The Best Private Schools in Hiawatha, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hiawatha. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Xavier High School
Cedar Rapids Catholic Schools
Xavier High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Cedar Rapids metro area including Hiawatha. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 20+ AP courses, strong STEM offerings, and comprehensive extracurricular activities. Known for its excellent faculty and strong community values, Xavier consistently produces graduates who attend top colleges and universities. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes.
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LaSalle Catholic School
LaSalle Catholic School System
LaSalle Catholic School provides comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout the Cedar Rapids metro including Hiawatha. The school emphasizes faith formation alongside strong academic foundations, with dedicated teachers and small class sizes. Programs include technology integration, music and art instruction, and competitive sports. The school community is known for its welcoming environment and strong parent involvement, with many graduates continuing to top area high schools.
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Regis Middle School
Cedar Rapids Catholic Schools
Regis Middle School serves students in grades 5-8 with a comprehensive educational program that prepares them for high school success. Located in nearby Cedar Rapids, the school serves the broader metro area including Hiawatha families. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, faith development, and character building. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school is particularly noted for its strong sense of community, dedicated faculty, and successful transition programs to local Catholic high schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hiawatha, Iowa
What are the main private school options available for families living in Hiawatha, Iowa?
Hiawatha is served by the Cedar Rapids Catholic School System, with the most prominent options being Xavier High School (grades 9-12), Regis Middle School (grades 6-8), and LaSalle Catholic School (PreK-5). While these schools have campuses in nearby Cedar Rapids, they are the designated primary private institutions for Hiawatha residents. There are no large independent private schools physically located within Hiawatha city limits, so families typically look to these neighboring Catholic schools. It's important to note that these schools serve the broader metro area, so your child will be in classes with students from multiple communities.
How does the tuition structure work for schools like Xavier, Regis, and LaSalle, and are there Iowa-specific financial aid options?
Tuition for the Cedar Rapids Catholic schools is set by the system and typically has a tiered rate: the lowest for registered, actively participating parishioners of supporting parishes, a higher rate for other Catholics, and the highest for non-Catholic families. For the 2024-2025 year, expect base tuition to range from approximately $5,000 to $8,000+ per child depending on the tier and grade level. Iowa offers two significant financial aid programs: the **Iowa Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit**, which allows a 25% credit for tuition and textbook expenses, and the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit**, where donors fund need-based scholarships. Most families at these schools utilize one or both of these Iowa-specific benefits to reduce net cost.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the Hiawatha-area private schools offer that leverage local Iowa resources?
Xavier High School is renowned for its strong STEM programs and partnerships with local Iowa industries like aerospace (Collins Aerospace), engineering, and agriculture. Its curriculum often includes project-based learning tied to these sectors. Furthermore, as part of the Catholic school system, all three schools integrate faith-based learning with a focus on community service within the Cedar Rapids/Hiawatha area, such as partnerships with local food banks (like HACAP) and shelters. Xavier also boasts a dominant athletics program in the Iowa state high school associations, particularly in football, basketball, and soccer, providing a classic Midwestern private school sports experience.
What is the enrollment timeline and process for Regis Middle School or LaSalle Catholic School for a Hiawatha resident, and is there a priority system?
The enrollment process for these schools typically begins with an open house in January or February for the following academic year. Priority is generally given in this order: 1) Siblings of currently enrolled students, 2) Active members of supporting Catholic parishes (which includes St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Hiawatha), and 3) All other applicants. As a Hiawatha parent, you should register with your parish office early and then complete the school's application by the spring deadline. Waiting pools can form for popular grades, so early action is recommended. The schools also require a records release from your child's current school and may have an academic assessment for middle school placement.
For a family deciding between the Hiawatha Community School District and the local Catholic private schools, what are the key comparative factors specific to this area?
The key comparison in Hiawatha centers on educational approach, cost, and community. The **Hiawatha Community School District** (public) offers a tuition-free education with newer facilities located within the city and a focus on standard Iowa Core curriculum. The **Catholic private schools** (Xavier, Regis, LaSalle) offer a faith-based education with typically smaller class sizes, a consistent disciplinary environment, and a continuous PreK-12 pathway with a strong alumni network in Eastern Iowa. A major practical factor is transportation; Hiawatha public schools provide busing, while private schools may require carpooling or a longer commute to Cedar Rapids. Many Hiawatha families value the private system's emphasis on college preparation—Xavier consistently has a near-100% graduation and college matriculation rate—and are willing to manage the tuition cost with the help of Iowa tax credits.