The Best Private Schools in Glenwood, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Glenwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Brownell-Talbot College Preparatory School
Independent
Brownell-Talbot is a premier independent college preparatory school serving the greater Omaha metropolitan area, including families from Glenwood. Founded in 1893, it maintains a longstanding reputation for academic excellence with a comprehensive AP curriculum and exceptional college placement. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and innovation labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, while extensive extracurricular programs develop well-rounded students. The school consistently ranks among the top private schools in the region.
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St. Albert Catholic Schools
St. Albert Catholic Schools
St. Albert Catholic Schools is a highly-regarded private school system serving the Glenwood and Council Bluffs area. Founded in 1964, the institution offers comprehensive education from preschool through high school with a strong college preparatory focus. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Academic excellence is demonstrated through consistent high test scores and college acceptance rates. The faith-based environment emphasizes character development alongside rigorous academics, with extensive extracurricular offerings in sports, arts, and community service.
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Roncalli Catholic High School
Roncalli Catholic
Roncalli Catholic High School provides comprehensive college preparatory education serving the Omaha metro area, including students from Glenwood. Established in 1969, the school offers a rigorous academic program complemented by strong athletic and arts programs. The curriculum includes advanced placement courses and career-focused pathways. The faith-based community emphasizes service learning and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic complexes, and technology resources. The school maintains strong college acceptance rates and active alumni networks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Glenwood, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Glenwood, Iowa?
While Glenwood itself is a smaller community, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the broader southwest Iowa/eastern Nebraska region. The most prominent local option is St. Albert Catholic Schools, a PreK-12 system located in nearby Council Bluffs. For a college-preparatory focus, many Glenwood families also consider Brownell-Talbot College Preparatory School (PreK-12) in Omaha, NE, and Roncalli Catholic High School (9-12) in Omaha. It's common for Iowa residents to utilize the Omaha metro area's extensive private school network, with a manageable commute from Glenwood. There are limited private school facilities physically within the Glenwood city limits.
How does tuition for private schools near Glenwood, IA, typically work, and are there any Iowa-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Albert Catholic Schools' high school tuition is approximately $7,500-$8,500 for parishioners, while Brownell-Talbot's upper school tuition exceeds $20,000. A critical financial consideration for Iowa residents is the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit Program**. Iowa law allows taxpayers to receive a 75% state tax credit for donations to an STO, which then provides need-based tuition grants to students attending private schools. Parents applying to participating schools (like St. Albert) should also apply for STO grants through organizations like the **Institute for Quality Education (IQE)** or **ACE Iowa**, which can substantially reduce the net cost.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Glenwood, Iowa?
Schools in this region offer distinct programs that leverage their affiliations and locations. St. Albert Catholic Schools emphasizes a faith-based education with strong athletics, particularly known for its successful football and basketball programs. Brownell-Talbot, as Nebraska's only independent, college-preparatory day school, offers a rigorous curriculum with advanced placement courses, extensive fine arts, and global studies programs. Roncalli Catholic High School provides a comprehensive Catholic education with notable career and technical education pathways through partnerships with Metropolitan Community College. For Glenwood students interested in agriculture or STEM, some private schools may offer specialized courses or clubs that complement the region's focus, though specific offerings should be verified directly with each institution.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Glenwood, Iowa families?
Timelines are school-specific, but a general framework applies. Most private schools in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area begin their priority application and re-enrollment periods in **January or February** for the following fall. For example, Brownell-Talbot often has a January application deadline for first-round consideration. The process usually involves an application form, student records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and for some, an entrance assessment. For St. Albert, priority is often given to active parishioners and siblings of current students. Given the competitive nature and limited seats at some schools, Glenwood parents are strongly advised to initiate inquiries by the fall prior to the desired enrollment year and to attend open houses, which are typically held in the autumn.
How do private school options for Glenwood residents compare to the Glenwood Community School District public schools?
The choice involves distinct educational philosophies and logistics. The Glenwood Community School District (public) offers the convenience of a local, community-centered K-12 education with no tuition, recently constructed facilities, and a full range of academic, athletic, and activity programs. Private school options require a commute to Council Bluffs or Omaha (20-45 minutes) and involve significant tuition, though often with smaller class sizes and a specific religious or pedagogical focus (e.g., Catholic identity or intensive college prep). Academically, both sectors offer pathways to success; the Glenwood public high school consistently receives strong state ratings, while private options like Brownell-Talbot boast a 100% college matriculation rate. The decision often hinges on a family's priorities for religious education, desired class size, willingness to commute, and budget, factoring in potential STO financial aid.