The Best Private Schools in Ames, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ames. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Ames Christian School
Independent Christian School
Ames Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving students from kindergarten through 8th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, featuring small class sizes and individualized attention. Their comprehensive curriculum includes strong STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. The school is known for its dedicated faculty, strong parent community, and commitment to character development alongside academic achievement.
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Dowling Catholic High School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
Located in nearby West Des Moines, Dowling Catholic High School serves families throughout central Iowa, including Ames. As one of Iowa's premier Catholic college-preparatory schools, Dowling offers rigorous academic programs including extensive AP course offerings, a specialized STEM academy, and outstanding fine arts and athletic programs. The school boasts exceptional facilities, high college acceptance rates, and a strong tradition of academic excellence and community service. Many Ames families commute for this highly-rated educational experience.
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Holy Trinity Catholic School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
Holy Trinity Catholic School in Des Moines serves the greater central Iowa region, including Ames families seeking quality Catholic education. The school offers comprehensive PreK-8 education with unique programs including Spanish language immersion options, strong STEM curriculum, and an acclaimed music program. With modern facilities, dedicated faculty, and a commitment to faith-based education, Holy Trinity provides a nurturing environment that emphasizes academic achievement, character development, and community involvement. The school's reputation for excellence makes it a popular choice for families throughout the area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ames, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available within Ames, Iowa, and do I need to commute to Des Moines for more choices?
Within the city of Ames itself, the main private option is Ames Christian School, which serves grades K-8. For a Catholic education, Holy Trinity Catholic School is located just south in nearby Polk City. Many Ames families also consider Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines for grades 9-12, which involves a roughly 30-minute commute. While Ames has a strong public school system, its on-site private options are limited, especially at the high school level, making commuting to the broader Des Moines metro area a common consideration for families seeking specific religious affiliations or comprehensive K-12 private pathways.
How does tuition at Ames-area private schools compare to the Iowa state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for Ames-area private schools is generally at or slightly below the Iowa private school average. For the 2024-2025 school year, Ames Christian School tuition is approximately $6,500-$8,000, while Holy Trinity Catholic School is around $5,500-$6,500 for parishioners. Dowling Catholic High School tuition is higher, near $12,000, reflecting its comprehensive high school programs. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Iowa's unique School Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit program is a significant resource. Through STOs, donors receive state tax credits for contributions that fund tuition grants, making private education more accessible for Iowa families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Ames area offer that leverage the local community?
Private schools in the Ames area often create unique partnerships with Iowa State University (ISU). While not always formalized, the proximity to a major research university allows for opportunities like science fair mentorship, access to university libraries and labs for older students, and special guest lectures. Furthermore, schools like Dowling Catholic offer robust STEM and college-prep curricula designed to feed into competitive Iowa colleges, including ISU. Ames Christian School emphasizes its integration of faith with a strong academic foundation, often highlighting its small class sizes and family-oriented environment as a distinct contrast to the larger public school setting in a college town.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Ames Christian School and Dowling Catholic, and are there waitlists?
Enrollment timelines in Ames-area private schools often begin in January or February for the following fall. Ames Christian School typically hosts open houses in early winter and encourages applications by March. Dowling Catholic, serving a large regional area, has a structured process with an application deadline in early February for incoming freshmen, followed by placement testing. Due to their reputations and limited seats compared to public schools, popular grades at these schools can have waitlists, especially at the kindergarten and 9th-grade entry points. It's highly advisable to attend fall or winter open houses and apply well before the stated deadlines.
For families in Ames, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Ames Public Schools and a local private school?
The decision often centers on educational philosophy, class size, and religious affiliation. Ames Public Schools are consistently top-rated in Iowa, offering extensive AP courses, large-scale extracurriculars, and diverse programs fueled by a university community. The choice for a private school in Ames is typically driven by a desire for a faith-based education (Christian or Catholic), smaller, more intimate classroom settings, and a specific value-centered environment. For high school, some families choose Dowling for its distinct college-prep culture and athletic programs, even with the commute. It's less about academic quality—as both sectors are strong—and more about the desired community and foundational values for a child's education.