The Best Private Schools in Gilbert, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gilbert. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Cecilia School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
St. Cecilia School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Gilbert community and greater Ames area. Established in 1959, the school provides comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith formation and academic excellence. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with an average of 15 years teaching experience, and a robust curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science labs, and literacy programs. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports teams, choir, band, and various clubs. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high with praise for the nurturing environment and strong community feel.
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Ames Christian School
Independent Christian School
Ames Christian School has been serving families in Gilbert and the surrounding Story County area since 1979. This independent Christian school offers education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The school features small class sizes (average 15:1 student-teacher ratio), modern technology integration including 1:1 device programs, and comprehensive arts and athletics programs. Facilities include science laboratories, a dedicated art studio, music room, and gymnasium. The school is known for its strong academic outcomes, with graduates consistently placing in top high school programs. Parent reviews highlight the dedicated teachers and strong moral foundation.
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Northcrest Community School
Montessori Education
Northcrest Community School is a well-established Montessori school that has been serving Gilbert and Ames families since 1974. The school offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 3 through 12, with multi-age classrooms that foster independent learning and social development. The campus features beautiful outdoor learning environments, specialized Montessori materials, and dedicated spaces for art, music, and movement. The school emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and community engagement. With highly trained Montessori guides and a commitment to individualized education, Northcrest has maintained strong parent satisfaction and academic outcomes for five decades. The school community is known for its inclusive atmosphere and strong parent involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gilbert, Iowa
What are the private school options for families living in Gilbert, Iowa, and are there any within the town itself?
Gilbert itself is a small town and does not have a private school located within its municipal boundaries. However, families in Gilbert commonly look to nearby communities for private education. The most frequently considered options include St. Cecilia School (a Catholic K-8 school in Ames), Ames Christian School (a non-denominational Christian school in Ames), and Northcrest Community School (a private elementary school in Ames). These schools are all within a short 10-15 minute commute from Gilbert, making them practical choices for local families seeking private education.
How does tuition at private schools near Gilbert, IA, compare to the Iowa state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the private schools serving the Gilbert area is generally at or slightly below the Iowa state average for private education, reflecting the region's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition at these schools typically ranges from approximately $5,500 to $8,500 annually for the first child. All major schools, including St. Cecilia and Ames Christian School, offer need-based financial aid, and many participate in Iowa's School Tuition Organization (STO) program. The STO program allows donors to receive Iowa state tax credits for contributions that fund tuition assistance, making private school more accessible for qualifying families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Gilbert, Iowa, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Ames/Gilbert corridor often offer specialized programs that leverage their smaller size and specific missions. For example, St. Cecilia School integrates Catholic faith and values throughout its curriculum and offers weekly Mass. Ames Christian School emphasizes a biblical worldview in all subjects and may have distinctive science and literature curricula aligned with its philosophy. Northcrest Community School, while non-religious, often highlights its strong community focus and project-based learning. These schools can provide more individualized attention and alternative pedagogical approaches compared to the larger Gilbert public school system, which is part of the highly-regarded Gilbert Community School District.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Gilbert, Iowa families?
The enrollment process for private schools in the Ames area, which Gilbert families utilize, typically begins in January or February for the following fall. Most schools host open houses in the winter. The process involves submitting an application, often with a fee, and may require student assessments, interviews (for older grades), and submission of records from previous schools. Many of these schools have rolling admissions after their priority deadlines, but popular grades can fill quickly. It's crucial for Gilbert parents to initiate contact early in the calendar year, as some schools give priority to siblings of current students and members of their supporting religious congregations.
For a family in Gilbert, what are the key considerations when choosing between the Gilbert Community School District and a private school in Ames?
The decision hinges on several local factors. The Gilbert Community School District is consistently high-rated, offering robust academic programs, extensive extracurriculars (notably strong athletics), and no tuition. Choosing a private school in nearby Ames often involves a desire for a specific religious education, smaller class sizes, or a particular educational philosophy. The trade-offs include tuition costs, a daily commute to Ames, and potentially fewer elective or athletic options at the secondary level. Many Gilbert families value the close-knit, community feel of Gilbert's public schools, while others seek the mission-driven environment of a private institution, accepting the logistical and financial commitments involved.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Private Catholic Schools Near Gilbert, Iowa | A Parent's Guide
When searching for "private catholic schools near me" in Gilbert, Iowa, you are embarking on a meaningful journey to find an educational environment that aligns with your family's values and academic aspirations. Gilbert, a close-knit community within the vibrant Ames metro area, offers a unique landscape for private education, where faith-based learning and strong community ties are highly valued. While Gilbert itself is home to excellent private options like Northcrest Community School, the search for a Catholic education often leads families to explore the broader network of schools in Story County, creating a wonderful opportunity to find the perfect fit for your child.
For many Gilbert families, St. Cecilia School in Ames stands out as a primary destination. Just a short commute away, St. Cecilia provides a quintessential Catholic education rooted in the teachings of the faith while maintaining rigorous academic standards. The school fosters a nurturing environment where moral development is woven into daily lessons, from science to social studies. For parents in Gilbert, this means your child benefits from a structured, values-driven education while still being part of a local community. The connection between the parish and school life is strong, offering families a cohesive support system that extends beyond the classroom walls. When considering "private catholic schools near me," it's important to visit and feel the community spirit; attending a Mass or a school event at St. Cecilia can give you a genuine sense of whether it's the right atmosphere for your family.
Your exploration shouldn't end there, as the private school landscape in the Gilbert area is diverse. Ames Christian School offers another faith-based perspective with a Protestant orientation, emphasizing biblical integration across its curriculum. Meanwhile, Northcrest Community School in Gilbert itself provides a secular private option known for its small class sizes and individualized attention. Comparing these schools highlights an important consideration for Gilbert parents: defining what "faith-based" means for you. A Catholic school like St. Cecilia offers sacramental preparation and a deeply integrated Catholic worldview, which may be a priority if you are seeking a seamless extension of your parish life. The daily commute from Gilbert to Ames is a common and manageable routine for many families, making these schools feel like a natural part of the community.
Ultimately, the search for the right school is deeply personal. We encourage Gilbert parents to look beyond the phrase "private catholic schools near me" as a simple internet query and see it as the first step in a thoughtful process. Schedule tours, ask about curriculum specifics, and inquire about how each school supports students from surrounding towns. Consider the logistics of carpools and after-school activities, which often thrive due to the collaborative spirit among Gilbert families. The investment in a private, Catholic education in this region is an investment in a holistic foundation for your child—one that nurtures intellectual curiosity, character, and a sense of belonging. By engaging directly with these school communities, you will find a partnership dedicated to helping your child grow in wisdom, faith, and service, right here in the heart of Iowa.