The Best Private Schools in Eldridge, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Eldridge. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Rivermont Collegiate
Independent
Rivermont Collegiate is the only independent, International Baccalaureate World School in the Quad Cities region, serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located just 15 minutes from Eldridge in Bettendorf, the school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes (average 12:1 student-teacher ratio) and a diverse student body. The campus features historic buildings with modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes global education, critical thinking, and character development, with 100% of graduates attending four-year colleges and universities.
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Assumption High School
Diocese of Davenport
Assumption High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school located approximately 15 minutes from Eldridge in Davenport. Serving grades 9-12, the school combines strong academic preparation with faith-based education. The curriculum includes 17 Advanced Placement courses, extensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The 40-acre campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. With a 98% college acceptance rate, Assumption consistently produces graduates who excel at top universities nationwide while maintaining a strong sense of community and service.
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St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School
Diocese of Davenport
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School serves students from preschool through 8th grade and is conveniently located just 12 minutes from Eldridge in Davenport. The school provides a comprehensive Catholic education with strong emphasis on academic excellence, faith formation, and character development. Features include small class sizes, dedicated teachers, modern technology integration, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including athletics, music, and art programs. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and strong parent involvement, preparing students for success in high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Eldridge, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Eldridge, Iowa, and what grade levels do they serve?
Eldridge, Iowa, is served by a few key private institutions, though some are located in nearby Bettendorf. Directly in Eldridge, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School offers a faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade. For high school, many Eldridge families look to Assumption High School, a highly-regarded Catholic college-preparatory school in nearby Davenport. Additionally, Rivermont Collegiate in Bettendorf is a close, independent PreK-12 college-prep school that attracts families from across the Quad Cities, including Eldridge. This means Eldridge residents have access to a continuum of private education from preschool through 12th grade, albeit with a short commute for secondary options.
How does tuition for private schools in the Eldridge, Iowa, area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Paul the Apostle (K-8) has a parishioner tuition rate, while Assumption High School's tuition is approximately $10,000-$11,000. Rivermont Collegiate, as an independent school, has a higher tuition, typically ranging from $15,000 to $20,000+. Importantly for Iowa residents, the **Iowa Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit** allows families to claim a credit of 25% of the first $1,000 spent on tuition and textbooks per child, providing direct tax relief. Additionally, all these schools offer their own need-based financial aid, and many participate in the **Iowa ACE (Alternative Cooperative Education) Grant** program for high school students.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Eldridge students that differ from local public schools?
Private schools serving Eldridge offer distinct programs. Rivermont Collegiate emphasizes global education, advanced STEM initiatives, and International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum from a young age, which is unique in the region. Assumption High School is known for its strong college-prep academics coupled with a comprehensive faith-based character program and competitive athletics in the Mississippi Athletic Conference. St. Paul the Apostle integrates Catholic values throughout its curriculum and often has smaller class sizes than area public schools, allowing for more individualized attention. These schools often have specialized facilities, like Rivermont's campus on the historic Bettendorf Estate or Assumption's modern STEM and arts centers.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Eldridge, Iowa, area, and when should parents apply?
The enrollment process for Eldridge-area private schools generally begins in the winter for the following fall. For St. Paul the Apostle, priority registration for existing families and parish members typically opens in January, with open registration in February. Assumption High School holds its entrance exam and begins accepting applications in the fall for 8th graders seeking 9th-grade placement. Rivermont Collegiate operates on a rolling admissions basis but recommends applying by February for the best chance at placement and financial aid. It is crucial for parents to contact schools directly by November or December to request information, schedule tours, and understand specific deadlines, as spaces, especially in early grades and at Assumption, can be limited.
For families in Eldridge, what are the key considerations when choosing between the Davenport Community public school district and a local private school?
The decision involves several local factors. **Transportation:** Eldridge is part of the North Scott (public) school district, not Davenport. The North Scott district is highly rated, so many families choose their local public schools for convenience and cost. However, Iowa law provides **transportation assistance** to private school students; districts must provide busing to private schools within their boundaries or up to a certain mileage limit, which can ease logistics for Eldridge families choosing Assumption or Rivermont. **Educational Approach:** The choice often comes down to curriculum philosophy (e.g., IB at Rivermont, faith-based at Assumption/St. Paul), class size, and specific programs. **Community:** Private schools often draw a geographically wider student body from across the Quad Cities, which can expand your child's network but may differ from a hyper-local community feel. Evaluating your child's needs against each school's specific strengths is essential.