The Best Private Schools in Kelley, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kelley. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Ankeny Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Ankeny Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the greater Des Moines metro area, including Kelley. The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. Students benefit from advanced STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The school maintains a strong academic reputation with graduates consistently accepted to top universities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and dedicated art and music spaces.
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Des Moines Christian School
Independent Christian School
Des Moines Christian School is one of central Iowa's most established private educational institutions, serving families across the region including Kelley. With over seven decades of operation, the school offers a comprehensive K-12 program with strong college preparatory academics, competitive athletic teams, and outstanding fine arts programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, athletic complex, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school maintains high academic standards with graduates consistently achieving above-average ACT scores and college acceptance rates.
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Ames Christian School
Independent Christian School
Ames Christian School provides a classical Christian education serving families throughout Story County, including the Kelley area. The school emphasizes rigorous academic training within a biblical worldview framework. The curriculum includes Latin instruction, logic, rhetoric, and comprehensive college preparatory courses. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the school maintains strong parent-teacher partnerships. The historic campus features updated facilities while maintaining traditional academic excellence and character development focus.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kelley, Iowa
What are the private school options for families living in Kelley, Iowa?
Kelley, Iowa itself is a very small town without a private school within its immediate city limits. Therefore, families typically look to private institutions in nearby larger communities. The primary options include Des Moines Christian School in Urbandale (approx. 30 miles south), Ames Christian School in Ames (approx. 20 miles northwest), and Ankeny Christian Academy in Ankeny (approx. 25 miles south). These schools are common choices for Kelley residents seeking a faith-based education. Transportation is a key consideration, as all options require a daily commute.
How does Iowa's School Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit program affect private school tuition for Kelley families?
Iowa's unique STO program is a significant financial consideration. It allows individuals and businesses to receive a state tax credit for donations to nonprofit STOs, which then provide need-based tuition grants to students. Families in Kelley applying to participating schools like Des Moines Christian or Ames Christian School can apply for these grants to reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs. It's crucial to apply early, as funds are limited. This program makes private school more accessible for many Iowa families than it might be in other states without similar initiatives.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are available at private schools accessible from Kelley, IA?
The private schools serving the Kelley area offer distinct programs. Des Moines Christian School, being the largest, typically offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, competitive athletics, and fine arts programs. Ames Christian School, with its proximity to Iowa State University, may emphasize STEM connections. Ankeny Christian Academy focuses on a classical Christian education model. A unique consideration for Kelley students is that these schools often provide robust agricultural and FFA programs, aligning with Iowa's rural culture, which may not be as emphasized in urban private schools elsewhere.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Kelley, and are there considerations for rural residents?
Enrollment for the following academic year at schools like Des Moines Christian, Ames Christian, and Ankeny Christian Academy typically opens in January or February, with priority often given to siblings of current students and church members. For Kelley families, it's vital to initiate the process early due to commuting logistics and potential waitlists. The process usually involves an application, family interview, academic records review, and placement testing. Schools are accustomed to enrolling students from rural towns like Kelley and can provide information on carpool networks with other families from the Slater, Huxley, or Ames areas to ease the transportation burden.
How do the class sizes and community environment of private schools near Kelley compare to the local public school district (Ballard Community School District)?
The private school options offer a distinctly different environment from the Ballard Community School District, which serves Kelley. While Ballard provides a consolidated rural public school experience, private schools like those in Ankeny, Ames, and Urbandale offer much smaller average class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+ in public) and a close-knit, values-based community. However, the trade-off is a longer daily commute and a student body drawn from a wider geographic area, which can impact spontaneous social gatherings for Kelley-based students. The private schools emphasize their specific religious mission as a core differentiator from the secular public education provided by Ballard.