The Best Private Schools in Decorah, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Decorah. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Benedict School
Catholic School System
St. Benedict School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving Pre-K through 6th grade students in Decorah. The school emphasizes faith-based education combined with strong academic fundamentals, featuring small class sizes and individualized attention. The curriculum includes comprehensive language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies programs enhanced by religious education, music, art, and physical education. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, nurturing environment, and strong sense of community. The school maintains modern facilities and offers various extracurricular activities that complement its rigorous academic program.
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Cotter Schools
Winona Area Catholic Schools
Located just across the state line in Winona, Minnesota (approximately 30 minutes from Decorah), Cotter Schools serves students from Northeast Iowa and provides comprehensive education from junior high through high school. As a Catholic college-preparatory institution, Cotter offers rigorous academic programs including Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM offerings, and competitive athletics. The school features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts facilities, and modern athletic complexes. With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, Cotter graduates consistently achieve high college acceptance rates and scholarship awards. The school provides transportation options for Iowa students.
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Lourdes High School
Rochester Catholic Schools
Lourdes High School, part of the Rochester Catholic Schools system, serves students from throughout Southeast Minnesota and Northeast Iowa, including Decorah families seeking comprehensive secondary education. The school offers a robust college-preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, specialized STEM programs, and outstanding fine arts opportunities. Lourdes maintains small class sizes, experienced faculty, and modern facilities including recently renovated science laboratories and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school has a strong tradition of academic achievement, with graduates regularly attending top-tier colleges and universities. While located in Rochester (approximately 60 miles from Decorah), the school serves regional families and has established transportation networks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Decorah, Iowa
What are the main private school options available for K-12 education in Decorah, Iowa?
Decorah offers a few key private school options, primarily faith-based institutions. The main providers are St. Benedict School, which serves students in Pre-K through 8th grade, and Cotter Schools, which encompasses both Cotter Junior High and Lourdes High School, providing a continuous Catholic education from grades 7-12. This structure means families often transition from St. Benedict to Cotter/Lourdes for a complete private education. There are no large independent secular private schools in Decorah, making these religious-affiliated schools the primary choice for private education in the area.
How does tuition at Decorah's private schools compare to the Iowa state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at Decorah's private schools is generally below the national private school average but is consistent with regional Iowa costs. For the 2024-2025 school year, St. Benedict School tuition is approximately $4,000-$5,000 for parishioners, while Cotter/Lourdes high school tuition is around $7,000-$8,000. A significant financial aid option specific to Iowa is the Student Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit program. Through organizations like the Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education (ACE), qualifying Iowa taxpayers can direct a portion of their state tax liability to provide need-based scholarships for students attending private schools like those in Decorah. Additionally, all local schools offer parish subsidies for members and have their own need-based financial aid programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Decorah's private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Decorah's private schools integrate the unique cultural and environmental assets of the Driftless Region into their programs. Lourdes High School, for instance, has strong science programs that utilize the nearby Upper Iowa River, Trout Run Trail, and the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum for ecological and cultural studies. Many schools emphasize outdoor education and stewardship. Furthermore, given Decorah's strong Norwegian heritage, language programs and cultural exchanges are a notable feature. Athletics are also a cornerstone, with Lourdes High School competing in the competitive Three Rivers Conference, offering a full slate of sports despite the schools' smaller sizes.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for St. Benedict School and Cotter/Lourdes in Decorah?
The enrollment process for Decorah's private schools typically begins in January or February for the following academic year. St. Benedict School holds open houses in early winter and prioritizes enrollment for registered parishioners and siblings of current students. Cotter Schools (Junior High and Lourdes High) also begin accepting applications in early winter, with placement exams for incoming 7th and 9th graders often scheduled for January. It's crucial for parents, especially those new to the area or considering a transfer from the Decorah Community School District, to contact the schools' admissions offices directly by early spring, as some grades may have limited space. Rolling admission may be available but is not guaranteed.
For families considering both options, what are the key differences between the Decorah Community Public School District and the local private schools?
The key differences lie in curriculum focus, size, and cost. The Decorah Community School District is a larger, comprehensive public system funded by taxes, offering a wide range of AP courses, extensive arts, and diverse extracurriculars without tuition. The private schools (St. Benedict, Cotter, Lourdes) are significantly smaller, fostering a close-knit community with a values-based education rooted in the Catholic tradition. Their curriculum integrates faith across subjects. While the public district has greater resource diversity, the private schools often have smaller class sizes. The choice often comes down to a family's preference for a secular, tax-funded education with broad offerings versus a faith-based, tuition-driven environment with a specific community ethos. Both sectors in Decorah are known for high academic achievement.