The Best Private Schools in Edgewood, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Edgewood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Resurrection Elementary School
Holy Family Catholic Schools
Resurrection Elementary School serves students from preschool through 8th grade and is part of the highly-regarded Holy Family Catholic Schools system. The school provides a strong foundation in core academics while integrating technology and faith throughout the curriculum. Features include modern classrooms, dedicated science and computer labs, and extensive playground facilities. The school offers comprehensive support services and maintains small class sizes. Resurrection has earned recognition for academic excellence and maintains strong parent satisfaction ratings throughout the Dubuque region, serving families from Edgewood and surrounding areas.
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Beckman Catholic High School
Archdiocese of Dubuque Catholic Schools
Beckman Catholic High School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving students from multiple communities including Edgewood. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on academic excellence, faith formation, and character development. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and has a strong track record of college acceptance. Extracurricular programs include championship athletics, competitive speech and drama, and various clubs.
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Wahlert Catholic High School
Holy Family Catholic Schools
Wahlert Catholic High School is a premier private Catholic institution serving the Dubuque area and surrounding communities including Edgewood. The school offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, providing rigorous academic challenges for college-bound students. Facilities include state-of-the-art science and technology labs, performing arts center, and comprehensive athletic complex. The school emphasizes holistic education with strong community service requirements and leadership development programs. Wahlert consistently achieves high test scores and college placement rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Edgewood, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Edgewood, Iowa?
Edgewood itself is a smaller community, so most private school options are Catholic institutions located in nearby cities, accessible via a commute. The most prominent are Beckman Catholic High School in Dyersville, Wahlert Catholic High School in Dubuque, and Resurrection Elementary School in Dubuque. These schools serve the broader Delaware and Dubuque County regions. For Edgewood residents, this means private education typically involves being part of a regional Catholic school system, with transportation often being a key logistical consideration for parents.
How does the tuition structure for private schools like Beckman or Wahlert work for Iowa families, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for schools like Beckman and Wahlert is set by the Archdiocese of Dubuque and the individual school boards. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition typically ranges from $7,000 to $9,000 annually, with discounted rates for active members of supporting parishes. Iowa offers significant financial support through the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit Program**. This allows donors to receive a state tax credit for contributions to STOs, which then provide need-based tuition grants to families. Additionally, many schools offer payment plans and their own scholarship funds. It's crucial for Edgewood parents to apply for STO grants early, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by the private high schools accessible to Edgewood students?
Beckman Catholic and Wahlert Catholic offer distinct programs that leverage their resources. Beckman, being in Dyersville, has a strong focus on STEM and agricultural science, reflecting its Iowa roots, and offers a 1:1 technology program. Wahlert, as a larger school in Dubuque, provides a broader array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, a renowned performing arts program, and more diverse language options. Both schools have robust faith-based service learning requirements and competitive athletic programs in the Mississippi Valley Conference. For an Edgewood student, the choice may come down to preferred size, specific academic tracks, and the type of extracurricular emphasis.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Resurrection Elementary or Beckman High School for a family moving to Edgewood?
Enrollment for these schools often begins in January for the following academic year, with priority given to siblings of current students and active parishioners. For a family new to Edgewood, the process should start as soon as possible. It involves contacting the school's admissions office, submitting an application, providing records from previous schools, and often a family interview or student shadow day. Since these are faith-based schools, baptismal certificates are typically required. Given the regional draw and limited seats in certain grades, especially at the popular elementary level at Resurrection, Edgewood parents are advised to initiate inquiries early, even mid-year, to secure a spot.
How do the private school options for Edgewood families compare to the public education provided by the Edgewood-Colesburg Community School District?
The Ed-Co Community School District offers a well-regarded public K-12 education with the advantages of no tuition, proximity, and strong community integration. The private school alternative involves a commute but offers a faith-based education with a consistent moral framework throughout the curriculum. Academically, the private schools may have smaller average class sizes and different standardized test preparation approaches. A key differentiator is the emphasis on college preparatory culture in the private high schools, with near 100% college matriculation rates. For Edgewood parents, the decision often hinges on the value placed on religious education, specific academic or athletic programs not available locally, and willingness to manage transportation to Dyersville or Dubuque.