The Best Private Schools in Ankeny, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ankeny. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Des Moines Christian School
Independent Christian School
Des Moines Christian School is a highly-regarded PreK-12 Christian school serving the greater Des Moines metro area, including Ankeny families. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with strong STEM programs, comprehensive fine arts offerings, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes averaging 18 students, the school provides personalized attention and maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school consistently achieves high academic results with graduates attending top colleges nationwide.
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Dowling Catholic High School
Catholic School System
Dowling Catholic High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving students from across the Des Moines metro, including many from Ankeny. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum including International Baccalaureate programs, advanced STEM courses, and extensive fine arts offerings. With a commitment to faith-based education and academic excellence, Dowling features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains a 98% college acceptance rate and offers over 70 extracurricular activities and 20 varsity sports programs.
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Holy Trinity Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Holy Trinity Lutheran School is a well-established PreK-8 Christian school located directly in Ankeny, offering a comprehensive faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a nurturing environment that emphasizes both spiritual growth and academic achievement. Programs include robust STEM education, music and arts instruction, and competitive athletics. The school maintains modern facilities with technology integration throughout classrooms and specialized learning spaces. Parent satisfaction is high with families appreciating the close-knit community and strong academic preparation for high school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ankeny, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Ankeny, Iowa, and are they located within the city?
While Ankeny itself has a limited number of standalone private elementary schools, most families in Ankeny look to nearby Des Moines metro schools. The top options frequently considered are Des Moines Christian School in nearby Urbandale (PreK-12), Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines (9-12), and Holy Trinity Lutheran School in Ankeny (PreK-8). It's important to note that Holy Trinity is one of the few private institutions physically located within Ankeny city limits, making it a convenient choice for younger students. Many Ankeny families commute to these schools, which is a common practice in the metro area.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Ankeny, Iowa area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Ankeny/Des Moines metro area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Holy Trinity Lutheran School in Ankeny has tuition around $6,000-$8,000 for elementary grades. Des Moines Christian School and Dowling Catholic High School typically range from $10,000 to $15,000 annually. Iowa offers two key financial aid programs: the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit**, which provides need-based scholarships funded by donor tax credits, and the **Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit**, which allows parents to claim a state income tax credit for a portion of educational expenses. Both are crucial for making private education more accessible to Iowa families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Ankeny students offer that differ from the public school system?
Private schools in the Ankeny area often provide distinct programming rooted in their missions. Des Moines Christian School offers a comprehensive, faith-integrated curriculum with strong STEM and fine arts programs. Dowling Catholic, as a large diocesan high school, provides extensive Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings, elite athletic programs in the Iowa high school association, and unique career academies. Holy Trinity Lutheran offers a classical education model with a strong emphasis on music and Lutheran catechism. These contrast with Ankeny's highly-rated public schools, which are known for their size, broad extracurricular offerings, and specific career and technical education pathways, allowing parents to choose based on educational philosophy and specialization.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Dowling Catholic or Des Moines Christian for an Ankeny resident?
The enrollment process for these sought-after schools is structured and often begins early. For Dowling Catholic High School, the process for incoming 9th graders typically starts with an Open House in the fall (October-November), with application deadlines in early December for priority consideration. Des Moines Christian School often begins accepting applications in January for the following school year, with re-enrollment for current families happening first. Both schools usually require entrance exams (HSPT for Dowling), student interviews, and submission of previous academic records. As an Ankeny resident, it's vital to apply early, as spaces, particularly in specific grades, can be limited, and bus transportation from Ankeny may have geographic restrictions.
For families in Ankeny, what are the key considerations when deciding between the high-performing Ankeny public school district and a private school in the metro?
The decision hinges on several Ankeny-specific factors. Ankeny Community School District is consistently top-ranked in Iowa for academics, athletics, and facilities, offered at no direct tuition cost. Choosing a private school often involves a desire for a specific religious foundation (Christian or Catholic), potentially smaller class sizes, and a distinct community identity, despite the tuition and commute. Transportation is a major practical consideration; while Ankeny public schools provide busing, private schools may offer limited shuttle service from central Ankeny locations. Many families value the seamless PreK-12 pathway offered by a school like Des Moines Christian versus transitioning from Ankeny's public elementary/middle schools to a private high school like Dowling. Ultimately, it's a choice between an excellent, large-scale public system and a mission-driven private education that may require greater logistical and financial investment.