The Best Private Schools in Fairfield, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fairfield. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Maharishi School
Maharishi School
Maharishi School is a renowned private institution in Fairfield offering Consciousness-Based Education that integrates traditional academics with Transcendental Meditation. The school serves students from preschool through 12th grade and is known for its strong college preparatory curriculum, with graduates regularly attending top universities. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. The school emphasizes holistic development through a unique approach that balances academic excellence with personal growth and stress reduction techniques.
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Burlington Notre Dame Elementary
Notre Dame Catholic Schools
Burlington Notre Dame Elementary, located approximately 45 minutes from Fairfield, serves as a regional private school option for southeast Iowa families. The school provides a comprehensive Catholic education for students in preschool through 6th grade, with the middle and high school programs available on the same campus. The institution features updated facilities including technology-enhanced classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong academic performance, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive extracurricular programs that include sports, music, and community service opportunities.
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Holy Trinity Catholic School
Holy Trinity Parish
Located in nearby Fort Madison (approximately 30 minutes from Fairfield), Holy Trinity Catholic School provides a comprehensive faith-based education for students in preschool through 8th grade. The school offers a strong academic foundation integrated with Catholic values and traditions. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and gymnasium. The school emphasizes character development, community involvement, and personalized attention with small class sizes. Many families from Fairfield choose this school for its strong academic reputation and values-based education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fairfield, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available in Fairfield, Iowa, and what distinguishes them from one another?
Fairfield offers a few distinct private school options, each with a unique educational philosophy. The Maharishi School is internationally known for its Consciousness-Based Education, integrating Transcendental Meditation and a strong focus on sustainability, arts, and sciences. Holy Trinity Catholic School provides a faith-based, traditional K-8 education rooted in Catholic values. For families willing to commute, Burlington Notre Dame Elementary (about 30 miles away) offers another Catholic K-6 option. This means parents in Fairfield can choose between a unique holistic model, a local parochial school, or a neighboring town's Catholic program, which is a notable range for a city of Fairfield's size in southeast Iowa.
How does tuition at Fairfield, Iowa private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in Fairfield is generally below the national private school average but aligns with regional Iowa costs. For the 2024-25 school year, Holy Trinity Catholic School's tuition is approximately $3,500-$4,500 for parishioners, while Maharishi School's tuition is higher, reflecting its specialized program, often ranging from $10,000 to $15,000. Both schools offer need-based financial aid, and Iowa has specific state-supported options like the "School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit" program, which provides scholarships for students attending accredited private schools. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid applications and deadlines, as well as their participation in the Iowa STO program.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Fairfield private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Private schools in Fairfield capitalize on the city's unique character. The Maharishi School offers unparalleled programs in "Sustainable Living" and "Vedic Science," deeply connected to the community's emphasis on transcendental meditation and organic agriculture. Its award-winning robotics and science fair teams often collaborate with local tech startups and Maharishi International University. Holy Trinity Catholic School integrates community service projects with local parishes, food pantries, and nursing homes, fostering a strong sense of local civic engagement. Both schools utilize Fairfield's parks, arts scene (like the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center), and rural environment for experiential learning, which is a distinct advantage over schools in more urban Iowa settings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Fairfield, Iowa, and are there waiting lists?
Enrollment timelines in Fairfield vary. Holy Trinity Catholic School, with smaller class sizes, often begins open enrollment for the next academic year in January, with priority given to existing families and parish members. The Maharishi School, which attracts both local and international boarding students, has a rolling admissions process but recommends applying by February for the following fall, especially for upper grades. Due to their limited capacity, both schools can have waiting lists for specific grades, particularly kindergarten and early elementary. It's highly advisable to contact the schools in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year, attend open houses (often held in late fall), and complete applications early, as spots in Fairfield's private schools are limited.
For a family moving to Fairfield, how do the local private schools compare academically and culturally to the Fairfield Community School District public schools?
The choice often centers on educational philosophy and scale. The Fairfield Community School District offers a comprehensive, tuition-free K-12 program with diverse extracurriculars, including a strong agricultural program (FFA) and arts. Academically, it performs well on state assessments. Culturally, it reflects the broader Fairfield community. In contrast, Maharishi School offers a much smaller, close-knit environment with a globally focused curriculum and daily meditation, attracting families seeking specific holistic development. Holy Trinity provides a structured, values-based environment with an emphasis on faith and tradition. The private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students vs. 20+ in public) and distinct identities, but the public district offers greater program breadth and no tuition. The unique cultural presence of Maharishi International University also significantly influences the atmosphere at Maharishi School, which is a defining difference.