Private Schools in Des Moines, Iowa

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.

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.

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.