Prairie Hill Learning Center (Top Ranked �� School for 2025-26)

17705 S 12th St
Roca, NE 68430

Tel: (402) 438-6668

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Prairie Hill Learning Center Photo #1 - Prairie Hill is a nature-based Montessori school serving children 18 months to 8th grade on a beautiful 12-acre campus near Lincoln, Nebraska for over 40 years.

Prairie Hill Learning Center Photo #2 - The Young Children's Community (ages 18 months to 3 years, daycare and preschool) provides individual and communal opportunities for very young children to gain experience in independence, coordination, organization, and concentration through daily living activities. This includes toileting, dressing, food preparation, shared meals, plant and animal care, and more to assist the children in gaining independence.

Prairie Hill Learning Center Photo #3 - In the Younger Elementary (ages 6 to 9 years, 1st grade to 3rd grade) our Lead Guides all utilize the Montessori tradition of instruction. This allows children to learn and be helped on an individual basis. The Elementary program integrates elements from the primary program (imagination, abstraction, language, socialization) with advanced cultural exploration in the arts, sciences, and the Universe.

Prairie Hill Learning Center Photo #4 - In The Older Elementary Community (ages 9 to 12 years, 4th grade to 6th grade) our Lead Guides all utilize the Montessori tradition of instruction. This allows children to learn and be helped on an individual basis. This learning establishes more understanding between the child, the Guide, and the Work.

Prairie Hill Learning Center Photo #5 - In the Adolescent Community (7th and 8th grade) students deepen their studies of the traditional academic subjects through intense group discussions and individual research. They have practice in presenting in front of a group, entrepreneurship, scheduling visits outside of school to learn about real world applications, and are guided to maintain important planning and goals for their academic work.

The mission of Prairie Hill is to offer education in an atmosphere that promotes individual growth as well as caring for others and the Earth.

Our campus is focused on the outdoors with acres of open space, woods, trails and prairie, as well as organic gardens, fruit orchard, chickens, horses and cats.

The individual and small group Montessori instruction within multi-aged communities offers rich social and academic benefits to children.

Our Lead Guides are all Montessori certified licensed teachers with advanced degrees and years of experience.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

Top Ranked NE School
School Type: Montessori School
Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
Enrollment: 83 students
Yearly Tuition: $12,000
Acceptance rate: 60%
Average class size: 20 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Prairie Hill Learning Center ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Nebraska for:

School Overview

School Type

Montessori School

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

American Montessori Society (AMS)
Association Montessori International (AMI)
Other Montessori association(s)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Nursery/Preschool-8

Year Founded

1981

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

School Calendar

Campus Size

12 acres

Student Body

Total Students

83 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

State avg.: 20%

Students by Grade

Prairie Hill Learning Center Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

16 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

5:1

National avg.:

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

90%

Average Class Size

20 students

List of Courses Offered

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor environment

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$12,000

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Tuition varies based on the program selected from $792/month to $1,500/month. Please visit www.prairiehill.com for tuition, fee and financial policy information.

Summer Program Cost Notes

Programs for 18 months to 6 years old are year-round, with summer included in tuition. Summer camps are offered for 7 to 13 years old for additional fees:

Acceptance Rate

60%

National avg.: 81%

Admissions Director

Karen Bahn

Application URL

School Notes

Prairie Hill is a year-round learning center offering Montessori programs for children ages 18 months through 8th grade. There are just over 100 students on campus. The individual and small group Montessori instruction within multi-aged communities offers rich social and academic benefits to children. The children participate in planning and cooking healthy meals each day. Their hands-on learning extends to composting, recycling, caring for the animals and earth, as well as participating in service opportunities.
Our Lead Guides are all Montessori certified licensed teachers with advanced degrees and years of experience.
Prairie Hill Learning Center is an approved private school through the Nebraska Department of Education and a licensed childcare facility by the Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Prairie Hill Learning Center cost?

Prairie Hill Learning Center's tuition is approximately $12,000 for private students.

What is the acceptance rate of Prairie Hill Learning Center?

The acceptance rate of Prairie Hill Learning Center is 60%, which is lower than the national average of 90%. Prairie Hill Learning Center's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Nebraska with low acceptance rates.

Does Prairie Hill Learning Center offer a summer program?

Yes, Prairie Hill Learning Center offers a summer program. Visit their for more information.

What is Prairie Hill Learning Center's ranking?

Prairie Hill Learning Center ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Nebraska for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.

When is the application deadline for Prairie Hill Learning Center?

The application deadline for Prairie Hill Learning Center is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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