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.
Programs:
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.
Programs:
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.
Programs:
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.