The Best Private Schools in Burlington, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Burlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Notre Dame Catholic School
Diocese of Davenport
Notre Dame Catholic School is Burlington's premier private educational institution serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school provides a comprehensive education rooted in Catholic values while offering strong academic programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, a library, gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for art and music. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with small class sizes ensuring personalized attention. Extracurricular offerings include basketball, volleyball, choir, and various academic competitions. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the school's strong community atmosphere and commitment to holistic student development.
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St. Paul Catholic School
Diocese of Davenport
St. Paul Catholic School offers a faith-based education focused on academic excellence and moral development. Serving kindergarten through 8th grade students, the school features a rigorous curriculum that integrates technology across all subjects. The campus includes well-equipped classrooms, a computer lab, library resources, and recreational facilities. The school maintains small student-teacher ratios to ensure individualized instruction and strong student-teacher relationships. Programs include comprehensive religious education, music and art instruction, and competitive sports teams. The school community is known for its welcoming environment and active parent involvement.
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Divine Mercy Catholic School
Diocese of Davenport
Divine Mercy Catholic School provides a comprehensive private education grounded in Catholic tradition while preparing students for academic success. The school serves preschool through 8th grade with a curriculum that emphasizes core academic subjects alongside faith formation. Facilities include updated classrooms, technology resources, a gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for specialized instruction. The school offers targeted intervention programs for reading and mathematics, ensuring all students receive appropriate support. Extracurricular activities include sports, choir, and community service opportunities. Parent reviews consistently highlight the school's caring faculty, strong academic foundation, and supportive community environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Burlington, Iowa
What are the main private school options available in Burlington, Iowa, and what grade levels do they serve?
Burlington, Iowa, is served primarily by three Catholic schools, which constitute the main private school options. Notre Dame Catholic School offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th-grade education. St. Paul Catholic School provides education for students in Pre-K through 6th grade. Divine Mercy Catholic School, formed from a previous consolidation, serves students in Pre-K through 5th grade. For high school, Burlington families typically look at Catholic high schools in nearby larger cities or consider the local public high school, as there is no private high school within Burlington itself.
How does tuition for private schools in Burlington, IA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at Burlington's Catholic schools is generally below the state average for private elementary education in Iowa, reflecting the area's cost of living. Exact rates vary by school and parish membership, but active, contributing parishioners often receive a significantly reduced rate. All schools offer need-based financial assistance, and Iowa's unique School Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit program is a critical resource. Through this program, donors can direct funds to specific schools, which are then distributed as tuition grants to eligible families. It's essential to inquire directly with Notre Dame, St. Paul, or Divine Mercy about their specific tuition schedules, parish subsidies, and application processes for STO aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Burlington's private schools offer that differentiate them from public schools?
Burlington's private schools emphasize a faith-based education integrated into the core curriculum, which is their primary differentiator. Academically, they often feature smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention. Specific programs include weekly Mass and religion classes, sacramental preparation for Catholic students, and community service projects rooted in Christian values. While they may not have the extensive elective or athletic offerings of the larger Burlington Community School District, they foster a close-knit community environment. Some schools may also participate in academic competitions through the Diocese of Davenport and offer after-school programs or clubs focused on arts, chess, or faith formation.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Burlington, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Burlington's Catholic schools typically begins in January or February for the following academic year, with priority often given to current families and registered parishioners. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates, and completing tuition agreement forms. Due to their smaller sizes, popular grades can fill quickly, so early inquiry is recommended. While persistent waitlists are less common than in major metropolitan areas, they can occur for specific early childhood or kindergarten sections. Open houses are usually held in the winter, and contacting the school office directly for a tour is the best first step to understand each school's specific deadlines and availability.
For families new to the area, what are the key considerations when choosing between Burlington's private Catholic schools and the public school district?
The decision hinges on several Burlington-specific factors. Academically, the public district offers a wider range of advanced placement courses, vocational programs through the Burlington Regional Center, and larger-scale athletic and arts programs at the middle and high school levels. The private schools offer a consistent faith-based environment from Pre-K through middle school with a strong focus on character development. Logistically, consider transportation, as private schools do not provide district busing. Financially, weigh the tuition cost against the potential for a values-aligned education. Many Burlington families appreciate the small-school community of the Catholic elementary schools before transitioning to the public system for high school to access its broader opportunities.
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