The Best Private Schools in Cambridge, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cambridge. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Gilbert Christian School
Independent Christian School
Gilbert Christian School provides a comprehensive Christian education with strong academic foundations located just 15 minutes from Cambridge. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes STEM education, music, art, and physical education. Parents consistently praise the dedicated teachers, safe environment, and strong community values. The school serves students from kindergarten through 8th grade with a focus on character development and academic excellence.
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Ballard Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Located in nearby Huxley, Ballard Christian Academy serves families throughout the Cambridge area with a Christ-centered educational approach. The school offers comprehensive programs from preschool through 8th grade with strong emphasis on core academic subjects integrated with biblical principles. Features include technology-enhanced classrooms, music and art programs, and competitive athletics. The academy is known for its committed faculty, family atmosphere, and strong academic preparation for high school.
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Ankeny Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Ankeny Christian Academy provides a complete K-12 Christian education serving families from Cambridge and surrounding communities. As one of the larger private schools in the region, it offers comprehensive college preparatory programs, advanced placement courses, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The school features modern facilities, technology integration across all grade levels, and a strong track record of graduates attending selective colleges. Parents value the academic rigor combined with spiritual development and character education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cambridge, Iowa
What are the specific private school options available for families residing in Cambridge, Iowa, and what are their proximities?
For families in Cambridge, IA, the primary private school options are faith-based institutions in nearby communities, as Cambridge itself does not host a private school campus. The closest options include **Gilbert Christian School** (approximately 10 miles west in Gilbert), **Ballard Christian Academy** (about 15 miles north in Huxley), and **Ankeny Christian Academy** (roughly 25 miles southeast in Ankeny). These schools typically serve a regional draw from smaller towns like Cambridge, Nevada, and Ames. Transportation is a key consideration, as most families provide their own commute.
How does tuition at private schools near Cambridge, IA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the K-12 private schools serving the Cambridge area is generally below the national private school average but aligns with Iowa's more affordable cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at these schools often ranges from $5,000 to $9,000 annually. Iowa's **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit** program is a significant financial consideration. This allows donors to receive tax credits for contributions to STOs, which then provide need-based tuition grants to families. All the mentioned schools participate in this program. Additionally, most offer their own need-based financial aid, sibling discounts, and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Cambridge, Iowa, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Cambridge region emphasize small class sizes and a faith-integrated curriculum. **Gilbert Christian** and **Ballard Christian Academy** offer strong agricultural and STEM programs that connect Iowa's rural heritage with modern education, often featuring partnerships with local farms or businesses. **Ankeny Christian Academy** provides a wider array of fine arts and competitive athletics due to its larger size. A key differentiator from public schools like Ballard Community School District is the mandatory integration of Biblical worldview and daily religious instruction, which is central to their educational mission.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Cambridge, IA, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment process for schools like Gilbert Christian, Ballard Christian Academy, and Ankeny Christian Academy usually begins with open houses in January or February for the following fall. Priority registration for existing families and siblings often runs through March, with open enrollment for new families from Cambridge and surrounding towns beginning in April. While these schools are not typically highly competitive like urban private schools, spaces in specific grade levels—especially early elementary—can fill due to their small sizes. The process involves an application, family interview, pastoral reference (for faith-based schools), and submission of academic records. Applying early is advised.
For a family in Cambridge, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school (Ballard Community School District) and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision hinges on several Cambridge-specific factors. The **Ballard Community School District** offers proximity, no tuition, and robust extracurriculars. Choosing a private school like those in Gilbert or Huxley involves a daily commute (15-30 minutes), tuition costs, and potentially fewer large-scale sports programs. However, private schools offer smaller, more personalized learning environments and a consistent faith-based education aligned with family values. Many Cambridge families who choose private schools value this specific community environment and are willing to coordinate carpools. It's recommended to visit both the local public school and the private options to compare cultures, class sizes, and curricular approaches firsthand.