The Best Private Schools in De Witt, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in De Witt. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph Catholic School
Diocese of Davenport
St. Joseph Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving the De Witt community for over seven decades. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. Known for its small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school provides individualized attention to students. The curriculum includes strong STEM components, literacy programs, and comprehensive arts education. The school community is highly engaged with numerous family activities and strong parent-teacher collaboration. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and gymnasium. The school consistently receives high marks for academic preparation and character development.
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Rivermont Collegiate
Independent
Rivermont Collegiate is a premier independent school serving the Quad Cities region, including De Witt families. As the only International Baccalaureate World School in the area, it offers exceptional academic rigor from preschool through high school. The school features a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced STEM programs, extensive arts education, and competitive athletics. Located on a beautiful 15-acre campus overlooking the Mississippi River, the school boasts state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and modern athletic facilities. With small class sizes averaging 12 students, Rivermont provides personalized attention and has a 100% college acceptance rate. The school attracts students from throughout eastern Iowa and western Illinois.
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Assumption High School
Diocese of Davenport
Assumption High School is a highly-respected Catholic college preparatory school serving the broader Quad Cities area, including many students from De Witt. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with multiple honors and Advanced Placement courses, along with a distinguished STEM Academy. Known for strong athletic programs and extensive extracurricular opportunities, Assumption provides a well-rounded education grounded in Catholic values. The campus features modern academic facilities, science and technology labs, performing arts center, and comprehensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, the school emphasizes individual student success and character development. Assumption consistently achieves high college placement rates and maintains strong alumni networks throughout the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in De Witt, Iowa
What are the K-12 private school options available for families residing in De Witt, Iowa?
De Witt itself is home to St. Joseph Catholic School, which serves students from preschool through 8th grade. For high school, a primary option is Assumption High School, located in nearby Davenport (about a 25-minute drive). Another notable regional option is Rivermont Collegiate in Bettendorf, a secular, independent college-preparatory school for grades PreK-12. Many De Witt families consider this cluster of schools, utilizing the St. Joseph-to-Assumption Catholic pathway or exploring Rivermont for a different educational approach. Transportation to schools outside De Witt is typically the family's responsibility.
How does tuition at De Witt area private schools compare to the Iowa state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. St. Joseph Catholic School typically has lower tuition rates, often around $4,000-$5,000 annually for parishioners, reflecting its parish-supported model. Assumption High School and Rivermont Collegiate have higher tuition, generally ranging from $10,000 to $15,000+ per year, aligning more with regional independent school averages. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Iowa has two key state programs: the School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit, which provides scholarships for students attending accredited private schools, and the Education Savings Accounts (ESA) program for certain eligible students. It's crucial to apply for aid directly through each school and investigate these Iowa-specific opportunities.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving De Witt, IA, students?
The schools offer distinct specializations. St. Joseph Catholic School provides a faith-based education integrated with core academics and typically strong community service programs. Assumption High School is known for its comprehensive college-prep curriculum, extensive athletic programs (competing in the Mississippi Athletic Conference), and notable fine arts offerings. Rivermont Collegiate stands out with its International Baccalaureate (IB) program for all grade levels, a globally recognized rigorous curriculum, and a strong focus on science and technology with a low student-to-teacher ratio. For De Witt families, this means choosing between a local parish school, a large comprehensive Catholic high school experience, or a secular, globally-focused IB continuum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Joseph in De Witt and Assumption High School?
For St. Joseph Catholic School, the enrollment process often begins in early winter (January-February) for the following academic year, with priority given to parish families and siblings of current students. An application, records transfer, and a family meeting are common steps. For Assumption High School, which draws from over 30 feeder parishes, the process for incoming freshmen is critical. Open houses occur in the fall, with placement tests and application deadlines typically in November or December of the 8th-grade year. It's essential to contact both schools directly in the fall to get exact dates, as spaces, especially in specific grades at St. Joseph, can be limited.
For a family in De Witt, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district (Central DeWitt Community School District) with the available private school options?
Key considerations include educational approach, cost, and community. The Central DeWitt public schools offer a tuition-free, comprehensive K-12 education with a wide range of sports, clubs, and AP courses, all within the community. Private options involve tuition but often offer smaller class sizes, specific religious formation (Catholic), or a distinct pedagogical approach like IB at Rivermont. Transportation is a practical factor: public school provides busing, while private school requires personal arrangement. For high school, parents weigh Assumption's faith-based environment and athletic conference against DeWitt High School's offerings. Many families in the area value the close-knit community feel of St. Joseph for elementary grades before making a secondary school choice.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Secular Private Schools Near DeWitt, Iowa
For parents in De Witt, Iowa, beginning the search for the right educational environment for your child can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You might be typing phrases like "secular private schools near me" into your search engine, seeking an alternative that provides a rigorous, values-based education without a specific religious affiliation. While our community is fortunate to have excellent faith-based institutions like St. Joseph Catholic School and Assumption High School, the quest for a non-sectarian option often leads families to look just beyond our city limits, towards the broader Quad Cities area. Understanding this local dynamic is the first step in navigating your options.
The concept of a secular private school is important to clarify. These institutions are independently funded and operated, but their curriculum and community ethos are not rooted in the teachings of a particular religion. Instead, they often emphasize critical thinking, global perspectives, ethical reasoning, and a strong sense of community built on shared humanistic values. For families who desire the small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and enriched academic programs of a private school but prefer a non-denominational environment, this path is worth exploring. It’s about finding a school whose core mission aligns perfectly with your family’s educational philosophy.
In the De Witt area, a primary example of this model is Rivermont Collegiate in Bettendorf. Although a short commute down Highway 67, it represents the closest option for a truly independent, secular private education, serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Rivermont is known for its college-preparatory focus, international baccalaureate programs, and a tight-knit community that draws families from across the region, including Clinton County. For De Witt parents, considering such schools involves weighing the incredible academic opportunities against the daily commute. Many families find the drive manageable, especially when carpooling with other local families, for the sake of a specialized program that feels like the right fit.
Your search for "secular private schools near me" may also encourage you to look at other independent schools in the Quad Cities, such as the Montessori schools in Davenport or Bettendorf, which often operate from a secular, child-centered philosophy. When evaluating these options, consider the logistics specific to living in De Witt. Visit the schools, experience the commute during drop-off hours, and talk to admissions staff about whether they have other students from your area. Ask detailed questions about how they foster community and teach ethics and character without a religious framework. The investment in a private education is significant, and ensuring the school’s environment complements your child’s learning style and your family’s values is paramount.
Ultimately, the journey to find the right school is deeply personal. While De Witt itself may have a limited number of secular private schools within its city borders, the surrounding region offers viable and excellent choices. By broadening your search to the Quad Cities while using your DeWitt community as a home base, you can find an educational setting that offers both the academic rigor you seek and the philosophical alignment you desire. Take your time, schedule visits, and trust that with a bit of exploration, you will discover a wonderful learning community that feels just right for your child’s future.