Frequently Asked Questions

• What age must my child be to enroll?
  • Preschool (3 year olds): Must be 3 before July 31st of the current school year to comply with Nebraska state law.
  • PreKindergarten (4 year olds): Must be 4 before July 31st of the current school year to comply with Nebraska state law.
  • Kindergarten (5 year olds): Must be 5 before July 31st of the current school year to comply with Nebraska state law.
• What grade levels does St. Bernadette serve?

  St. Bernadette offers education from Preschool through 8th grade. The school is accredited through the State of Nebraska and provides a diverse curriculum that includes Spanish, STEM, art, music and physical education.

• When does enrollment open for new families?

  Enrollment for new families opens in early February.  School tours are available during the school day and can be scheduled by calling the St. Bernadette School office at (402)731-3033.

• How do I start the enrollment process?

  Starting the enrollment process for one of our Consortium schools has never been easier! Simply complete the Inquiry Form so we can learn more about you and the schools that you are interested in will be reaching out to you right away to schedule a tour and answer your questions. Once you have decided which school your student wants to attend, they will send you the online application and detail what’s next. We are here to help you every step on your school search journey!

  Inquiry Form

• What time does school start and end?

  Full-day classes run from 7:50 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

• Is financial assistance available?

  Yes, St. Bernadette offers financial aid based on need. Families may qualify for assistance through the Children’s Scholarship Fund (CSF) and the Omaha Catholic School Consortium (OCSC). Applications for CSF open in mid-February and close in early May. The Consortium team is committed to addressing financial challenges and is eager to discuss financial aid opportunities for the upcoming school year. We award more than $2.2 million every year in tuition assistance to families. There are multiple opportunities for assistance based upon financial need, and discounts are also available for families with multiple students, families who belong to one of our partner parishes and those who work in one of the schools. You can find out more at https://omahacsc.org/tuition-assistance/.

• Is there extended care available?

  Yes, before and after-school extended care is available for all students in all grades.

• Why do families choose St. Bernadette Catholic School?

  Families choose St. Bernadette School for its strong academics, faith-filled environment and supportive community. Students benefit from single-section classes, a spacious campus with room to learn and play, and experienced educators dedicated to helping every child succeed.

  Faith and school spirit are woven into daily life, with students regularly gathering for assemblies and reciting the school mission together. Through our connection with Gross Catholic High School, students also have opportunities like band participation and a strong pathway into Catholic high school education.

  St. Bernadette supports the whole child with specialized services including special education, speech and Title support, while our award-winning teachers and administrators reflect the excellence and commitment found throughout our school community.

• What academic services are available for my student if he/she needs additional support?

  At the Consortium, we work with students of all academic abilities and are able to adapt our teaching in a variety of ways so we can help each student succeed. All of our schools have teaching assistants, as well as resource and additional staff members to support students in reaching their full potential. Additional support includes:

  • Title I Support
  • Accomodation Plans/Equitable Service Plans
  • Individualized Education Plans (IEP)
  • Counseling from Consortium school counselors and/or Catholic Charities licensed mental health providers
• Do I need to be Catholic to enroll my child?

  No. St. Bernadette welcomes students of all faiths. While approximately 90% of our student body is Catholic, we are open to and respectful of families from other faith traditions. All students participate in daily prayer and religious education, and our school community is rooted in Catholic values while embracing diversity, respect and inclusion.

• How is faith present in the school at St. Bernadette?

  Faith is part of everyday life at St. Bernadette School. Students grow spiritually through daily prayer, schoolwide Rosaries, monthly Adoration and service opportunities that encourage them to live out their faith in meaningful ways.

  Our school community also supports seminarians through a long-standing Vocations Program, participates in charitable projects throughout the year and shares prayer intentions through our special Prayer Tree tradition.

  Students also experience Catholic traditions through celebrations like Las Posadas, a meaningful Advent reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before the birth of Jesus.

  These experiences help students deepen their faith, honor their heritage, and understand the importance of prayer, remembrance and trust in God—creating a welcoming, faith-filled community for all.

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• How can my student get involved outside of the classroom?

  More students are finding a place to belong at St. Bernadette from SBS Tiger athletics, clubs, robotics and more, there are so many opportunities to get involved, further your interests and expand your talents. In fact, 92% of Consortium students recently reported positive and supportive relationships as part of their daily school experience.

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• What extracurricular clubs are offered at St. Bernadette?

  At St. Bernadette, learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends! Our vibrant extracurricular clubs give students the chance to explore interests, build confidence, and connect with friends in new ways. Students can choose from engaging options such as Art Club, Robotics, Theatre productions and more, with offerings that may vary each year. These clubs spark creativity, encourage innovation and help students discover their talents while having fun in a faith-filled, supportive community.

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• What are the benefits of attending St. Bernadette?

  There are so many benefits of attending St. Bernadette, which is a member of the Consortium! Here’s a few facts to start:

  • Collaboration & Innovation
    Our experienced and caring teachers meet as an entire network several times during the school year to collaborate and find more effective ways to reach students.
  • Experienced & Caring Teachers
    At least 6 of every 10 Consortium students can read at or above their grade level. Across the six schools, teachers have an average of more than 15 years of experience in education, many with advanced degrees. Their love of and dedication to teaching is evident daily in their classrooms.
  • Diverse Student Body
    With a diversity rate of 59%, children of all races, ethnicities and other faith backgrounds all come together to learn, grow and worship.
  • Values-Based Education
    Students are instilled with Christ-centered values, preparing them for a meaningful life with faith, character and compassion. Many prayer, service and extracurricular activities exist to help your child make new friends and make a place for his or herself in the world.
  • Tuition Assistance Opportunities
    A Catholic education is more affordable than you think. Tuition discounts and other assistant opportunities are available for all prospective families. Let’s find a way!