The Best Private Schools in Earlham, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Earlham. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bergman Academy
Independent
Bergman Academy is an independent private school offering an exceptional International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme for students from age 3 through 5th grade. Located in nearby Urbandale, the school serves families throughout the Des Moines metro area, including Earlham. Bergman's progressive educational approach emphasizes inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and global citizenship. The school features comprehensive Spanish immersion programming, dedicated STEM labs, extensive arts education, and innovative learning spaces. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, Bergman provides highly personalized education in a nurturing environment. The campus includes modern classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and specialized learning spaces designed for hands-on exploration.
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St. Augustin Catholic School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
St. Augustin Catholic School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, with many families commuting from surrounding communities including Earlham. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with innovative programs like Spanish language immersion starting in preschool, advanced STEM education, and robust fine arts programming. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. Augustin provides personalized attention and strong academic foundations. The school community emphasizes faith development, service learning, and character education. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive playground spaces.
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Dowling Catholic High School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
Dowling Catholic High School is a premier private Catholic college preparatory school serving the greater Des Moines metropolitan area, including Earlham families. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 23 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM initiatives, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. With a 100% college acceptance rate and average ACT scores consistently above state and national averages, Dowling provides exceptional academic preparation. The 70-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and faith formation alongside academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Earlham, Iowa
What are the realistic private school options for families residing in Earlham, Iowa, given that the top-named schools are in Des Moines?
While Earlham itself is a small town without a standalone private K-12 campus, families in Earlham commonly access private education through schools in the greater Des Moines metro area, approximately a 30-45 minute commute. The schools often considered include Dowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines) for grades 9-12, St. Augustin Catholic School (Des Moines) for preschool-8th grade, and Bergman Academy (Des Moines) for preschool-8th grade. Transportation is typically the family's responsibility, so carpooling with other Earlham families is a common consideration. Some families also explore online private academies or the homeschooling network supported by local Iowa associations.
How does Iowa's tuition and textbook tax credit impact the cost of private school for Earlham residents?
Iowa offers a unique financial benefit through the Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit, which can significantly offset costs for Earlham families. For the 2024 tax year, you can claim 25% of the first $2,000 in tuition paid per student (max $500 credit per student) for private K-12 schooling. This applies to any accredited Iowa private school, including those in Des Moines that Earlham students attend. Additionally, many central Iowa private schools offer need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for member families at Catholic institutions. It's crucial to factor in commuting costs (gas, vehicle wear) when calculating the total annual expense.
For a child in Earlham, what specialized academic or extracurricular programs are accessible through Des Moines-area private schools that might not be available locally?
Des Moines-area private schools offer programs that can be compelling for Earlham families seeking specific opportunities. Dowling Catholic provides extensive Advanced Placement (AP) courses, competitive robotics, and a renowned performing arts program. Bergman Academy focuses on gifted and talented education with an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme and project-based learning. St. Augustin offers strong foundational Catholic education with Spanish language instruction from a young age. These specialized offerings contrast with the more general curriculum typically available in Earlham's public school district, providing alternatives for students with particular academic or artistic interests.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for an Earlham family applying to a Des Moines metro private school like Dowling or Bergman Academy?
The enrollment process for these schools requires early and proactive planning due to competitive seats and geographic considerations. Most Des Moines-area private schools begin their application cycles in the fall (October-November) for the following academic year, with deadlines often in January or February. As an out-of-district family from Earlham, it's important to: 1) Attend open houses virtually or in-person, often held in the fall. 2) Inquire about specific transportation or residency policies for non-local students. 3) Apply for financial aid simultaneously, as deadlines are strict. 4) Schedule shadow days where your student visits the school, which will require a full-day commitment accounting for the commute. Many schools give priority to siblings and parish members, so Earlham applicants should highlight their unique perspectives and commitment.
What are the key considerations when comparing the Earlham Community School District (public) to commuting to a Des Moines private school?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Earlham Community School District offers the significant advantages of proximity, no tuition, strong community integration, and participation in local sports and activities. The trade-off for private schools involves a daily commute, which impacts family logistics and student time, but provides access to different religious values (if choosing Catholic education), often smaller class sizes, and the specialized programs mentioned earlier. Academically, Earlham High School has a solid reputation, but may offer fewer AP courses or niche electives than a large school like Dowling. Ultimately, families must weigh the value of a close-knit, local educational experience against the investment of time and money for a private, metro-area education with a different set of opportunities and peer groups.