The Best Private Schools in Altoona, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Altoona. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Dowling Catholic High School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
Dowling Catholic High School is a premier Catholic college-preparatory school serving the greater Des Moines metro area, including Altoona families. Founded in 1968, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 23 Advanced Placement courses and comprehensive STEM programs. The 70-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, the school emphasizes character formation and service learning alongside academic excellence. The school consistently ranks among Iowa's top private high schools with graduates attending prestigious universities nationwide.
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Holy Family Catholic School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
Holy Family Catholic School provides comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area including Altoona. The school offers a balanced curriculum integrating faith, academics, and character development with specialized programs in STEM, music, and Spanish language instruction. Facilities include modern classrooms, technology labs, and dedicated spaces for art and music. With small class sizes and individualized attention, Holy Family emphasizes academic excellence while fostering spiritual growth and community service involvement. The school maintains strong parent satisfaction and prepares students for success in high school and beyond.
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St. Augustine Catholic School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
St. Augustine Catholic School has been serving central Iowa families since 1959, providing education from preschool through 8th grade to students from Altoona and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum rooted in Catholic traditions while incorporating modern educational practices. Programs include technology integration across all grade levels, music and art education, competitive athletics, and service learning opportunities. The school features updated facilities with smart classrooms, science labs, and extensive library resources. With a focus on developing the whole child academically, spiritually, and socially, St. Augustine maintains strong academic outcomes and high parent satisfaction ratings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Altoona, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Altoona, Iowa, and what grade levels do they serve?
For families in Altoona, the most prominent private schools are faith-based institutions. Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines serves students in grades 9-12 and is a common choice for Altoona residents seeking a private secondary education. Within Altoona itself, Holy Family Catholic School offers a Pre-K through 8th-grade program, and St. Augustine Catholic School provides education for students in Pre-K through 5th grade. These schools are part of the Des Moines Catholic Schools system, offering a continuous, values-based education from early childhood through high school. Many Altoona families utilize these schools as a feeder system.
How does tuition for private schools like Holy Family or St. Augustine in Altoona work, and are there Iowa-specific financial aid options?
Tuition for Altoona's Catholic schools is set annually by the Des Moines Catholic Schools board. For the 2024-2025 school year, elementary/middle school tuition typically ranges from $5,000 to $6,500 for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. Dowling Catholic High School tuition is higher, often exceeding $10,000. A key financial consideration in Iowa is the Student Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit program. Through STOs like AIM (ACE Iowa) or the Diocese of Des Moines, donors receive an Iowa state tax credit for contributions that fund need-based tuition grants. Many Altoona private school families apply for these grants, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Altoona area offer that leverage central Iowa resources?
Private schools serving Altoona students often provide specialized programs that connect to the broader Des Moines metro area. Dowling Catholic, for instance, offers extensive college-level AP and dual-enrollment courses through partnerships with local colleges like DMACC and Grand View University. Its STEM programs and renowned performing arts department benefit from proximity to Des Moines' cultural institutions. At the elementary level, Holy Family and St. Augustine integrate technology and faith-based service learning, with projects often tied to the Altoona community and greater Polk County. Many schools also have strong athletic conferences that compete across central Iowa.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a kindergarten student at Holy Family Catholic School in Altoona?
Enrollment for Holy Family Catholic School in Altoona typically opens in early January for the following academic year, with priority given to currently enrolled families, siblings, and registered parishioners of Holy Family Church. Open enrollment for new families usually begins in late January or February. The process involves submitting an online application, providing a birth certificate and baptismal record (if applicable), and often a developmental screening for kindergarten readiness. Due to limited class sizes, especially in popular grades like kindergarten, it is highly recommended that Altoona residents apply as soon as the open enrollment period begins to secure a spot.
For an Altoona family considering the choice, what are some notable differences between the Altoona public school district and local private school options?
The Altoona Community School District operates Altoona Elementary, Middle, and High School, offering a comprehensive, tuition-free public education with diverse programs. Key differences with local private options like Holy Family or Dowling Catholic include: 1) **Curriculum & Size:** Public schools follow state standards and have larger student bodies, while private schools integrate religious education and often have smaller class sizes. 2) **Community:** Altoona public schools are community-centered, whereas Catholic schools foster a faith-based community that may draw students from multiple surrounding towns. 3) **Extracurriculars:** Altoona High School (public) offers activities like a nationally recognized robotics team, while Dowling Catholic provides a different set of competitive athletics and clubs. The choice often hinges on a family's priorities for religious education, class size, and the specific academic or athletic programs offered.