The Best Private Schools in Farmington, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Farmington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Burlington Notre Dame Catholic School
Notre Dame Catholic Schools
Burlington Notre Dame Catholic School is a well-established private institution serving students from Farmington and throughout southeast Iowa. The school offers a comprehensive PK-12 education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. Curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, dual credit options, and robust STEM programs. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, technology resources, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains a strong tradition of academic achievement with graduates consistently attending top colleges and universities.
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Holy Trinity Catholic Schools
Holy Trinity Catholic Schools
Holy Trinity Catholic Schools is a highly-regarded private Catholic school system serving southeast Iowa, including the Farmington area. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through high school with a strong college preparatory curriculum. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes faith-based education while maintaining rigorous academic standards with AP courses, dual enrollment options, and strong STEM programs. Extracurricular activities include competitive athletics, music programs, and various clubs.
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Cardinal Elementary School
Cardinal Community School District
Cardinal Elementary School serves as a top-rated private elementary option in the region, drawing students from Farmington and surrounding communities. The school provides a strong foundation in core academics with specialized programs in reading intervention, gifted education, and technology integration. The campus features modern classrooms, computer labs, library resources, and playground facilities. Parent satisfaction is high due to small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and comprehensive student support services. The school maintains a family-oriented atmosphere with active parent involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Farmington, Iowa
What are the specific private school options available for families residing in or near Farmington, Iowa?
Farmington, Iowa, is served by a small number of private, faith-based schools. The primary option is Holy Trinity Catholic Schools, which has a campus in nearby Fort Madison and serves students from multiple communities, including Farmington. For younger students, Cardinal Elementary School in Eldon is another nearby choice. Some families also consider Burlington Notre Dame Catholic School, located about 25 miles away in Burlington. Due to the rural nature of the area, most private schooling requires a commute, and these schools typically serve a regional rather than just a Farmington-specific population.
How does tuition at private schools serving Farmington, IA, compare, and are there any Iowa-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for schools like Holy Trinity Catholic Schools is generally more affordable compared to urban private schools, often ranging from $4,000 to $6,000 annually for parishioners, with slightly higher rates for non-members. A significant financial benefit for Iowa families is the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit Program**. Iowa taxpayers can receive a 75% state tax credit for donations to an STO, which then provides need-based tuition grants to students attending private schools. This program substantially reduces the net cost for eligible families and is a key consideration when budgeting for private education in Farmington and throughout Iowa.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Farmington, IA, area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the region, such as Holy Trinity Catholic Schools, emphasize a faith-based education integrated into the core curriculum, which is their primary differentiator. Academically, they often offer smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention. Holy Trinity provides a continuous Pre-K through 12th grade pathway. Extracurricularly, these schools frequently have strong traditions in specific sports (like wrestling or basketball) and music programs that compete at the state level. However, due to their smaller size, the breadth of elective courses or specialized programs (e.g., extensive AP catalog, large band offerings) may be more limited compared to the larger public school districts in the county.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for a school like Holy Trinity Catholic Schools for a family from Farmington?
The enrollment process for Holy Trinity Catholic Schools typically begins in January or February for the following academic year. Families from Farmington should first contact the admissions office at the Fort Madison campus to schedule a tour and receive an application packet. Priority is often given to active members of supporting Catholic parishes and to siblings of currently enrolled students. The process involves submitting an application, student records, and possibly a pastoral reference. It's advisable to apply early spring, as some grades may have limited space. New student orientation is usually held in the summer before school starts.
For a family in Farmington, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school (Van Buren County Community School District) and a private school like Holy Trinity?
The decision involves several local considerations. **Transportation** is a major factor; while the public school provides busing within the Farmington area, attending Holy Trinity in Fort Madison requires personal transportation, a commute of about 15-20 minutes. **Cost** is obvious, but the Iowa STO tax credit can narrow the gap. **Educational Environment:** Public schools offer a larger, more diverse peer group and potentially more program variety. Holy Trinity offers a consistent, values-based community from K-12. **Community Ties:** Many families in Farmington have long-standing connections to either the public school system or the regional Catholic community. It's recommended to visit both the local public school and Holy Trinity, and speak with current parents from Farmington in each setting to understand the daily reality.