The Best Private Schools in Decatur, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Decatur. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph's Catholic School
Diocese of Davenport Catholic Schools
St. Joseph's Catholic School in DeWitt provides a robust educational experience for students from Decatur and nearby communities, featuring advanced STEM initiatives, fine arts programs, and a technology-rich curriculum. With modern facilities including science labs, computer rooms, and a gymnasium, the school emphasizes academic rigor, spiritual growth, and extracurricular engagement. It has a strong reputation for high teacher quality, student success, and active parent collaboration, supported by numerous positive reviews.
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Sacred Heart School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
Sacred Heart School in Creston is a highly-rated Catholic school serving Decatur and surrounding areas with a rigorous academic curriculum integrated with faith-based values. It features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, modern facilities including technology labs, and a strong emphasis on holistic development through extracurriculars like sports, music, and community service. Parent reviews consistently highlight its safe environment, academic excellence, and high student achievement rates.
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St. Malachy School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
St. Malachy School offers a comprehensive faith-based education for students in the Decatur region, with a focus on core academics, character development, and individualized learning. The school boasts well-equipped classrooms, a library, and extracurricular activities such as athletics and arts programs. It is praised for its experienced faculty, strong community involvement, and consistent parent satisfaction, making it a top choice for families seeking a balanced private education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Decatur, Iowa
What are the private school options for families in Decatur, Iowa, and what are their core affiliations?
Decatur, Iowa, is served by three primary private schools, all with a Catholic affiliation. These include Sacred Heart School, St. Malachy School, and St. Joseph's Catholic School. These are typically K-8 institutions, meaning families seeking private high school education in Decatur would need to look at options in nearby larger communities like Des Moines or Leon. The shared religious foundation means a values-based education is a central feature, but each school has its own community character, history, and specific parish connection.
How does tuition at Decatur's private Catholic schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at Decatur's parochial schools is generally below the statewide average for Iowa private schools, reflecting the rural community and parish subsidies. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition often ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per child, with significant discounts for multiple children and active parishioners. Financial aid is primarily offered through individual school scholarship funds and the statewide **Iowa Tuition Tax Credit/STO (School Tuition Organization)** program. Parents can apply for grants from an STO, which uses donations to provide need-based scholarships, making private education more accessible for Iowa families.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs can I expect from the small private schools in Decatur, IA?
Given their smaller size, Decatur's private schools focus on core academic excellence within a supportive environment, often with low student-to-teacher ratios. Specializations are more likely in faith formation and character education. Extracurriculars may include standardized programs like **Iowa Assessments** preparation, spelling bees, science fairs, and participation in diocesan-wide academic contests. Sports are often community-based rather than extensive school teams. For specialized STEM, arts, or advanced placement programs, parents may need to coordinate with the schools on supplemental resources or look to regional public schools for those specific offerings.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for schools like Sacred Heart or St. Malachy in Decatur?
Enrollment for Decatur's private schools typically opens in early spring (February/March) for the following academic year, with priority often given to siblings of current students and active parish members. The process involves submitting an application form, providing birth and baptismal certificates, recent academic records, and possibly a family interview. Due to the small size of these schools, some grades may have very limited openings, so early inquiry is recommended. It's also common to schedule a shadow day for your child to experience the classroom environment before committing.
How do the private Catholic schools in Decatur uniquely support the community compared to the Decatur Community School District?
Decatur's private schools offer a distinct alternative by integrating faith and values throughout the curriculum, which is a primary draw for many families. They often foster a close-knit, family-like atmosphere where every student is known personally. While the **Decatur Community School District** provides a broader range of facilities, sports, and elective courses due to its larger public funding, the private schools compete by offering a consistent moral framework, smaller class sizes for individualized attention, and a tight partnership with local parishes for community events and support—creating an education centered on both academic and spiritual development in a specific Iowa rural context.