The Best Private Schools in Huxley, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Huxley. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Des Moines Christian School
Independent Christian School
Des Moines Christian School is a highly-regarded PreK-12 Christian school serving the greater Des Moines metro area, including Huxley families. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. Facilities include modern science labs, technology centers, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of college acceptance. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, music ensembles, theater productions, and community service opportunities.
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St. Cecilia Elementary School
St. Cecilia Catholic School
St. Cecilia Elementary School serves PreK-6 students from Huxley and surrounding communities with a faith-based education integrated with strong academics. The school features a comprehensive curriculum including STEM education, Spanish language instruction starting in kindergarten, and a robust music program. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, library, and gymnasium. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and maintains small class sizes with individualized attention. Parent involvement is highly encouraged through various volunteer opportunities and community events.
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Ames Christian School
Independent Christian School
Ames Christian School serves students from kindergarten through 8th grade, drawing families from Huxley and the broader Story County area. The school provides a biblically-integrated curriculum that emphasizes academic excellence within a Christian worldview. Programs include comprehensive language arts and mathematics, science with hands-on learning, social studies, and fine arts. The school features small class sizes, experienced faculty, and a family-oriented community atmosphere. Extracurricular opportunities include music programs, art classes, and various enrichment activities that complement the academic program.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Huxley, Iowa
Are there any private schools physically located within the city limits of Huxley, Iowa?
No, there are no private school campuses physically located within the city limits of Huxley, Iowa. Families in Huxley typically look to nearby communities for private education options. The most commonly considered schools include Des Moines Christian School in Urbandale (about a 25-minute drive), St. Cecilia Elementary School in Ames (about a 15-minute drive), and Ames Christian School in Ames. Many Huxley families commute to these schools, and carpooling is a common practice among parents in the community.
What is the average annual tuition for private schools serving Huxley, Iowa, families, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the private schools accessible to Huxley residents varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range. Des Moines Christian School's tuition is approximately $10,000-$15,000 for K-12. St. Cecilia Elementary (a Catholic school) is typically lower, around $5,000-$7,000, with active parishioner discounts. Ames Christian School is generally in the $6,000-$9,000 range. Iowa offers the **Student Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit Program**, which provides need-based financial aid for students attending accredited private schools. Many Huxley families utilize this program, as donors receive an Iowa tax credit for their contributions to STOs, which then fund scholarships.
How do the academic and extracurricular offerings at private schools near Huxley, like Des Moines Christian School, compare to the highly-rated Ballard Community School District?
This is a key consideration for Huxley parents. The public Ballard Community School District, which Huxley is part of, is consistently high-performing. Private options offer different value propositions. Des Moines Christian School provides a comprehensive, faith-integrated curriculum with strong college prep and fine arts. St. Cecilia offers a classical, Catholic education with small class sizes. The choice often hinges on educational philosophy. Ballard offers extensive public-school resources, broad AP courses, and large-scale athletics. Private schools offer specific religious formation, potentially smaller student-to-teacher ratios, and a distinct community environment. Many families choose based on alignment with their values rather than purely academic rankings.
What are the typical enrollment timelines and application processes for private schools serving the Huxley area?
Timelines are crucial as spaces can be limited. For schools like Des Moines Christian School and St. Cecilia, the main application window for the following fall typically opens in January and priority deadlines are in February or March. Ames Christian School may have a more rolling admission process. The process usually involves an application form, student records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and often an entrance assessment. For Huxley families, it's highly recommended to begin inquiries in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year, attend open houses (often held in the fall and winter), and apply by the priority deadline to secure a spot, especially for sought-after grades like kindergarten.
For Huxley parents interested in a faith-based education, what are the primary denominational options available at nearby private schools?
The private schools accessible from Huxley offer distinct faith-based environments. **Des Moines Christian School** is interdenominational Protestant, with a curriculum and community built on evangelical Christian principles. **St. Cecilia Elementary School** is a Roman Catholic school within the Diocese of Des Moines, incorporating Catholic doctrine, sacramental preparation, and tradition. **Ames Christian School** is also Protestant, with a nondenominational, Bible-based approach. This means Huxley families can choose a school whose religious instruction aligns with their specific beliefs and practices. It's important to visit each to understand the spiritual climate and how faith is integrated into daily learning.