The Best Private Schools in Clarence, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clarence. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Hillcrest Academy
Hillcrest Academy
Hillcrest Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving eastern Iowa communities including Clarence. Founded in 1949, the school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory education with small class sizes and individualized attention. The curriculum emphasizes academic excellence with strong STEM programs, advanced placement courses, and comprehensive fine arts offerings. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. With a focus on character development and community service, Hillcrest maintains a strong reputation for preparing students for college success while serving families throughout the region.
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Regina Catholic Education Center
Regina Catholic Education Center
Regina Catholic Education Center is a premier private Catholic school serving students from pre-K through 12th grade across eastern Iowa, including the Clarence area. Established in 1958, the school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses and a 100% college acceptance rate. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, extensive athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Regina is known for its strong community atmosphere, comprehensive extracurricular programs, and commitment to developing well-rounded students through academic excellence, faith formation, and service learning.
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Xavier High School
Xavier High School
Xavier High School is a highly-rated Catholic college preparatory school serving families throughout eastern Iowa, including the Clarence community. Founded in 1998 through the consolidation of two established Catholic high schools, Xavier offers a comprehensive academic program with a strong STEM academy, numerous Advanced Placement courses, and competitive athletics. The school features modern facilities including advanced science and technology labs, extensive athletic complexes, and dedicated arts spaces. With a focus on academic excellence, faith development, and leadership, Xavier maintains strong college placement records and serves as a regional educational leader with transportation options available for students from surrounding communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clarence, Iowa
What are the private school options for families living in Clarence, Iowa, and are there any located directly in the town?
While Clarence, Iowa itself is a small town, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the broader Cedar Rapids/Iowa City corridor, with some providing bus transportation from Clarence. The primary options include Hillcrest Academy (a Mennonite K-12 school in Kalona), Regina Catholic Education Center (a PreK-12 system in Iowa City), and Xavier High School (a Catholic high school in Cedar Rapids). There are no private school campuses physically located within Clarence city limits, so commuting is a standard consideration for local families seeking private education.
How does the Iowa Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit benefit parents sending children to private schools in the Clarence area?
Iowa offers a significant financial benefit through its Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit. For the 2024 tax year, parents can claim a 25% non-refundable tax credit for qualified educational expenses, including tuition and textbook fees paid to Iowa private schools like Hillcrest Academy, Regina, or Xavier. The maximum credit is $500 per K-12 student. This state-specific credit directly reduces your Iowa income tax liability dollar-for-dollar, making private education in the Clarence region more financially accessible than in many other states.
What unique academic or faith-based programs do the private schools serving Clarence, IA, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools accessible to Clarence families offer distinct programming rooted in their missions. Hillcrest Academy provides a unique Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective with a strong emphasis on service learning, peace studies, and a one-to-one laptop program in a rural setting. Regina Catholic Education Center offers a seamless PreK-12 Catholic education with a focus on faith formation and college-prep, including access to University of Iowa dual-enrollment courses. Xavier High School is known for its STEM-focused curriculum and competitive athletics within the Mississippi Valley Conference. These mission-driven environments contrast with the comprehensive but secular offerings of the Clarence-Lowden Community School District.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Hillcrest Academy or Regina that serve Clarence-area students?
Enrollment timelines for these schools are crucial due to limited space. For the following academic year, application processes typically open in early winter (January/February). Regina and Xavier, as Catholic schools, often have priority enrollment periods for parish families. Hillcrest Academy, drawing from a wider rural area, also recommends early application. Most require an application form, student records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. It's essential to contact the admissions office directly by fall of the year prior to desired enrollment, as some grades (especially kindergarten and 9th grade) may have waiting lists. Open houses are usually held in the fall.
For a family in Clarence, what are the key logistical considerations when choosing a private school, given the commute to Iowa City or Cedar Rapids?
The commute is the foremost logistical factor. Families must consider daily transportation, which can be a 30-45 minute drive to Iowa City (Regina) or Cedar Rapids (Xavier). Investigate if the school offers bus routes from Clarence or a centralized pickup location; some schools contract with regional bus companies. Weather impacts on rural Iowa roads in winter are a serious consideration. Additionally, participation in after-school activities, sports, or events requires a significant time commitment for driving. Many families form carpools with others from the Clarence, Lowden, or Mechanicsville areas to manage this. Weighing this commute against the desired educational environment is a key part of the decision.