The Best Private Schools in Ely, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ely. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Xavier High School
Cedar Rapids Catholic School System
Xavier High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Cedar Rapids metro area, including Ely residents. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum with 20+ AP courses, state-of-the-art STEM facilities, and comprehensive athletic programs. With a 100% college acceptance rate and average ACT scores consistently above state averages, Xavier provides strong academic preparation. The school boasts modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes.
Programs:
Regina Catholic Education Center
Iowa City Catholic Schools
Regina Catholic Education Center offers a comprehensive PreK-12 education with the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for high school students. The school serves students from throughout eastern Iowa, including Ely families. Regina features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and outstanding college placement records. The campus includes modern academic buildings, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and technology-integrated classrooms. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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LaSalle Catholic School
Cedar Rapids Catholic School System
LaSalle Catholic School provides exceptional PreK-8 education for families in the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area, including Ely. The school offers a strong foundation in core academics with specialized instruction in STEM, literacy, and religious education. Features include small class sizes, individualized learning approaches, modern technology integration, and comprehensive extracurricular activities. LaSalle prepares students for success at area high schools with a focus on academic readiness, character development, and community service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ely, Iowa
What are the private school options for families residing in Ely, Iowa, and are there any located directly within the town?
Families in Ely, Iowa, are served by a consortium of Catholic schools in the broader Cedar Rapids area, though no private K-12 schools are physically located within Ely's town limits. The primary options are Xavier High School (9-12) in Cedar Rapids and the Regina Catholic Education Center system, which includes Regina Junior/Senior High (7-12) and its affiliated elementary schools like LaSalle Catholic School, all located in nearby Iowa City/Coralville. Many Ely families commute to these institutions, which are the closest and most prominent private options. Iowa's open enrollment policies also allow consideration of other private schools in surrounding counties.
How does tuition for private schools like Xavier or Regina compare to the Ely, Iowa, cost of living, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for schools like Xavier High School or Regina Catholic Education Center typically ranges from approximately $8,000 to $11,000 annually for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. Relative to Ely's cost of living, which is generally lower than the national average, this represents a significant but manageable investment for many families. Critically, Iowa offers the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit Program**, which provides need-based financial aid. Families apply directly through the school, and funds are distributed via STOs like the **Archdiocese of Dubuque STO** for Xavier or the **Iowa Catholic STO** for Regina, significantly reducing the net cost.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving Ely, Iowa, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools accessible to Ely families emphasize a faith-based education integrated with college-prep academics. Xavier High School is known for its strong STEM programs, competitive athletics in the Mississippi Valley Conference, and extensive fine arts. Regina Catholic Education Center offers the **International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme**, a rare offering in Eastern Iowa. Both schools provide smaller class sizes than many regional public schools and character formation rooted in Catholic values. For families in Ely, these programs offer specialized pathways (like IB) and a close-knit community environment that may not be available in the larger public school districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a family from Ely, Iowa, applying to Xavier High School or Regina Catholic Education Center?
The enrollment process for these schools begins early in the calendar year for the following fall. For example, Xavier and Regina typically open applications in January, with priority deadlines in February or March. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview. As a resident of Ely, you would apply as an out-of-parish family. It's crucial to contact the admissions office directly, as some schools give priority to siblings and children of alumni. Attending open houses, often held in the fall, is highly recommended to understand the commute and community fit.
For a family in Ely, Iowa, considering the commute, what are the tangible benefits of choosing a private school like Xavier or Regina over the highly-rated Linn-Mar or College Community public school districts?
The decision hinges on priorities beyond academics. The Linn-Mar (which serves Ely) and College Community public districts are indeed highly rated and offer proximity, diverse programs, and no tuition. The benefits of choosing Xavier or Regina involve a specific educational environment: a **faith-based curriculum** integrated throughout the day, a consistent moral framework, and a community aligned with Catholic values. For families committed to this environment, the daily commute to Cedar Rapids or Iowa City (20-30 minutes) is a worthwhile trade-off. Additionally, the private schools' smaller size can offer more individualized attention and distinct programs like the IB at Regina, which may better suit some students' preparatory goals.