Aquinas Middle High School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026-27)

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About the School

The Mission of Aquinas and St. Mary`s Catholic schools community is to provide a Christ-centered learning environment where we develop individuals to be disciples of Christ in all areas of their lives.
The Aquinas & St. Mary`s school community will: Foster a God-centered, Catholic culture to promote a Christ-like outlook on life Provide a learning environment to promote academic achievement for all students by developing their unique abilities and interests to prepare them for future vocations and challenges Provide opportunities for individuals to grow spiritually, physically, socially and emotionally Nurture a life-long commitment to Christian values that promote growth in church, family, and civic relationships Promote respect for one`s self worth and mutual respect for others at all stages of life.

Quick Facts (2026-27)

Top Ranked NE School
Grades: Prekindergarten-12
Enrollment: 486 students
Yearly Tuition: $34,978
Average class size: 15 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Aquinas Middle High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Nebraska for:

School Facts

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)

Religious Affiliation

Catholic

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-12

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Aquinas Middle High School
Pre-K	59
Kind	24
1	32
2	28
3	27
4	40
5	33
6	32
7	30
8	53
9	41
10	25
11	26
12	36

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ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Year Founded

1960

Colors

White, Gold, Black

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students

486 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

State avg.: 20%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

59 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

8:1

National avg.: 11:1

Average Class Size

15 students

Number of AP Courses

1 course

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$34,978

View national tuition avg.

Application URL

Online Application

Endowment Size

$6 million

School Notes

With great faith, the first parishioners or St. Mary`s Catholic parish decided to start a school. The doors of St. Mary`s Grade School opened in August 1899. Fr. William A Murphy, pastor of St. Mary`s from 1933-1952, expressed his desire to offer a Catholic secondary education. With his transfer to St. Francis, Center, in 1952, this task was handed over to Msgr. Alphonse Lisko. On August 29, 1954 the new St. Mary`s High School was blessed. The next day 57 students registered for the ninth and tenth grades. Twenty-five students completed their four year program on May 26, 1957. The High School remained in operation for 8 years until Aquinas High School was built. In December 1959, Bishop James V. Casey announced that a new Catholic High School would be erected in the David City area. The parishes involved were Sts. Peter and Paul, Abie; Presentation, St. Joseph and St. Peter`s, Bellwood; Holy Trinity, Brainard; St. Anthony`s, Bruno; Assumption, St. Francis and St. Mary`s, David City; St. Mary`s, Linwood; Sacred Heart, Shelby; Immaculate Conception, Ulysses; St. Luke, Loma; St. Wenceslaus, Bee; and Assumption, Dwight. On June 12, 1960, it was announced that the name of the school would be Aquinas High School. This title was chosen because St. Thomas Aquinas is the universal patron of Catholic Schools, and in addition, he was one of the greatest scholars of the Christian era; he had a special love for truth; he loved Christ above all; he had a great affection for Our Lady; he had a special love for the Eucharistic Sacrifice; and his idea of God`s providential guidance of all events is appropriate for all times. The school opened on September 5, 1961 with 295 students from 15 parishes in Butler, Polk, and Seward Counties. In 1986 a middle school was added to the system. On Sept. 17 1990, the Council of Administration at Aquinas Middle School-High School, the Parish Council of St. Mary`s School and the Pastors of the David City Deanery held a joint meeting to discuss the future of Catholic Education in the three county area. It was the unanimous decision of each of these groups that Aquinas and St. Mary`s should be merged into one school system. Aquinas Middle-High School is owned and operated by the thirteen parishes of the Aquinas area. This area comprises all of Butler County and parts of Polk and Seward Counties. The school`s operation policies are determined by the administration through recommendations of the staff and school councils, subject to the policies of the Diocese of Lincoln. The school enjoys a Class A accreditation by the Nebraska State Department of Education, is a member of the Nebraska School Activities Association, and as such, is subject to the rules and regulations of both of these bodies.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Aquinas Middle High School cost?

Aquinas Middle High School's tuition is approximately $34,978 for private students.

What schools are Aquinas Middle High School often compared to?

Aquinas Middle High School is often viewed alongside schools like Aquinas Catholic Elementary School by visitors of our site.

What is Aquinas Middle High School's ranking?

Aquinas Middle High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Nebraska for: Largest student body.

When is the application deadline for Aquinas Middle High School?

The application deadline for Aquinas Middle High School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Nebraska is $6,916 for elementary schools and $10,894 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Nebraska is 91% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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Aquinas Middle High School

About the School

School Rankings

School Facts

Distribution of Students By Grade

Student Body

Academics & Faculty

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

School Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

School Reviews

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