The Best Private Schools in Harvey, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Harvey. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Montessori School of Marion
Independent Montessori
The Montessori School of Marion provides authentic Montessori education serving children from preschool through elementary grades. Located just 20 minutes from Harvey, this highly-rated school emphasizes individualized learning, hands-on materials, and development of the whole child. The school features purpose-built Montessori classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and a strong community focus. Parents consistently praise the dedicated teachers, peaceful learning environment, and the school's ability to nurture independent, confident learners.
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LaSalle Catholic School
Archdiocese of Dubuque
LaSalle Catholic School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school located approximately 25 minutes from Harvey in Cedar Rapids. The school serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a comprehensive curriculum that integrates faith, academics, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, a gymnasium, and dedicated art and music spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular activities including sports, choir, and academic competitions.
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Regina Catholic Education Center
Archdiocese of Dubuque
Regina Catholic Education Center provides a comprehensive PreK-12 Catholic education and serves families throughout Eastern Iowa, including the Harvey area. Located approximately 35 minutes from Harvey, Regina offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts programs. The campus features modern academic facilities, science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school is known for its strong academic outcomes, with graduates consistently attending top colleges and universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Harvey, Iowa
What are the private school options available for families living in Harvey, Iowa?
Harvey itself is a very small community, so families typically look to nearby cities for private education. The primary options include The Montessori School of Marion (in Marion, IA), LaSalle Catholic School (in Cedar Rapids, IA), and Regina Catholic Education Center (in Iowa City, IA). These schools require commuting, but they offer distinct educational philosophies—Montessori, traditional Catholic (K-8), and comprehensive Catholic (PreK-12), respectively. For Harvey residents, transportation planning is a key consideration when evaluating these options.
How does Iowa's School Tuition Organization (STO) program affect private school tuition for Harvey families?
Iowa's unique STO program allows individuals and businesses to receive a state tax credit for donations to nonprofit organizations that provide tuition grants. For Harvey families considering schools like LaSalle or Regina, this means you can apply for need-based financial assistance through an STO. The grants can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket tuition cost. It's crucial to apply early through the specific STO that partners with your chosen school, as funds are limited and prioritized.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are accessible to Harvey students at these nearby private schools?
Each school offers distinct specializations. The Montessori School of Marion provides hands-on, child-led learning for early childhood and elementary grades. LaSalle Catholic School offers a strong faith-based foundation with dedicated art and music programs. Regina Catholic Education Center, being a larger PreK-12 institution, provides robust college-prep academics, competitive athletics (competing in the Iowa state association), and fine arts programs. For Harvey students, accessing these programs means being part of a wider regional community, which can be a significant benefit.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Harvey, Iowa area?
Enrollment timelines are school-specific but generally begin in January or February for the following fall. Regina and LaSalle, as Catholic schools, often give priority to registered parishioners of supporting churches before opening enrollment to the broader community. The Montessori School of Marion may have a waiting pool for popular age groups. For Harvey families, it's advisable to initiate inquiries a full year in advance, attend open houses (often held in the fall), and understand the commute logistics as part of the decision process.
How do the class sizes and community environments of private schools near Harvey compare to the local public school district?
The private schools near Harvey typically offer much smaller class sizes than the regional public school districts (like the Benton Community or Iowa City districts). This often translates to more individualized attention. The community environment is also distinct: The Montessori School fosters an independent learning community, while LaSalle and Regina offer close-knit, values-based communities centered on Catholic faith. For Harvey families, the choice often hinges on whether they prioritize a specific pedagogical approach or religious education over the convenience and no-tuition model of the local public school.