The Best Private Schools in Bevington, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bevington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Montessori School of Des Moines
Independent Montessori School
The Montessori School of Des Moines is a well-established institution offering child-centered education that fosters independence, creativity, and critical thinking. With experienced teachers and a inclusive environment, it serves students from early childhood through middle school. The school is praised for its individualized learning approach, strong parent involvement, and beautiful campus facilities, making it a top choice for families seeking alternative education models in central Iowa.
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Des Moines Christian School
Independent Christian School
Des Moines Christian School is a highly-rated private institution offering comprehensive education from preschool through high school. It emphasizes academic rigor with a Christian worldview, featuring dedicated teachers, modern facilities, and a wide range of extracurricular activities including competitive sports, fine arts, and technology programs. Parent satisfaction is high due to its strong community focus and proven track record in college preparation.
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St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Des Moines
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School provides a faith-based education integrated with academic excellence and character development. It offers state-of-the-art facilities, small class sizes, and programs in STEM, music, and athletics. The school is known for its supportive community, experienced faculty, and emphasis on service learning, making it a popular choice for families in the greater Des Moines area, including Bevington.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bevington, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Bevington, Iowa?
While Bevington itself is a very small, unincorporated community, families typically look to nearby Des Moines and surrounding areas for private education. The top schools serving the region include Des Moines Christian School in Urbandale (PreK-12), St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in West Des Moines (PreK-8), and The Montessori School of Des Moines in Des Moines (Infant-8th grade). These schools are all within a 30-45 minute commute from Bevington. Given Bevington's rural setting, private schooling requires a commitment to transportation, and many families form carpools with others in the Madison County area.
How does Iowa's tuition tax credit and school voucher program impact private school affordability for Bevington residents?
Iowa's Students First Act, enacted in 2023, provides significant financial assistance. Eligible families (with incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level) can receive an Education Savings Account (ESA) to cover tuition and fees at an accredited private school like Des Moines Christian or St. Francis. For the 2024-25 school year, the ESA amount is approximately $7,800. This state-funded program dramatically reduces the out-of-pocket cost for Bevington families, making private school a more viable option. All families, regardless of income, will be eligible for ESAs starting in the 2025-26 school year.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Bevington offer that complement its rural community values?
Schools in the Des Moines metro area cater to a diverse population, including families from agricultural communities like Bevington. Des Moines Christian School offers strong agricultural science and FFA chapters, aligning with Iowa's farming heritage. St. Francis of Assisi emphasizes community service, which resonates in tight-knit areas. The Montessori School of Des Moines focuses on hands-on, experiential learning that can connect well with a child's experience of rural life. Furthermore, these schools often provide robust transportation or after-care programs to accommodate longer commutes from rural homes.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Bevington, Iowa, and when should we apply?
Enrollment timelines are centralized around the Des Moines metro area. Most schools, like Des Moines Christian and St. Francis, begin accepting applications for the following academic year in January, with priority deadlines often in February or March. It is crucial for Bevington families to apply early due to limited space and potential waitlists. The process usually involves an application, student records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and an entrance assessment. Given the commute, attending open houses in the fall prior to your application year is highly recommended to ensure the school is the right fit.
For a Bevington family, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district (Winterset Community Schools) to a private school in the Des Moines area?
The core consideration is the trade-off between proximity and specialized education. Winterset Community Schools offer the convenience of a short, local bus route and strong community integration. Opting for a private school in Des Moines involves a significant daily commute but provides distinct choices: a faith-based education (Christian or Catholic), a specific pedagogical approach like Montessori, or often smaller class sizes. You must also weigh the financial aspect, as Iowa's ESA program can offset private tuition. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether your family's educational, values-based, or logistical priorities are better met by the local public system or a specific private institution further away.