The Best Private Schools in Harlan, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Harlan. 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 Private School
Brownell-Talbot is a premier independent college preparatory school serving the greater Omaha metropolitan area, including families from southwest Iowa. As Nebraska's only independent PreK-12 school offering the International Baccalaureate program, it provides exceptional academic rigor with small class sizes and outstanding faculty. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complex. The school offers comprehensive transportation services that make it accessible to Harlan-area families seeking top-tier private education with proven college acceptance records to prestigious universities.
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St. Albert Catholic Schools
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
St. Albert Catholic Schools is a highly-regarded PreK-12 private school system serving southwest Iowa. With a strong college preparatory focus, the school offers rigorous academics including Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and strong community values. The school serves students from Harlan and surrounding communities with transportation options available.
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St. Mary's School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
St. Mary's School is a historic Catholic elementary school serving PreK-6 students from Crawford County and surrounding areas including Harlan. The school provides a strong foundation in core academic subjects integrated with Catholic values and traditions. Features include small class sizes, individualized attention, technology integration, and enrichment programs in music and art. The school maintains excellent parent satisfaction ratings and has a reputation for preparing students well for secondary education. Family involvement and community spirit are hallmarks of this long-established institution.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Harlan, Iowa
What are the specific private school options available for families in Harlan, Iowa, and what grade levels do they serve?
In Harlan, Iowa, the primary private school option is **St. Albert Catholic Schools**, which serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade in a single, continuous system. While Brownell-Talbot College Preparatory School is a highly-regarded private school in Nebraska, it is located in Omaha, approximately a 50-minute drive from Harlan, and serves Pre-K through 12th grade. St. Mary's School, another Catholic option, is located in nearby Portsmouth, IA. For Harlan residents, St. Albert provides the most immediate local private education, offering a faith-based environment with college preparatory academics, athletics, and arts programs right in the Shelby County community.
How does tuition at St. Albert Catholic Schools in Harlan compare to Iowa's public school funding options like tuition tax credits or ESA programs?
Tuition at St. Albert Catholic Schools is structured with active parishioner and non-parishioner rates, and multi-child discounts are available. Importantly, Iowa has specific financial aid programs that benefit families choosing private schools. The **Iowa Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit** allows parents to claim a credit for a portion of tuition and textbook costs. Furthermore, Iowa's **Students First Act** establishes Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for eligible students, which can be used to cover private school tuition. For the 2024-25 school year, all Iowa K-12 students are eligible for ESAs. Families in Harlan should contact St. Albert's financial office directly for current tuition rates and detailed guidance on applying these state benefits to reduce their net cost.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools like St. Albert in Harlan offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
St. Albert Catholic Schools in Harlan leverages its Pre-12 campus to offer distinctive programs. Academically, it provides a **continuous, faith-integrated curriculum** and typically features smaller class sizes than the public district. A notable program is its **1:1 Technology Initiative** in middle and high school grades. Extracurricularly, St. Albert is a member of the Iowa High School Athletic Association and offers a full slate of sports, often allowing middle school students earlier competitive opportunities. Its unique **Fine Arts Department** produces annual musicals and drama productions that involve students across grade levels. Furthermore, its Catholic identity includes daily theology classes, weekly Mass, and community service requirements, fostering a close-knit environment distinct from the public system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for St. Albert Catholic Schools in Harlan, and are there considerations for non-Catholic families?
St. Albert Catholic Schools in Harlan generally begins active enrollment for the next academic year in **January or February**, with priority often given to current families and registered parishioners of supporting Catholic churches. However, enrollment typically remains open based on availability. The process involves submitting an application, providing academic records, and a family interview. **Non-Catholic families are welcome to enroll**, and they make up a portion of the student body. These families should be prepared to support the school's mission and agree to their children participating in religious education and activities. It is highly recommended for all prospective families, especially those new to the area, to schedule a campus tour and meeting with the admissions coordinator well before the enrollment period begins.
For a Harlan family considering the choice, what are the practical and community-based differences between enrolling in St. Albert versus the Harlan Community Public School District?
The key differences are philosophical, logistical, and financial. **St. Albert** offers a faith-based education with a consistent community from Pre-K to 12th grade, potentially simplifying transitions. Its smaller size can mean more individualized attention but may offer fewer elective or advanced placement course selections than the larger **Harlan Community School District**. Logistically, both systems provide busing within the city limits. Financially, public school is tax-funded, while St. Albert requires tuition, though state ESA funds now significantly offset this. Community-wise, St. Albert events are closely tied to local Catholic parishes, while public school events are central to the broader town identity. Many families in Harlan value the choice, and it's common for students from both systems to interact in local youth sports and community activities.