The mission of Villa Marie School for Exceptional Children is to form the students spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically in partnership with the parents and in harmony with the specific gifts given by God to each student. In order to fulfill this mission, Villa Marie is committed to integrating the Catholic faith with the best educational practices for qualifying children in need of special educational services.

Our History

In 1964, Providence inspired Msgr. James D. Dawson to establish a school where children with special needs could thrive - Villa Marie Home and School for Exceptional Children.

Over 60 years later, that same mission remains unwavering.

In 1964,

As the nation shifted from the orphanage system to foster care, Msgr. Dawson approached the Bishop of the Diocese of Lincoln.

Sensing the change in family needs, Msgr. asked that the orphanage currently being built on the Marian Sisters' grounds in Waverly become instead a haven of another kind - a school dedicated entirely to the instruction of special needs children. Fr. Tuchek, Catholic Social Service Director, happily relinquished the orphanage building, and with Fr. Tuchek’s blessing in hand, Bishop Casey granted his approval.

Villa Marie Home and School for Exceptional Children opened its doors to special needs families throughout Nebraska on January 2, 1964, with the nearby Marian Sisters serving as a constant, integral presence. Here, they continue live out their order's charism: “doing God’s will joyfully in imitation of Mary and Saint Francis."

The entirety of the Villa Marie staff echo this proclamation of joyful service - recognizing the opportunity to instruct children with special needs is one uniquely rewarding, humbling, and above all - worthwhile.