The Best Private Schools in Elkhart, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Elkhart. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Dowling Catholic High School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
Dowling Catholic High School is a premier private Catholic high school serving central Iowa, including the Elkhart area. Founded in 1968, the school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, Dowling emphasizes academic excellence, faith formation, and character development. The school consistently achieves high college acceptance rates and maintains strong parent and alumni satisfaction.
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Holy Family Catholic Schools
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
Holy Family Catholic Schools serves students from preschool through 8th grade and draws families from across central Iowa, including Elkhart. With a long-standing tradition since 1950, the school provides a strong academic foundation integrated with Catholic values. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive literacy programs, science labs, and technology integration. Facilities include modern classrooms, dedicated art and music rooms, and athletic spaces. Parent satisfaction remains high due to the school's commitment to individualized attention, community involvement, and excellent student outcomes.
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Des Moines Christian School
Independent Christian School
Des Moines Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian institution serving families throughout central Iowa, including the Elkhart community. Established in 1948, the school offers a complete K-12 education with a strong college preparatory focus. The curriculum integrates biblical worldview across all subjects while providing advanced placement courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The 40-acre campus features modern academic buildings, science laboratories, performing arts facilities, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes academic excellence within a supportive Christian community environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Elkhart, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Elkhart, Iowa?
While Elkhart itself is a small town, families typically look to nearby Des Moines for private school options. The most prominent schools include Dowling Catholic High School (grades 9-12) in West Des Moines, Holy Family Catholic Schools (PreK-8) across several Des Moines-area campuses, and Des Moines Christian School (PreK-12) in Urbandale. For Elkhart residents, this means commuting into the metro area is a standard part of the private school experience. Transportation or carpooling arrangements are important considerations for parents in Elkhart, IA.
How does Iowa's School Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit program affect private school tuition for Elkhart families?
Iowa's unique STO program is a significant financial consideration. It allows individuals and corporations to receive a state tax credit for donations to nonprofit organizations that provide tuition grants to private school students. For Elkhart families considering schools like Dowling Catholic or Des Moines Christian, this means you can apply for need-based tuition assistance through these STOs. The program can substantially reduce the out-of-pocket cost, making private education more accessible. It's essential to apply for these grants early, as part of the schools' financial aid process.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are accessible to Elkhart students at these Des Moines-area private schools?
The proximity to Des Moines allows Elkhart students to access robust programs. Dowling Catholic is known for its strong STEM initiatives, extensive AP course offerings, and championship-caliber athletics and fine arts. Des Moines Christian offers a comprehensive Bible-integrated curriculum and notable visual and performing arts programs. Holy Family provides a solid foundation in Catholic education with a focus on character development. For a student from a smaller community like Elkhart, these schools offer a breadth of opportunities—from competitive robotics teams to international travel—that are typically unmatched by local public schools.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for a family from Elkhart applying to a Des Moines-area private high school like Dowling Catholic?
The process typically begins a full year in advance. For fall enrollment, most schools like Dowling Catholic and Des Moines Christian open applications in the prior September or October. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often attending a shadow day. For Elkhart families, planning for the commute is a unique part of the process; some schools may have bus routes from certain areas, but private transportation is often necessary. Admission decisions and financial aid/STO grant awards are usually communicated in the spring. It's crucial to attend open houses, often held in the fall, to fully understand the logistics.
How do the class sizes and community environments of Des Moines-area private schools compare to the public school experience in Elkhart, Iowa?
Elkhart students attend the North Polk Community School District, which is highly rated but has a different scale. The private schools in Des Moines offer a distinct environment: Dowling Catholic has a large student body (over 1,400) but maintains a focus on community through its Maroon & White mentor system. Des Moines Christian and Holy Family have smaller, more intimate settings. The key difference for an Elkhart student is transitioning from a small, rural public school district to a private school with a defined religious mission and a student body drawn from across the metro. This offers a more diverse peer group and a tight-knit community centered on shared values, which many families seek.