The Best Private Schools in Boone, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Boone. 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 private Christian school serving the greater Des Moines metro area, including Boone families. The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory education with strong academic programs in STEM, humanities, and fine arts. With modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes, the school provides a well-rounded education. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of college acceptance. Many Boone families commute for the rigorous academic environment and comprehensive extracurricular offerings including competitive athletics, music programs, and community service opportunities.
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Dowling Catholic High School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
Dowling Catholic High School is a premier Catholic college-preparatory school serving students from across central Iowa, including Boone. The school offers a rigorous academic program with over 20 Advanced Placement courses and specialized academies in STEM, business, and humanities. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and technology labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. With a strong emphasis on faith formation and service learning, Dowling provides comprehensive student development programs. The school has an excellent college placement record and offers robust extracurricular activities including championship athletic teams, fine arts programs, and academic competitions.
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Ankeny Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Ankeny Christian Academy provides a classical Christian education serving families from Boone and surrounding communities. The school emphasizes integrated learning through a classical approach combined with modern educational practices. The curriculum includes strong language arts, mathematics, and science programs enhanced by technology integration and hands-on learning. The school features dedicated art and music programs, competitive sports teams, and character development programs. With a focus on developing critical thinking skills and moral character, ACA offers a close-knit community environment while maintaining rigorous academic standards. The school's location makes it accessible for Boone families seeking a faith-based educational alternative.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Boone, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Boone, Iowa?
While Boone itself has limited private K-12 institutions, families in Boone commonly consider schools in nearby larger cities. The top-regarded options within a reasonable commute include Des Moines Christian School in Urbandale (PreK-12), Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines (9-12), and Ankeny Christian Academy in Ankeny (PreK-12). For younger students, local Boone options may include faith-based preschools. The commute to these schools from Boone typically ranges from 30 to 50 minutes, making transportation planning a key consideration for Boone residents.
How does the tuition for private schools near Boone, IA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the major private schools serving Boone families varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Dowling Catholic High School tuition is approximately $12,500, Des Moines Christian School is around $11,000 for high school, and Ankeny Christian Academy is roughly $8,500. These figures are generally in line with or slightly above the Iowa private school average. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Iowa has two key state programs: the School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit, which provides scholarships for students attending accredited private schools, and the Education Savings Account (ESA) program for eligible students. It's crucial to apply for aid early and consult directly with each school's financial office.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the Boone area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The leading private schools near Boone offer distinct programs not always available in smaller public districts. Dowling Catholic is renowned for its extensive STEM curriculum, competitive robotics teams, and a wide array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Des Moines Christian provides a comprehensive, faith-integrated curriculum with strong arts and athletics. Ankeny Christian Academy emphasizes classical Christian education and smaller class sizes. A common differentiator for Boone families is the consistent offering of specialized college-prep tracks, world language immersion starting in elementary grades, and robust fine arts programs, which can be more limited in scope in Boone's public schools due to district size and funding.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools that Boone residents apply to?
The enrollment process for schools like Dowling Catholic, Des Moines Christian, and Ankeny Christian Academy is highly structured. Priority application windows typically open in January for the following fall, with deadlines in February or March. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. For Boone families, it's critical to plan for this timeline well in advance, as some grades (particularly kindergarten, 6th, and 9th) fill quickly. Many schools host open houses in the fall, which we recommend attending from October to December. Given the commute, connecting with other Boone families currently attending these schools can provide insights into transportation carpools.
For a family in Boone, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in the Des Moines metro area?
The decision hinges on several Boone-specific factors. First is the daily commute: attending a private school adds 1-2 hours of daily travel, impacting family schedules and student participation in after-school activities. Second is community connection: Boone Community School District offers strong local community ties and convenience, while private schools offer a different community based on faith or educational philosophy. Third is cost: weighing private school tuition and transportation costs against the no-tuition public option is essential. Finally, consider educational focus: Boone public schools provide solid education with growing career and technical programs, while private options offer a specific religious foundation or specialized academic rigor. Many Boone families find a hybrid approach, using public schools for younger children and considering a private high school for college preparatory focus.