The Best Private Schools in Lincoln, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lincoln. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Dowling Catholic High School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
Dowling Catholic High School is one of Iowa's premier private college preparatory schools, serving students from across central Iowa including the Lincoln area. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 23 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM program. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a 100% college acceptance rate and numerous National Merit Scholars, Dowling provides exceptional academic preparation alongside strong faith-based education and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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Xavier High School
Cedar Rapids Catholic Schools
Xavier High School serves eastern Iowa communities including the Lincoln area with a strong college preparatory program and Catholic faith foundation. The school features advanced STEM facilities, including dedicated engineering and computer science labs, and offers numerous AP courses. Xavier consistently ranks among Iowa's top high schools for academic achievement and boasts championship athletic programs. The school emphasizes character development and service learning alongside academic excellence, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty providing personalized attention.
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Columbus Catholic School
Waterloo Catholic Schools
Columbus Catholic School provides comprehensive education from preschool through high school, serving families throughout northeastern Iowa including Lincoln. The school offers a strong academic foundation with college preparatory curriculum, advanced mathematics and science programs, and comprehensive fine arts education. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, Columbus emphasizes individualized learning and character development rooted in Catholic values. The school features modern facilities, competitive athletic programs, and numerous extracurricular activities to support holistic student development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lincoln, Iowa
What are the realistic private school options for families residing in Lincoln, Iowa, given that the top-named schools are in other cities?
While Lincoln, Iowa, is a small community, families seeking private, faith-based education typically look to nearby larger cities. The schools often referenced, like Dowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines), Xavier High School (Cedar Rapids), and Columbus Catholic School (Waterloo), are all over an hour's drive from Lincoln. For daily commuting, this is generally not feasible. Therefore, the most practical options for Lincoln residents are often online private academies or considering a relocation to a district with a private school. Some families in similar rural Iowa towns also explore forming homeschool cooperatives with a private curriculum.
How does Iowa's School Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit program benefit Lincoln families considering private schools?
Iowa's STO program is a crucial financial consideration. It allows individuals and corporations to receive a state tax credit for donations to nonprofit STOs, which then provide need-based tuition grants to students attending private schools. For a Lincoln family, this means if you enroll your child in an accredited Iowa private school (even one outside your district), you can apply for these grants to significantly reduce tuition costs. It's important to research specific STOs, like the AIM (Access for Iowa’s Mothers) STO for Catholic schools, as they have their own application processes and deadlines.
Are there private schools near Lincoln, IA, that offer specialized programs in agriculture or STEM, reflecting Iowa's economy?
Given Iowa's strong agricultural and technological sectors, many regional private schools emphasize these areas. While Lincoln itself does not host such schools, institutions within commuting distance for boarding or relocation often feature robust programs. For example, schools in the Des Moines or Cedar Rapids areas may offer advanced Agriscience pathways, FFA chapters, and sophisticated STEM labs with partnerships from Iowa-based companies like John Deere or Pioneer. When researching schools like Dowling or Xavier, inquire specifically about their science and technology tracks, as they often design them with Iowa's career landscape in mind.
What is the enrollment timeline and key consideration for applying to Catholic high schools like Dowling or Xavier from a rural town like Lincoln?
The enrollment process for these competitive Catholic high schools begins early, often a full year in advance (e.g., fall for the following academic year). For a Lincoln family, the primary consideration is transportation and residency. These schools primarily serve their local diocesan communities, and while they accept students from outside areas, they rarely provide transportation from a distance like Lincoln. Parents must secure full transportation logistics. The application typically involves submitting records, attending an entrance exam, and a family interview. Demonstrating a commitment to the faith community, even from a distance, is an important part of the application.
What is the main trade-off between the Lincoln Community School District (public) and seeking a private school education elsewhere in Iowa?
The core trade-off is between community proximity and specialized religious/academic environment. The Lincoln Community School District offers the significant advantages of a local, close-knit community, no tuition, and minimal commute. In contrast, pursuing a private school (like those in urban centers) involves substantial daily travel or even relocation, plus tuition. The perceived benefits are often a specific religious formation, potentially smaller class sizes, and different extracurricular or academic offerings. For many Lincoln families, the decision hinges on whether the values and programs of a distant private school are worth the major lifestyle and financial changes required.