The Best Private Schools in Colo, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Colo. 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 serves families throughout Story County including Colo with a comprehensive classical Christian education program. The school emphasizes academic excellence through a rigorous curriculum that integrates faith and learning. Features include small class sizes, dedicated Christian faculty, modern facilities, and a strong community atmosphere. The school offers comprehensive extracurricular programs including athletics, music, and art, serving students from preschool through 8th grade with a focus on character development and academic preparation.
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Des Moines Christian School
Independent Christian School
Des Moines Christian School serves families throughout central Iowa including Colo with a comprehensive PreK-12 Christian education program. The school is known for its strong academic reputation, experienced faculty, and extensive campus facilities. Features include advanced placement courses, competitive athletics, comprehensive fine arts programs, and modern STEM labs. The school emphasizes college preparation with nearly 100% of graduates attending colleges and universities. Transportation options are available for students from surrounding communities including Story County.
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St. Cecilia School
Des Moines Catholic Schools
St. Cecilia School in Ames serves the broader Story County region including Colo families with a faith-based education rooted in Catholic tradition. The school offers a comprehensive PreK-8 program with strong academic foundations, dedicated teachers, and modern learning facilities. Programs include advanced mathematics, science labs, music education, and competitive sports. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character formation alongside academic excellence, with many graduates attending top high schools in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Colo, Iowa
What are the private school options for families living in Colo, Iowa, and are there schools directly in town or do most students commute?
There are no private schools physically located within the town of Colo itself. Families in Colo typically commute to nearby communities. The primary options include Gilbert Christian School in Gilbert (about a 15-minute drive), St. Cecilia School in Ames (a Catholic school approximately 20 minutes away), and Des Moines Christian School in Urbandale (a longer commute of about 45 minutes). Many Colo families also consider other faith-based or independent schools in the greater Ames and Des Moines metro areas, making transportation and commute time a key factor in the decision-making process.
How does Iowa's School Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit program affect private school tuition for Colo residents?
Iowa's STO program is a significant financial consideration. It allows individuals and businesses to receive a state tax credit for donations to nonprofit tuition organizations, which then provide need-based scholarships to students attending private schools. For Colo families considering schools like Gilbert Christian or Des Moines Christian, applying for an STO scholarship through the school is a crucial step. This can substantially reduce the out-of-pocket tuition cost. Each participating school has its own application process and deadlines, so contacting the financial aid office directly is essential to understand potential savings specific to your family's situation.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Colo that differ from the local public school?
Private schools in the Colo area often offer specialized programs that may not be available in the smaller public school district. For example, Des Moines Christian School offers extensive Advanced Placement (AP) course options and a strong fine arts program. Gilbert Christian School emphasizes a classical Christian education model with a focus on logic and rhetoric. St. Cecilia School provides daily religious instruction and sacramental preparation integrated into its curriculum. These schools may also offer unique extracurriculars like specific faith-based clubs, competitive athletics at a larger scale, or specialized STEM initiatives that leverage resources from their broader networks.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Gilbert Christian or St. Cecilia that serve Colo students?
Enrollment timelines for these schools generally begin in the winter for the following academic year. For instance, open houses and application periods often run from January through March. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. For St. Cecilia, priority is frequently given to active parishioners of supporting Catholic churches. Given the limited seats and demand, especially in younger grades, Colo families are advised to initiate contact and applications early, sometimes even a full year in advance, to secure a spot and complete any necessary financial aid (STO) paperwork concurrently.
How do transportation logistics work for Colo students attending private schools outside the district?
Transportation is a primary logistical consideration. Public school busing is generally not provided for private school students outside their home district in Iowa. Therefore, Colo families are responsible for arranging transportation to schools in Gilbert, Ames, or Urbandale. Many families form carpools with others from the Colo, Nevada, or Ames area. Some larger schools, like Des Moines Christian, may offer fee-based bus service from designated pickup points in the broader metro, but these rarely extend directly to Colo. Planning for daily commuting time and cost is a practical necessity when choosing a private school from this location.