The Best Private Schools in Glidden, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Glidden. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Spirit School
Holy Spirit Parish
Holy Spirit School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school located just 10 miles from Glidden in Carroll. Serving students from preschool through 6th grade, the school provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes religious education, core academic subjects, and enrichment programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, and dedicated spaces for art and music. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and strong parent involvement, with many families commuting from surrounding communities including Glidden.
Programs:
Kuemper Catholic School System
Kuemper Catholic School System
Kuemper Catholic School System is a comprehensive PreK-12 private Catholic school located in Carroll, serving students from Glidden and throughout Carroll County. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, strong STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive athletics, fine arts, and clubs. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a long history of academic excellence and high college acceptance rates, Kuemper maintains small class sizes and personalized attention while providing a values-based education grounded in Catholic traditions.
Programs:
St. Lawrence School
St. Lawrence Parish
St. Lawrence School is another excellent Carroll-based Catholic school serving the Glidden community, located approximately 12 miles away. The school provides education from preschool through 6th grade with a focus on academic excellence within a faith-filled environment. The curriculum emphasizes strong foundational skills in reading, mathematics, and language arts while incorporating technology and 21st-century learning skills. The school features dedicated early childhood classrooms, a STEM lab, and a supportive learning environment with experienced faculty. Parent satisfaction is high due to the school's strong community feel, individualized attention, and commitment to developing well-rounded students.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Glidden, Iowa
What are the private school options specifically within Glidden, Iowa, and are they all religiously affiliated?
Within the city limits of Glidden, Iowa, the primary private school option is Holy Spirit School, which is a Catholic PK-6 school. For grades 7-12, families typically look to the nearby Kuemper Catholic School System in Carroll, Iowa, which is about a 15-minute drive from Glidden and serves as the regional Catholic high school. St. Lawrence School is also in Carroll. Therefore, while Glidden itself has a single on-site private elementary school, accessing a full K-12 private, faith-based education requires commuting to Carroll, which is a common practice for families in the surrounding small towns in western Iowa.
How does tuition at Glidden's Holy Spirit School compare to other Iowa private schools, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at Holy Spirit School in Glidden is generally lower than at many private schools in larger Iowa cities, reflecting the local cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, parishioner tuition is approximately $2,500-$3,000 per child, with non-parishioner rates higher. The Kuemper Catholic School System in Carroll has a separate tuition schedule. Critically, Iowa has two major financial aid programs: the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit**, which provides need-based scholarships, and the **Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit** on state income taxes. Additionally, many local Catholic parishes offer subsidized tuition for active members. It's essential to apply for STO scholarships early, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving Glidden students offer, given the rural setting?
Despite the rural setting, the private schools serving Glidden offer robust programs. Holy Spirit School emphasizes foundational literacy and STEM, with small class sizes allowing for individualized attention. The Kuemper Catholic School System in Carroll provides a broader array of opportunities, including college-level dual-credit courses, strong agricultural science and FFA programs relevant to Iowa, and a comprehensive offering of music, arts, and athletics that compete at the state level. A unique aspect is the tight-knit community and values-based education that integrates faith, which many parents in this region specifically seek.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for Holy Spirit School in Glidden, and are there preferences for local residents?
Holy Spirit School in Glidden typically begins open enrollment for the following academic year in January or February. The process involves submitting an application form, providing birth and baptismal certificates (if applicable), and recent academic records. Priority is often given to: 1) siblings of currently enrolled students, 2) children of active parishioners of supporting Catholic parishes, and 3) residents of Glidden and the immediate surrounding area. Given the small size of the school, it is advisable to apply early, even though it rarely has a long waitlist. A tour and meeting with the principal can be easily arranged by contacting the school office directly.
For a family in Glidden, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private option like Holy Spirit or Kuemper?
The key considerations for a Glidden family include **community, cost, and curriculum**. The Glidden-Ralston Community School District offers a tuition-free public education with strong community ties and likely shorter transportation distances. Choosing a private path involves tuition and a commute to Carroll for middle/high school, but offers a specific faith-based environment and consistent values alignment from PK-12. Academically, both sectors perform well, but private schools often have smaller class sizes. For extracurriculars, the public school provides local sports and activities, while Kuemper offers a wider variety but requires travel. Ultimately, the decision in this close-knit Iowa town often hinges on the family's priority for religious education and their willingness to engage in the regional Catholic school community.