The Best Private Schools in Durango, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Durango. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Family Catholic Schools
Holy Family Catholic Schools System
Holy Family Catholic Schools is a comprehensive Catholic school system serving the Dubuque area, including Durango. With over four decades of educational excellence, the school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum integrated with faith formation. The system includes multiple campuses serving PreK-12 students with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of college acceptance, with graduates attending top universities nationwide. Extracurricular offerings include championship athletic teams, robotics clubs, music programs, and community service opportunities.
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St. Columbkille Elementary School
Holy Family Catholic Schools System
St. Columbkille Elementary School provides foundational education for students from Durango and the greater Dubuque area as part of the Holy Family Catholic Schools system. With nearly a century of educational service, the school offers a nurturing environment with small class sizes and individualized attention. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and faith formation while incorporating modern technology throughout all grade levels. The school features dedicated art and music rooms, a modern library, and playground facilities. Extracurricular activities include choir, sports, and various clubs designed to develop well-rounded students prepared for success in higher education.
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Wahlert Catholic High School
Holy Family Catholic Schools System
As the high school component of Holy Family Catholic Schools, Wahlert Catholic serves students from Durango and throughout the Dubuque region. The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory program with 16 Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges. Wahlert features a dedicated STEM Academy, state championship athletic programs, and outstanding fine arts offerings including theater, band, and choir. The campus includes modern science laboratories, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Durango, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available for families in Durango, Iowa, and what grade levels do they serve?
In Durango, Iowa, families primarily have access to Catholic school options through the Holy Family Catholic Schools system, which serves the broader Dubuque area. This includes St. Columbkille Elementary School (PreK-5) located in nearby Dubuque and Wahlert Catholic High School (9-12) in Dubuque. For Durango residents, these are the closest and most prominent private institutions. It's important to note that Durango is a small, unincorporated community, so most private school options are in the neighboring city of Dubuque, requiring consideration for transportation. There are no standalone private schools physically within Durango's boundaries.
How does tuition for private schools like Holy Family Catholic Schools in the Durango, IA, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for Holy Family Catholic Schools is generally below the national private school average but aligns with regional Iowa Catholic school costs. For the 2024-2025 school year, elementary tuition is approximately $4,500-$5,500, and high school tuition is around $9,000-$10,000. Iowa offers the Student Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit program, which provides need-based tuition grants to families choosing private schools. Families in Durango can apply for financial aid directly through the Holy Family system, and many local parishes offer subsidy programs for active members. Additionally, Iowa's tuition and textbook tax credit can provide a small state income tax credit for educational expenses.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Wahlert Catholic High School and St. Columbkille Elementary offer that benefit students from Durango?
Wahlert Catholic High School offers several notable programs, including a strong STEM curriculum with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) courses, a competitive robotics team, and a comprehensive fine arts department. For students in Durango, Wahlert's 1:1 technology initiative and college dual-enrollment partnerships with local Iowa colleges are significant advantages. St. Columbkille Elementary emphasizes foundational literacy with specialized reading programs and integrates faith-based learning into its core curriculum. Both schools provide bus transportation from designated stops that may serve the Durango area, which is a key logistical benefit for rural families.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for families in Durango looking to enroll a child in Holy Family Catholic Schools?
The enrollment process for Holy Family Catholic Schools typically begins with a formal open house in January or February for the following academic year. Priority registration for existing families and parish members of supporting Catholic churches usually runs through March. Open registration for new families, including those from Durango, begins in early spring. The process involves submitting an application, student records, a birth certificate, and baptismal certificate (if applicable). Given the limited seats, especially in younger grades at St. Columbkille, Durango families are advised to apply as early as possible. A shadow day or visit at the school is highly recommended as part of the process.
For a family in rural Durango, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local Western Dubuque Community School District public schools and private Catholic schools in Dubuque?
The key considerations include commute, educational philosophy, and cost. The Western Dubuque district (likely Epworth or Farley elementary schools) provides a tuition-free option with shorter bus routes. Choosing Holy Family schools involves a 15-25 minute commute to Dubuque, but offers a consistent faith-based education from elementary through high school, which can be a major draw. Academically, both sectors perform well, but private schools often have smaller class sizes. Financially, parents must weigh public school savings against private tuition and available Iowa STO aid. For families deeply involved in their local Catholic parish, the community and values alignment of Holy Family Schools may outweigh the logistical challenges of the commute from Durango.