The Best Private Schools in Holy Cross, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Holy Cross. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Wahlert Catholic High School
Holy Family Catholic Schools
Wahlert Catholic High School is a premier private Catholic school serving the Holy Cross area and greater Dubuque region. As part of the Holy Family Catholic Schools system, it offers a comprehensive college-preparatory education with rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular programs. The school features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Wahlert emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, preparing students for college and beyond.
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Holy Family Catholic Schools - Mazzuchelli Campus
Holy Family Catholic Schools
Mazzuchelli Catholic Middle School serves grades 6-8 as part of the Holy Family Catholic Schools system, providing a seamless educational pathway for Holy Cross area families. The school offers a challenging academic program with specialized instruction in core subjects, STEM education, and religious formation. Facilities include modern classrooms, technology labs, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere, dedicated teachers, and comprehensive student support services that prepare students for success in high school and beyond.
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Resurrection Elementary School
Holy Family Catholic Schools
Resurrection Elementary School provides Catholic education for students from preschool through 5th grade, serving Holy Cross and the greater Dubuque area. The school offers a nurturing environment with small class sizes, individualized attention, and a strong foundation in faith and academics. Programs include early childhood education, elementary curriculum, special needs support, and various enrichment activities. The school features modern classrooms, playground facilities, and technology integration throughout the curriculum, creating a well-rounded educational experience for young learners.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Holy Cross, Iowa
What are the private school options available specifically in Holy Cross, Iowa, and what grade levels do they serve?
Holy Cross, Iowa, is served by a close-knit Catholic school community. The primary option is Resurrection Elementary School, which typically serves students from preschool through 5th or 6th grade, providing a foundational education in a small-town setting. For secondary education, families in Holy Cross commonly feed into the broader Dubuque area Catholic school system. This includes Wahlert Catholic High School (grades 9-12) and Holy Family Catholic Schools' Mazzuchelli Campus (middle school, grades 6-8). While not located directly in Holy Cross, these schools are the designated and supported next steps for local families seeking a continuous private, faith-based education.
How does tuition for private schools serving Holy Cross, Iowa, families work, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for schools like Resurrection Elementary, Mazzuchelli, and Wahlert is set by the Holy Family Catholic Schools system. It is typically lower for registered, contributing members of supporting parishes, including St. Joseph's in Holy Cross. A key Iowa-specific financial benefit is the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit Program**. Iowa taxpayers can donate to an STO (like the Diocese of Dubuque's) and receive a 75% state tax credit, which funds need-based tuition grants for private school students. Additionally, many schools offer multi-child discounts and parish-sponsored assistance. It's essential to speak directly with the school's tuition office and your parish to understand all available subsidies.
What unique academic or extracurricular opportunities are available through the private school pathway for a Holy Cross student?
The private school pathway from Holy Cross offers a blend of small-community grounding and access to larger-scale programs. At Resurrection Elementary, students benefit from a low student-to-teacher ratio and a strong emphasis on community values. As they progress to Mazzuchelli and Wahlert in Dubuque, opportunities expand significantly. Wahlert offers a comprehensive college-prep curriculum, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, competitive athletics in the Mississippi Valley Conference, and robust programs in fine arts, robotics, and faith-based service learning. This pathway allows Holy Cross students to maintain a connected, values-driven education while accessing resources comparable to larger school districts.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for a family living in Holy Cross wanting to start at Resurrection Elementary?
For Holy Cross residents, enrollment at Resurrection Elementary typically begins with early registration in January or February for the following academic year. The process is parish-centered. Families should first be registered and active members of St. Joseph's Parish in Holy Cross. You will then complete enrollment forms through the Holy Family Catholic Schools' unified online system. Priority is often given to existing families and parish members. It's highly recommended to contact the Resurrection principal or the Holy Family central office in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year to express interest, schedule a tour, and ensure you meet any parish-specific requirements for tuition rates.
How do private schools serving the Holy Cross community differ from the local public school option, Western Dubuque Community School District?
The primary difference is mission and educational approach. Private schools like Resurrection and its feeder schools offer a **faith-based education**, integrating Catholic values and religious instruction throughout the curriculum. They often have smaller class sizes, providing individualized attention. The public option, Western Dubuque, offers a secular education with a potentially wider range of elective courses and specialized programs at the middle and high school levels, funded by property taxes. For Holy Cross families, a practical difference is also **location and community**; Resurrection is local, while the junior high and high school for Western Dubuque are in nearby towns like Farley or Epworth. The choice often centers on whether parents prioritize a religious foundation and a close-knit, parish-connected community versus a secular, tax-funded district with broader geographic resources.
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