The Best Private Schools in Des Moines, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Des Moines. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Montessori School of Des Moines
Independent Montessori School
The Montessori School of Des Moines is a highly-regarded independent school offering authentic Montessori education from toddler through middle school. The school features purpose-built Montessori classrooms with specialized materials and outdoor learning environments. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, individualized instruction, and development of independent thinking skills. The school maintains small class sizes with certified Montessori teachers and offers extended day programs. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and the strong academic foundation it provides students.
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Bergman Academy
Independent Private School
Bergman Academy is an independent private school serving the greater Des Moines area with an innovative International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. The school offers Spanish immersion from preschool through 5th grade and features small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1. Their modern campus includes dedicated science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. Bergman emphasizes global citizenship, critical thinking, and project-based learning, with strong parent satisfaction ratings for both academic rigor and community atmosphere.
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Dowling Catholic High School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
Dowling Catholic High School is a premier Catholic college-preparatory school serving the Des Moines metropolitan area. Founded by the Sisters of Humility, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with over 200 courses including 26 Advanced Placement options. The 70-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, Dowling emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, offering comprehensive extracurricular programs in athletics, fine arts, and community service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Des Moines, Iowa
What are the main types of private schools available in Des Moines, Iowa, and how do they differ?
Des Moines offers a diverse range of private school options catering to different educational philosophies. The landscape includes prominent Catholic institutions like Dowling Catholic High School, which provides a college-preparatory curriculum rooted in faith. There are also independent schools such as Bergman Academy, which emphasizes project-based learning and STEM. For families seeking alternative pedagogy, options like The Montessori School of Des Moines offer child-centered, hands-on learning environments. Additionally, Des Moines is home to Lutheran and other Christian-affiliated schools. This variety allows parents to choose based on academic rigor, religious education, pedagogical approach, and community values specific to the Des Moines area.
How does tuition for Des Moines private schools compare, and are there any Iowa-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in Des Moines private schools varies widely, typically ranging from approximately $6,000 to $15,000+ per year for K-12, with high schools like Dowling Catholic at the higher end. A key Iowa-specific financial consideration is the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit Program**. Iowa taxpayers can receive a state tax credit for donations to STOs, which then provide need-based scholarships to students attending private schools. This program significantly increases financial aid accessibility for Des Moines families. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based aid and payment plans. It's crucial to inquire directly with schools like Bergman Academy or The Montessori School about their specific tuition schedules and aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Des Moines private schools offer that leverage local resources?
Des Moines private schools often integrate the city's resources into unique programs. For example, Dowling Catholic High School leverages its location in Iowa's capital for robust government and civic engagement programs, including internships and partnerships with state government offices. Schools like Bergman Academy may connect with Des Moines' growing tech and insurance industries for STEM projects and mentorship. Furthermore, many schools utilize local cultural assets like the Des Moines Art Center, Science Center of Iowa, and Civic Center for enhanced arts and science curricula. Athletic programs frequently compete in the Iowa state private school leagues, offering a high level of competition within the region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Des Moines, Iowa?
The enrollment process for Des Moines private schools often begins a full year in advance. Most schools, including Dowling Catholic and Bergman Academy, have priority application deadlines in **January or February** for the following fall. This usually involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. Many Des Moines schools host open houses in the fall (October-November), which is the ideal time to start visits. It's important to note that some popular schools have waiting pools, especially for early grades, so early inquiry is recommended. Financial aid applications typically run concurrently with admissions applications, with deadlines in early spring.
For families considering the choice, how do the outcomes and environments of Des Moines private schools compare to the top public school districts in the area?
The choice often hinges on specific priorities. Top public school districts in the Des Moines metro, like Waukee, Johnston, and West Des Moines, offer excellent academics, extensive extracurriculars, and no tuition. Des Moines private schools typically offer smaller class sizes, specialized religious or philosophical education (e.g., Montessori, Catholic), and a distinct community culture. Academically, private schools like Dowling Catholic often report high college matriculation rates and standardized test scores that exceed state and national averages. A practical consideration for Des Moines families is transportation, as public school districts provide buses, while private school transportation is often the family's responsibility. Many families base their decision on the desired educational approach, values alignment, and the specific program fit for their child within the Des Moines context.