The Best Private Schools in Carlisle, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Carlisle. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Dowling Catholic High School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
Dowling Catholic High School is a premier private Catholic college-preparatory school serving the greater Des Moines area, including Carlisle residents. With a strong academic reputation, the school offers rigorous college preparatory curriculum, advanced placement courses, and specialized programs in STEM and fine arts. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes faith-based education alongside academic excellence, with a 100% college acceptance rate and numerous National Merit Scholars.
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Mount Carmel School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
Mount Carmel School provides a comprehensive Catholic education for students from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout the Des Moines metro area including Carlisle. The school focuses on developing the whole child through strong academic foundations, faith formation, and character development. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, Mount Carmel offers a nurturing environment with modern technology integration, music and art programs, and various extracurricular activities. The school has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and strong community involvement.
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Holy Trinity Catholic School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
Holy Trinity Catholic School serves students from preschool through 8th grade and is accessible to Carlisle families within the Des Moines metropolitan area. The school provides a strong academic foundation with emphasis on Catholic values and community service. Features include modern classrooms, technology integration across all grade levels, comprehensive music and art programs, and competitive sports teams. Holy Trinity maintains small class sizes to ensure personalized attention and has a track record of preparing students for success in high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Carlisle, Iowa
What are the private school options for families living in Carlisle, Iowa, and are there any directly within the city limits?
For families in Carlisle, IA, private school options are primarily Catholic institutions, though none are physically located within Carlisle's city limits. The closest and most prominent are in the greater Des Moines area. These include Holy Trinity Catholic School in Des Moines (PreK-8), Mount Carmel School in Des Moines (PreK-8), and Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines (9-12). This means Carlisle families seeking a private, faith-based K-12 education typically commute to the Des Moines metro. Transportation, often via carpooling, is a key logistical consideration for Carlisle residents.
How does tuition at private schools like Dowling Catholic near Carlisle, IA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for private schools serving Carlisle families is generally consistent with Iowa averages for similar institutions. For the 2024-2025 school year, Dowling Catholic High School tuition is approximately $11,500, while elementary schools like Holy Trinity or Mount Carmel are typically between $5,000-$7,000. Iowa offers the Student Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit program, which is a crucial financial resource. Through STOs like the AIM (Accessible, Innovative, Measurable) Fund for Dowling or the Diocese of Des Moines, qualifying families can receive need-based tuition grants, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs. All families are encouraged to apply for financial aid directly through the schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible to Carlisle students offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools accessible to Carlisle families emphasize college-preparatory curricula infused with faith-based values. Dowling Catholic, for instance, offers a renowned STEM program, extensive Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings, and a distinctive Maroon & White corporate work study program. At the elementary level, schools like Holy Trinity and Mount Carmel provide strong foundational academics with dedicated specials (art, music, PE) and often smaller class sizes than some public districts. A key differentiator is the continuity of a faith-based community from PreK through 12th grade, which is not available in the Carlisle public school system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a Carlisle student seeking to attend a Des Moines-area private school like Dowling Catholic or Holy Trinity?
The enrollment process for Carlisle students is centralized and typically begins almost a full year in advance. For high school, Dowling Catholic holds its "Maroon & White" placement exam and registration for incoming 9th graders in the fall (often October/November) of their 8th-grade year. For elementary schools like Holy Trinity or Mount Carmel, open enrollment for the following academic year usually begins in January or February. Priority is often given to siblings of current students and active parishioners of supporting Catholic churches. Given the demand and limited seats, Carlisle families are advised to contact their school of interest by early fall to attend open houses and secure application materials.
For a family in Carlisle, what are the key considerations when choosing between the Carlisle Community School District and a private school in Des Moines?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Carlisle Community School District offers the convenience of a short, local commute, no tuition, and strong community-based athletics and activities. Choosing a Des Moines-area private school involves a commitment to a daily commute (15-25 minutes each way), tuition investment, and a desire for a specific religious education. Academically, it's a choice between a well-regarded public system and a college-prep model with a different philosophical foundation. Many Carlisle families who choose private schools value the consistent moral framework and the broader network of a diocesan system, even with the added logistical and financial considerations.