The Best Private Schools in Donnellson, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Donnellson. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Trinity Catholic Schools
Holy Trinity Catholic School System
Holy Trinity Catholic Schools serves students from preschool through 12th grade across multiple campuses in the Fort Madison area, drawing students from surrounding communities including Donnellson. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on both academic excellence and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and offers extensive extracurricular activities including competitive sports, music programs, and community service opportunities.
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Keokuk Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Keokuk Christian Academy provides education from preschool through 12th grade with a Christ-centered approach to learning. The school serves students from multiple surrounding communities including Donnellson and offers a rigorous academic program that prepares students for college and career success. The curriculum integrates biblical principles across all subjects while maintaining high academic standards. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, gymnasium, and athletic fields. The school emphasizes individualized attention with small class sizes and offers various extracurricular activities including sports, music, and academic competitions.
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Notre Dame Elementary School
Notre Dame Catholic Schools
Notre Dame Elementary School serves students from preschool through 8th grade as part of the Notre Dame Catholic School system in Burlington, drawing students from the broader Southeast Iowa region including Donnellson. The school provides a strong foundation in core academic subjects while integrating Catholic values and traditions. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and STEM education with modern technology integration throughout all grade levels. The school features well-equipped classrooms, library, computer lab, and gymnasium facilities. Extracurricular offerings include sports, music programs, and various clubs that enhance the educational experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Donnellson, Iowa
What are the private school options for families living in Donnellson, Iowa, and do we need to commute to nearby towns?
While Donnellson itself is a small community, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the immediate Lee County area. The most prominent local option is Holy Trinity Catholic Schools, which has a campus in nearby Fort Madison and serves students from Donnellson. For families considering a slightly longer commute, Keokuk Christian Academy in Keokuk and Notre Dame Elementary School in Burlington are also within a reasonable driving distance. Many Donnellson families carpool to manage the commute. It's important to note that there are no private school campuses physically located within Donnellson city limits, so transportation planning is a key consideration.
How does the tuition for private schools like Holy Trinity near Donnellson compare to Iowa's public school tuition assistance programs?
Tuition for area private schools varies. For the 2024-2025 school year, Holy Trinity Catholic Schools lists elementary tuition starting at approximately $4,500 for parishioners, with non-parishioner and high school rates being higher. Iowa offers significant financial assistance through the Student Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit program, which provides need-based scholarships for students attending accredited private schools. Additionally, the state's "School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credits" allow donors to direct funds to specific schools, increasing scholarship availability. Many Donnellson-area families utilize these Iowa-specific programs to make private education more affordable.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Donnellson students offer that differ from Central Lee Community School District?
Private schools in the area often provide specialized programs that may not be available in the local public district. Holy Trinity Catholic Schools, for instance, offers a continuous PreK-12 Catholic education with daily religion classes and sacramental preparation. Keokuk Christian Academy emphasizes a Bible-based curriculum and may have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention. These schools might also have distinct offerings in music, art, or language based on their religious missions. In contrast, Central Lee Public Schools offer different advantages like larger student populations for certain sports and potentially more extensive elective choices. The key difference is often the integrating faith-based worldview throughout the curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Holy Trinity that serve Donnellson families?
Enrollment timelines for schools like Holy Trinity Catholic Schools typically begin in January or February for the following academic year, with priority often given to current families, siblings, and parish members of supporting Catholic churches. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates, academic records from previous schools, and possibly a family interview. For Donnellson residents, it's crucial to inquire about transportation options or bus routes early in the process. We recommend contacting the admissions office of your chosen school by early winter to secure an application packet and learn about open house dates, as spaces, particularly in younger grades, can be limited.
Are there any notable partnerships or community connections that benefit students at private schools in the Donnellson area?
Yes, private schools in the region often leverage strong community and regional partnerships. Holy Trinity Catholic Schools, for example, has connections with local Catholic parishes across Lee County, including St. Mary's in West Point, which provides a faith community and support system. Many of these schools also partner with local businesses for internships, service projects, and fundraising. Due to Donnellson's proximity to larger towns like Fort Madison and Keokuk, students often have access to community resources, libraries, and athletic facilities in those cities. Furthermore, some private schools participate in Iowa's statewide activities and athletic associations, allowing students to compete against other private and public schools in the region.