The Best Private Schools in Clinton, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clinton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Rivermont Collegiate
Independent
Located approximately 30 minutes from Clinton in Bettendorf, Rivermont Collegiate is a premier independent school serving the Quad Cities region. As Iowa's only International Baccalaureate World School for students age 2 through grade 12, the school offers exceptional academic rigor and global perspective. The college preparatory curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, extensive arts education, and competitive athletics. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes, serving families throughout eastern Iowa and western Illinois.
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Assumption High School
Diocese of Davenport Catholic Schools
Assumption High School in Davenport serves students from Clinton and throughout the Quad Cities region with a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory education. The school features specialized academies including STEM, fine arts, and business leadership programs. With a 100% college acceptance rate, Assumption provides rigorous academic preparation through advanced placement courses and dual enrollment opportunities. The extensive campus includes modern science laboratories, performing arts center, athletic facilities, and technology-rich classrooms. The school maintains strong transportation options serving Clinton-area families.
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Prince of Peace Catholic School
Diocese of Davenport Catholic Schools
Prince of Peace Catholic School serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade with a comprehensive Catholic education program. The school emphasizes faith formation alongside rigorous academic preparation, offering college preparatory courses, advanced placement options, and dedicated STEM programs. With modern facilities and a strong sense of community, the school maintains small class sizes and personalized attention. Extracurricular activities include athletics, music, and service programs that complement the academic experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clinton, Iowa
What are the main private school options available for K-12 education in Clinton, Iowa, and how do they differ?
Clinton, Iowa, offers a few distinct private school pathways. Prince of Peace Catholic School serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade, providing a faith-based education. For high school, Assumption High School in nearby Davenport is a common choice for Clinton families seeking a Catholic secondary education, though it involves a commute. Rivermont Collegiate in Bettendorf is a secular, independent college-preparatory school serving Pre-K through 12th grade, known for its rigorous academics and global focus. The primary differences are religious affiliation, grade spans served, and educational philosophy, with Rivermont offering a continuous Pre-K-12 secular track, while the Catholic path involves a transition between two schools.
How does tuition for private schools in the Clinton, IA, area compare, and are there any Iowa-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly. Prince of Peace Catholic School typically has the most accessible tuition, often under $5,000 annually, supported by parish subsidies. Rivermont Collegiate, as an elite independent school, has a higher tuition, often ranging from $10,000 to $15,000+ depending on grade level. Assumption High School's tuition falls between these. Critically for Iowa residents, the **Iowa Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit** allows parents to claim a credit for a portion of private school expenses. Additionally, the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit** program enables donors to direct scholarships to students at participating private schools, which can significantly aid families. All schools also offer their own need-based financial aid and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Clinton-area private schools offer that leverage the local Mississippi River community?
Clinton's location on the Mississippi River influences several programs. Rivermont Collegiate, with its campus on a bluff overlooking the river, integrates environmental science and ecology into its curriculum, with potential for river studies. Its global studies emphasis may connect to the river's historical role in trade and migration. Prince of Peace may incorporate local history and stewardship of the river region into its social studies and science units. While not all programs are river-centric, the schools' proximity to the river and the Quad Cities metro area allows for enriched field trips to museums, locks and dams, and environmental centers that are woven into the educational experience in a way many inland schools cannot replicate.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Prince of Peace or Rivermont for families in Clinton?
Enrollment timelines are crucial. For Prince of Peace Catholic School in Clinton, the priority enrollment period for existing families and parish members often begins in January, with open enrollment for new families in February/March for the following fall. Rivermont Collegiate, being a sought-after independent school, has an earlier process, with applications typically due in January or February for the next academic year, including assessments and family interviews. It's highly advised to contact these schools in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. Waiting lists, especially for Rivermont's younger grades, are common. Unlike the set boundaries of Clinton public schools, private school enrollment is first-come, first-served or based on a selective admissions process, so early inquiry is key.
For a family in Clinton, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public schools and a private school option that may require commuting?
The decision involves several Clinton-specific factors. The Clinton Community School District offers neighborhood convenience and no tuition. Choosing a private school like Prince of Peace keeps the child in Clinton, while opting for Rivermont Collegiate or Assumption High School involves a 25-40 minute commute to the Quad Cities. This requires weighing the value of the specific academic, religious, or preparatory environment against daily travel time and cost (fuel, vehicle wear). Families should also consider the social aspect: Clinton public schools keep children in the local community, while private schools may create peer groups spread across the wider region. It's recommended to attend open houses, talk to current parents from Clinton in those schools, and evaluate how each option aligns with your child's needs and your family's logistics and values.