The Best Private Schools in Bettendorf, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bettendorf. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Assumption High School
Diocese of Davenport
Assumption High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving students from throughout the Quad Cities region, including Bettendorf. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with over 140 courses, including 22 Advanced Placement options and specialized academies in STEM, business, and arts. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, athletic complex, and technology-rich learning environments. With a 100% college acceptance rate and numerous National Merit Scholars, Assumption is recognized for academic excellence while maintaining strong traditions in athletics, service learning, and faith formation.
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Rivermont Collegiate
Independent
Rivermont Collegiate is the only independent, non-sectarian, International Baccalaureate World School in the Quad Cities region. Serving students from preschool through 12th grade, the school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features historic buildings with modern facilities, including science labs, art studios, and technology-integrated classrooms. Known for its strong college preparatory curriculum and diverse student body, Rivermont emphasizes critical thinking, global perspective, and character development through extensive extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service.
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St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School
Diocese of Davenport
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School serves students from preschool through 8th grade and draws families from across the Quad Cities, including Bettendorf. The school provides a faith-based education integrated with strong academic programming, including advanced math and science courses, comprehensive language arts, and technology integration. Facilities include modern classrooms, a STEM lab, library, gymnasium, and dedicated art and music spaces. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement, character formation, and preparation for success in area Catholic high schools and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bettendorf, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Bettendorf, Iowa, and how do they differ in educational approach?
Bettendorf, IA, offers a few distinct private school pathways. Rivermont Collegiate is the only independent, non-sectarian, college-preparatory school in the Quad Cities area, serving students from preschool through 12th grade with a rigorous, project-based curriculum. For families seeking a faith-based education, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School provides a PK-8 program rooted in Catholic values. Students often feed into Assumption High School in nearby Davenport, which is a private, diocesan Catholic high school serving the broader Quad Cities community, including Bettendorf residents. The key difference lies in Rivermont's secular, liberal arts focus versus the parish-supported Catholic education continuum offered by St. Paul's and Assumption.
How does tuition for private schools in Bettendorf, Iowa, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in Bettendorf is generally competitive with or slightly below the Iowa private school average, partly due to the area's cost of living. For the 2024-25 academic year, Rivermont Collegiate's tuition ranges from approximately $12,000 for lower school to $16,000 for upper school. St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School offers reduced parishioner rates (often around $5,000-$6,000) and higher non-parishioner rates. Both schools, along with Assumption High School, have robust financial aid programs funded through endowments and fundraising. Critically, Iowa has the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit** program, which provides need-based scholarships for students attending private schools. Parents should apply for both institutional aid and an STO scholarship (like the AAA Scholarship Fund) to maximize assistance.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Bettendorf-area private schools offer that leverage local partnerships or regional strengths?
Bettendorf private schools capitalize on the Quad Cities' unique engineering, agricultural, and manufacturing ecosystem. Rivermont Collegiate emphasizes STEM through partnerships with local firms like John Deere and the Rock Island Arsenal, offering advanced robotics, engineering courses, and internships. Its riverfront campus also allows for environmental science programs focused on the Mississippi River. Assumption High School has a strong focus on biomedical sciences and offers specialized tracks in partnership with Genesis Health System and the University of Iowa. St. Paul the Apostle integrates local community service into its curriculum, partnering with Bettendorf food pantries and shelters. All schools benefit from proximity to cultural institutions like the Figge Art Museum and the Quad City Symphony.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Bettendorf, and are there waitlists for popular grades?
The enrollment cycle in Bettendorf typically begins in the fall, with open houses from September to January. Application deadlines for the following academic year are often in February or March. Rivermont Collegiate has a rolling admissions policy but encourages early application, as spaces in early childhood and key transition grades (6th and 9th) can fill quickly. St. Paul the Apostle gives priority to registered parishioners and siblings, with a parish registration deadline usually in the fall. Assumption High School holds placement tests and shadow days in the winter for 8th graders. Waitlists are common for entry-level grades (Pre-K/K) at Rivermont and St. Paul's. It's highly advisable to attend fall open houses and initiate contact a full year before desired enrollment.
For families moving to Bettendorf, how do the local private schools compare to the highly-rated Bettendorf Public School District, and what factors might sway the decision?
Bettendorf Community School District is consistently top-rated in Iowa, making the decision nuanced. Private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15:1 vs. 20+:1 in public), specialized religious education (Catholic), or a distinct college-prep pedagogy (Rivermont). The public district offers extensive AP courses, large-scale athletics, and no tuition. Choosing a Bettendorf private school often comes down to: 1) **Values alignment** (desiring a faith-based or specific philosophical environment), 2) **Individualized attention** for students who may need more support or acceleration than a large system provides, and 3) **Continuity**—a private school like Rivermont offers a consistent, small-community experience from preschool through high school, whereas public students transition between multiple larger buildings. Many families also value the private schools' focus on character and community service as a core part of the curriculum.