qualifiers • 36 Dual & AP Credits Offered

CONTACT US: 402-990-9444 Dawn Cooksey, Admissions Director cookseyd@concordiaomaha.org Concordia Academy (K-5) 1821 N 90th St Concordia Jr.-Sr. High (6-12) 15656 Fort St

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ESTABLISHED: 1878

OPEN HOUSE:

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2018 11:30AM - 2:00PM Visit CreightonPrep.org/Admissions for more information about our Open House, Future Family Nights, shadow days or private tours.

OUR MISSION: Creighton Preparatory School forms men of faith, scholarship, leadership and service in the Catholic and Jesuit tradition – for 140 years.

BY THE NUMBERS:

• 50 area ZIP Codes represented in diverse population • Over $2 million awarded to 52% of all students in • financial assistance and academic scholarships • 12:1 student to faculty ratio, 19 average class size • 90% of student involvement in clubs and activities • 98% of graduates attend a college or university • 26.3 average ACT score • $37,851 average four-year college scholarship • 185 grads earned scholarships, 23% earned full tuition

CONTACT US: 402-393-1190 CreightonPrep.org/Admissions For more information, contact Josh Luedtke, Director of Admissions at 402-548-3872 or JLuedtke@CreightonPrep.org 7400 Western Ave., Omaha NE 68114-1878

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ESTABLISHED: 1881

OPEN HOUSE:

SUNDAY, NOV 4, 2018 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM or call for private tour

OUR MISSION:

Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart is an independent, Catholic, college-preparatory high school for girls in grades 9-12. Duchesne was established in Omaha in 1881 and is one of 24 Network of Sacred Heart Schools in the United States and Canada. Central to its mission is the value Duchesne places on the development of the total person and, therefore, the school commits itself to building an environment characterized by an active faith life, love of learning, creativity, and lifetime relationships.

BY THE NUMBERS:

• 330 students from 54 zip codes are enrolled for the 2018-2019 school year • 9:1 student to teacher ratio with an average class size of 15 • Over 35 clubs to join • 60% of students participate in at least one sport • The class of 2018 was awarded more than $19 million in scholarships • 89% of the class of 2018 received at lease one scholarship • Average ACT score for the class of 2018: 27

CONTACT US: Address: 3601 Burt Street, Omaha, NE 68131 Admissions Director: Lauren Mueller Phone: 402-810-9966 Email: lmueller@duchesneacademy.org Website: www.duchesneacademy.org

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Discover one of Nebraska’s Premier Private Schools ESTABLISHED: 1968

OPEN HOUSE:

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2018 11:00AM - 2:00PM

OUR MISSION: Gross Catholic High School is a faith and familybased community committed to developing Christian leaders through educational excellence in the Marianist tradition.

BY THE NUMBERS:

Authentically Faithful. Purposefully Compassionate. Academically Driven. Our unique Campus Visit Grant program allows students to be eligible for a $1,000 tuition grant for their freshman year after completing the following steps: • First, participate in a shadow visit at Gross Catholic between September 2018 and January 2019. • Next, register and take the Catholic high school admissions exam at Gross Catholic. • Last, enroll in Gross Catholic as an incoming freshman.

• 14:1 Student/Teacher Ratio. • $17.3 million in college scholarships awarded to • approximately 71 percent of the last two graduating • classes. Average award of $131,000 per graduate. • 33% of college scholarships awarded in 2018 were • full tuition offers. • 22 Honors and AP Classes, 20+ Dual • Enrollment Classes. • 17 interscholastic athletic opportunities and 24 • different activities or clubs. • 11,000 hours of student service hours performed • each year by our students. • World-ranked robotics program. • Individualized Tuition Plan for each family.

CONTACT US: 402-734-2000 • info@gcgmail.org grosscatholic.org 7700 S 43rd St, Bellevue NE Discover the Gross Catholic difference: www.grosscatholic.org/discover

@grosscatholiccougars

@GCHSCougars

@gccougars

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Developing Mind, Soul and Body One of the nation’s leading college prep educations for young men

ESTABLISHED: 1953

OPEN HOUSE:

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2018 1:00 - 4:00PM

OUR MISSION: Mount Michael Benedictine School is a Catholic college preparatory residential/day high school rooted in Benedictine values for young men committed to excellence. Students develop spiritually, intellectually, and socially through the comprehensive curriculum and communal experience to become future leaders.

BY THE NUMBERS:

• 1/3 of the Class of 2018 received full tuition college scholarships • Class of 2019 Average ACT: 29.6 • 5-Year Average ACT: 28 • 200 AP Scholars since 2010 • 7:1 Student-to-Teacher Ratio • Average Class Size: 14 • 14 Countries Represented in Enrollment • 21 Extracurricular Activities Offered

CONTACT US: 402-238-1457 or 402-289-4539 mountmichael.com Tom Maliszewski - Director of Admissions admissions@mountmichael.org 22520 Mt Michael Rd, Elkhorn, NE

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