The Best Private Schools in Highlandville, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Highlandville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Benedict School
Archdiocese of Dubuque Catholic Schools
St. Benedict School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving students from Highlandville and surrounding communities in northeast Iowa. The school offers comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with a strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. Features include small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, modern technology integration, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science labs, literacy programs, music, art, and physical education. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships, with many graduates successfully transitioning to area high schools. Transportation options are available for students from Highlandville and nearby rural communities.
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Notre Dame Elementary School
Holy Family Catholic Schools
Notre Dame Elementary School serves families from Highlandville and Howard County with a comprehensive Pre-K through 6th grade Catholic education. The school is known for its strong academic foundation, caring environment, and commitment to developing the whole child. Programs include differentiated instruction to meet individual student needs, integrated technology with 1:1 device access, robust literacy intervention, advanced mathematics, and comprehensive specials including music, art, physical education, and Spanish. The school features modern facilities, secure campuses, and extensive parent-teacher collaboration. Transportation arrangements are available for students commuting from Highlandville area.
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North Winneshiek School
North Winneshiek Community School District
North Winneshiek School operates as a public school with private school characteristics, serving students from Highlandville and rural Winneshiek County with unique educational opportunities. The school offers personalized learning experiences with small class sizes, project-based curriculum, and strong community connections. Notable programs include extensive outdoor education utilizing nearby natural resources, comprehensive technology integration with 1:1 computing, robust arts education including band and choir, and competitive athletics. The school maintains high parent satisfaction through strong communication and community involvement. While technically a public school, it functions with the individualized attention and specialized programming typically found in private institutions, making it a popular choice for Highlandville families seeking alternative education options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Highlandville, Iowa
What are the main private school options available for families in Highlandville, Iowa, and what grade levels do they serve?
Highlandville, Iowa, is served by a small number of private, primarily faith-based schools. The notable options include St. Benedict School (typically K-8, Catholic), Notre Dame Elementary School (typically K-6, Catholic), and North Winneshiek School (a private, non-profit K-12 school). Given the rural setting, these schools are central to the community. For high school, families often look at North Winneshiek or may consider commuting to private schools in larger nearby towns like Decorah. It's important to contact each school directly for the most current grade configurations and any potential changes.
How does tuition at private schools in Highlandville, IA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Highlandville's private schools is generally below the national private school average, reflecting Iowa's cost of living. For the 2023-2024 school year, area Catholic elementary schools often have tuition in the range of $3,000-$5,000 per student, with parish subsidies frequently available for active members. North Winneshiek School, as an independent K-12, may have a higher tuition structure. Iowa offers the Student Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit program, which provides need-based scholarships for students attending private schools. All local private schools participate in this program, and it is a key financial resource for qualifying Iowa families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Highlandville offer that leverage the local environment or community?
Private schools in Highlandville often integrate the region's strong agricultural heritage and natural surroundings into their programs. For instance, North Winneshiek School may offer agricultural science or environmental studies that utilize local farms and natural areas. The Catholic schools, like St. Benedict and Notre Dame, often emphasize community service projects tied directly to local churches and organizations. Given the small size, these schools frequently offer multi-age classrooms and highly individualized attention, with extracurriculars like athletics and music often involving cooperation with other small schools in the region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Highlandville, and are there preferences for parish members or siblings?
Enrollment for the fall semester in Highlandville private schools often opens in January or February, with deadlines in the spring. However, due to small class sizes, it is advisable to inquire as early as possible. The process usually involves submitting an application, student records, and possibly a family interview. At the Catholic schools (St. Benedict and Notre Dame), active members of the supporting parishes typically receive priority enrollment and reduced tuition rates. Sibling preference is also a standard practice across all local private schools. It's crucial to contact the school office directly, as policies can vary.
For families new to the area, what are the key considerations when choosing between the public school district and a private school in Highlandville, Iowa?
The decision in Highlandville often centers on educational philosophy, class size, and religious affiliation. The local public school is part of a consolidated rural district, which may involve busing to a central location. Private options offer smaller, community-centered environments with specific value systems. The Catholic schools provide daily religious instruction, while North Winneshiek offers a non-denominational, independent education through 12th grade. Academically, both sectors perform well, but private schools can offer more curricular flexibility. Transportation can be a factor, as private schools may not provide district busing. Visiting both types of schools is highly recommended to gauge the best fit for your child.
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