The Best Private Schools in Epworth, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Epworth. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Wahlert Catholic High School
Holy Family Catholic Schools
Wahlert Catholic High School is a premier Catholic college-preparatory school serving the Dubuque area including Epworth. With over 65 years of educational excellence, Wahlert offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM academy. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. Wahlert maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development through service learning programs. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and supportive environment.
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Holy Family Catholic Schools - Mazzuchelli Campus
Holy Family Catholic Schools
Mazzuchelli Catholic Middle School serves students in grades 6-8 as part of the Holy Family Catholic Schools system. The school provides a comprehensive middle school education with strong emphasis on faith formation and academic preparation. Features include advanced STEM labs, 1:1 technology integration, competitive athletics, and extensive arts programs. The school maintains small class sizes with dedicated faculty and offers specialized programs for diverse learning needs. Mazzuchelli consistently prepares students for success at Wahlert Catholic High School and beyond, with strong parent satisfaction ratings.
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Beckman Catholic High School
Beckman Catholic School System
Beckman Catholic High School in nearby Dyersville serves families throughout Dubuque County, including Epworth. This established Catholic high school offers a balanced college-preparatory curriculum with strong vocational and technical education options. The school features modern facilities including updated science laboratories, technology center, and comprehensive athletic facilities. Beckman emphasizes personalized learning with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and offers numerous extracurricular activities. The school community is known for its strong traditions, high graduation rates, and successful college placements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Epworth, Iowa
What are the private school options for families living in Epworth, Iowa, and are there schools directly in town?
Epworth itself is a small community, so most private school options are located in nearby cities but serve the Dubuque County area, including Epworth residents. The primary options are Catholic schools within the Holy Family Catholic Schools system and the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Notably, Wahlert Catholic High School is in Dubuque, while Beckman Catholic High School is in Dyersville, both within a reasonable commuting distance. For younger grades, Holy Family's Mazzuchelli Campus (Middle School) is in Dubuque. There are also Catholic elementary schools in neighboring towns like Peosta and Dyersville. Transportation via family carpooling is common, as most schools do not provide district-wide busing.
How does tuition work for private schools serving Epworth, Iowa, and are there financial aid options specific to Iowa families?
Tuition for schools like Wahlert Catholic and Beckman Catholic is set annually by the schools and the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Rates are typically lower for active, contributing members of supporting parishes. For the 2024-2025 school year, parishioner tuition can range from approximately $5,000 to $7,000 for high school, with non-parishioner rates higher. Significant financial aid is available through the schools themselves, the Archdiocese, and Iowa state programs. Notably, Iowa's **Student Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit** program allows donors to direct scholarships to families, which can substantially reduce net tuition costs. Families in Epworth should apply for aid directly through the school's financial aid office and explore the Iowa STO options.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private high schools like Wahlert and Beckman offer that are relevant to students from Epworth?
Both Wahlert Catholic in Dubuque and Beckman Catholic in Dyersville offer robust college-preparatory curricula with distinctive features. Wahlert provides a comprehensive **Advanced Placement (AP)** program and notable STEM initiatives. Beckman is recognized for its strong **Project Lead The Way (PLTW)** engineering program and agricultural science offerings, which resonate with the rural and agribusiness interests of many Iowa families in the Epworth area. Extracurricularly, both schools have dominant athletic programs (notably in football, basketball, and baseball) that compete in Iowa's state associations, and offer music, drama, and faith-based service opportunities that build strong community ties across Dubuque County.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for private schools like Holy Family Catholic Schools for a family moving to Epworth?
The enrollment process for the Holy Family Catholic Schools system (which includes Mazzuchelli Middle School and feeds into Wahlert High School) typically begins with an open house in the fall (October-January) for the following academic year. Priority is often given to existing families and active parishioners, so families in Epworth should connect with their local Catholic parish (e.g., St. Patrick's in Epworth) and express intent early. The formal application deadline is usually in early spring (February/March). For Beckman Catholic in Dyersville, the timeline is similar. It's crucial to contact the school's admissions office directly, as some grades may have waiting lists. Iowa private schools often require records transfers, teacher recommendations, and a family interview.
For an Epworth family considering the choice, what are the key practical and cultural differences between the local Western Dubuque Community School District public schools and the area private Catholic schools?
The key differences are foundational, logistical, and cultural. **Foundationally:** Public schools in the Western Dubuque district (like Western Dubuque High School) are taxpayer-funded and secular, while private options are faith-based, integrating Catholic teachings and values into the curriculum. **Logistically:** Epworth's public school students attend schools within the district, often with provided bus transportation. Private school choices require a commute to Dubuque or Dyersville and primarily rely on family transportation, though some organized carpool networks exist. **Culturally:** The private schools offer typically smaller class sizes and a close-knit community centered on shared values, which can be appealing for families seeking that environment. The public district offers a broader range of in-district extracurriculars and may have more diverse program funding. The decision often hinges on a family's priority on religious education, class size, and willingness to manage the commute.