The Best Private Schools in Durant, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Durant. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Cedar Valley Christian School
Independent Christian School
Cedar Valley Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian institution serving Eastern Iowa communities including Durant area families. The school offers a comprehensive K-12 education with strong academic foundations, college preparatory curriculum, and Christ-centered learning environment. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes with dedicated faculty and offers diverse extracurricular activities including competitive sports, music programs, and community service opportunities.
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Columbus Catholic High School
Archdiocese of Dubuque
Columbus Catholic High School is a well-established Catholic secondary school serving Eastern Iowa communities with a reputation for academic excellence and character development. The school offers rigorous college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. Facilities include modern science laboratories, technology centers, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school community emphasizes faith formation, service learning, and personalized attention with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio.
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Don Bosco High School
Archdiocese of Dubuque
Don Bosco High School is a respected Catholic secondary institution serving the Gilbertville area and surrounding communities including Durant. The school provides a comprehensive education with strong college preparatory programs, vocational training opportunities, and character formation rooted in Catholic traditions. The campus features modern academic facilities, technology labs, athletic fields, and community spaces. The school is known for its strong sense of community, dedicated faculty, and successful athletic programs while maintaining affordable tuition rates for families throughout the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Durant, Iowa
What are the private school options for families living in Durant, Iowa, and are there any located directly in town?
Durant itself is a small community and does not host a private school campus within its city limits. However, families in Durant have access to several well-regarded private and parochial schools in the broader Cedar Valley region, all within a reasonable commuting distance. The top options include Cedar Valley Christian School in Waterloo (PreK-12), Columbus Catholic High School in Waterloo (9-12), and Don Bosco High School in Gilbertville (9-12). Many Durant families choose these schools for their faith-based education, smaller class sizes, and strong academic and extracurricular programs, accepting the commute as part of their choice for private education.
How does tuition at private schools near Durant, IA, compare, and are there any Iowa-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges like $5,000-$8,000 for elementary grades and $8,000-$10,000+ for high school at area Catholic and Christian schools. Importantly, Iowa offers the **Student Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit Program**, which provides significant financial aid to eligible families. Through STOs like the AIM (Access to Iowa’s Middle) Fund or the School Tuition Organization of Northeast Iowa, qualifying families can receive scholarships that dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through the school and the STO simultaneously during the enrollment process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Durant students offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools accessible to Durant families often provide distinctive programs rooted in their missions. For example, **Columbus Catholic High School** offers a robust STEM program and extensive college credit courses through partnerships with local colleges. **Don Bosco High School** is known for its strong agricultural science and FFA program, appealing to rural families. **Cedar Valley Christian School** integrates biblical worldview across all subjects and offers fine arts programs. These schools also typically feature mandatory religion/theology classes, character education, and often have a wider range of competitive sports and activities relative to their small size, fostering high participation rates.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Durant, IA, area, and is there a priority for parish members or siblings?
The enrollment process for schools like Cedar Valley Christian, Columbus, and Don Bosco usually begins in January or February for the following fall. It's critical to contact the admissions office early. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview. For the Catholic high schools (Columbus and Don Bosco), priority is generally given to active members of supporting Catholic parishes and to siblings of currently enrolled students. Open houses are typically held in the fall and winter. Given the limited seats and geographic demand from towns like Durant, applying by the priority deadline (often in early spring) is highly recommended.
For a family in Durant, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local Durant Community School District and a private school in the region?
The decision hinges on several local factors. The **Durant Community School District** offers the convenience of a short, no-cost commute and strong community identity. In contrast, commuting to a private school (a 20-45 minute drive) requires a significant time and transportation commitment. Academically, Durant Public Schools provide a solid education, while private options offer a specific religious foundation and often different curricular emphacies (e.g., classical, agricultural, intensive college prep). Extracurricularly, Durant students may have more opportunities in certain sports due to larger class sizes, while private school students often get more individual attention and leadership roles. Ultimately, the choice is between a valued local public system and a mission-driven private education that aligns with family values, despite the commute.