The Best Private Schools in Denver, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Denver. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Waterloo Christian School
Independent Christian School
Waterloo Christian School is an independent Christian school serving the Denver metropolitan area with comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade. Founded in 1979, the school combines rigorous academic preparation with biblical worldview integration across all subjects. The school features small class sizes, dedicated Christian faculty, and modern facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, and athletic facilities. The curriculum emphasizes college preparation with 98% of graduates pursuing higher education. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its strong community atmosphere, academic excellence, and commitment to developing well-rounded students through extensive extracurricular opportunities in athletics, fine arts, and service learning.
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St. Patrick School
Archdiocese of Dubuque
St. Patrick School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Denver area and surrounding communities. Established in 1954, this parochial school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with an average of 15+ years teaching experience, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent student-teacher ratios that ensure personalized attention.
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Columbus Catholic High School
Waterloo Catholic Schools
Columbus Catholic High School serves students from Denver and surrounding areas as part of the Waterloo Catholic School system. This comprehensive college-preparatory high school offers a robust academic program including multiple Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM offerings, and extensive fine arts programs. The campus features modern science labs, athletic facilities including a full gymnasium and sports fields, and technology-integrated classrooms. With a 100% college acceptance rate and numerous state championship athletic teams, Columbus Catholic provides a balanced education that emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual development, and character formation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Denver, Iowa
What are the private school options for families living in Denver, Iowa, and are there any located directly in town?
Denver, Iowa, is served by a few nearby private schools, though none are physically located within the Denver city limits. The primary options are in neighboring communities. St. Patrick School (PreK-8) is in Cedar Falls, Columbus Catholic High School (9-12) is in Waterloo, and Waterloo Christian School (PreK-12) is also in Waterloo. Many Denver families commute to these schools, which are a short drive away. It's important to consider transportation logistics, as none of these schools provide district-wide busing from Denver.
How does tuition at private schools near Denver, Iowa, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the private schools serving Denver, IA, is generally below the national average but aligns with regional Iowa costs. For the 2024-25 school year, elementary tuition at St. Patrick or Waterloo Christian School typically ranges from $5,000 to $7,000 annually. Columbus Catholic High School tuition is approximately $8,000-$9,500. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and crucially, Iowa has the School Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit program. This allows Iowa taxpayers to direct a portion of their state taxes to STOs, which then provide tuition grants to eligible families, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Denver, Iowa, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools near Denver emphasize faith-based education and often have distinct programming. Columbus Catholic High School offers a strong college-prep curriculum with unique courses in theology and philosophy, along with vocational partnerships through programs like the Waterloo Career Center. Waterloo Christian School provides a continuous PreK-12 experience with a focus on integrating Biblical worldview across all subjects. St. Patrick School offers a smaller, community-focused environment in the early grades. All three provide robust music, art, and athletic programs, with a particular emphasis on character development and service learning that is central to their missions.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families in Denver looking to secure a spot at a private school like Columbus Catholic or Waterloo Christian School?
The enrollment process for schools serving Denver typically begins in January or February for the following fall. It's a multi-step process: First, attend an open house or schedule a tour (often held in fall and winter). Second, submit an application by the priority deadline, usually in early March. This may include student records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. Third, apply for financial aid and STO grants simultaneously. Notification of acceptance and financial aid awards usually goes out in March or April. It's highly recommended to start the process a full year in advance, especially for entry-level grades (PreK, Kindergarten, 9th grade) where spaces are most limited.
For a family in Denver, Iowa, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between the Denver Community School District (public) and a private school in Waterloo or Cedar Falls?
The decision involves several local factors. **Logistics:** Public school in Denver means no commute and access to district transportation. Private school requires daily driving to Waterloo/Cedar Falls (15-25 minutes) and managing your own transportation. **Cost:** Public school is tuition-free. Private school requires tuition, though Iowa's STO program can help. **Environment:** Denver Community Schools offer a consolidated PreK-12 system in one small-town community. Private options offer a specific faith-based environment (Catholic or Protestant) and often smaller class sizes. **Programs:** Denver High School has its own set of athletics, clubs, and academic tracks. Private high schools like Columbus Catholic may offer different elective paths, like their strong theology program, and allow participation in some sports co-ops. Visiting both types of schools is essential to feel the community difference.