The Best Private Schools in Long Grove, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Long Grove. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Rivermont Collegiate
Independent
Rivermont Collegiate is a premier independent college preparatory school serving the Quad Cities area, including Long Grove. As Iowa's only International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for students in preschool through 12th grade, Rivermont offers a rigorous academic program with global perspective. The school features small class sizes (8:1 student-teacher ratio), advanced STEM laboratories, comprehensive arts programs, and extensive college counseling. Located approximately 15 miles from Long Grove in Bettendorf, the campus includes historic buildings, modern science facilities, and athletic spaces. The school emphasizes character development and global citizenship while maintaining strong college placement records to top universities nationwide.
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St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School
Diocese of Davenport
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School provides comprehensive private education from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout Scott County including Long Grove. The school combines strong Catholic values with academic excellence, featuring dedicated teachers with an average of 15+ years experience. Curriculum includes advanced mathematics, science laboratories, comprehensive language arts, and integrated technology. The campus offers modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, art studio, music room, and gymnasium. Extracurricular activities include athletics, choir, robotics club, and community service programs. Located approximately 12 miles from Long Grove, the school maintains small class sizes and strong parent involvement.
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Alleman High School
Diocese of Peoria
Alleman High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from both Iowa and Illinois, including the Long Grove area. Located approximately 20 miles from Long Grove in Rock Island, Illinois, Alleman offers a comprehensive curriculum with 16 Advanced Placement courses, extensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. The school features modern science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. With a 12:1 student-teacher ratio, Alleman provides personalized attention and strong college counseling, with graduates consistently accepted to top universities. The school emphasizes faith formation, academic excellence, and character development within a supportive community environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Long Grove, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Long Grove, Iowa?
Long Grove itself is a small community, so the immediate private school options within the town are limited. However, families in Long Grove typically look to nearby Bettendorf and the broader Quad Cities area. The top schools you'll consider include **Rivermont Collegiate** in Bettendorf (a secular, independent college-preparatory school for grades PreK-12), **St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School** in Davenport (a PreK-8 parochial school), and **Alleman High School** in Rock Island, IL (a Catholic high school serving grades 9-12). The commute to these schools is standard for Iowa families seeking private education, with most within a 15-25 minute drive from Long Grove.
How does tuition at private schools like Rivermont Collegiate compare to Iowa's public school funding, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition at schools like Rivermont Collegiate is significantly higher than the per-pupil funding of Iowa public schools, as it covers the full cost of education. For the 2024-25 academic year, Rivermont's tuition ranges from approximately $12,000 for lower grades to over $16,000 for upper school. Importantly, Iowa offers the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit** program. This allows donors to receive a state tax credit for contributions to STOs, which then provide need-based tuition grants to families attending participating private schools. Both St. Paul the Apostle and Alleman High School participate in this program, making Catholic education more accessible. All schools also offer their own need-based financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Long Grove, IA?
The private schools serving Long Grove offer distinct specializations. **Rivermont Collegiate** is known for its rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum for all grades, advanced STEM programs, and global focus. **Alleman High School** offers a strong college-prep curriculum with distinctive programs in theology, fine arts, and athletics, competing in the Illinois High School Association. **St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School** provides a faith-based foundation with integrated technology and specials like music and art. A unique regional advantage is the proximity to Quad Cities cultural and scientific institutions, which these schools leverage for partnerships, internships, and field trips not always available in more rural Iowa districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Long Grove/Quad Cities area?
Timelines can vary, but a general process is consistent. Most schools, especially **Rivermont Collegiate**, begin their re-enrollment and sibling priority period in January/February for the following fall. Open houses and tours often occur in the fall and winter. For **St. Paul the Apostle**, registration for parish members typically opens early in the calendar year. **Alleman High School** holds placement exams and registration for incoming 9th graders in the winter. Given the competitive nature for spots, particularly in younger grades at Rivermont, it is highly recommended for Long Grove families to initiate inquiries and campus visits a full year in advance. Waiting lists are common, so early application is key.
For a family in Long Grove, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public school (North Scott Community School District) and a private school?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The **North Scott Community School District** is highly regarded in Iowa, offering a robust, tuition-free education with extensive extracurriculars. Choosing a private school often involves a desire for a specific educational philosophy (like Rivermont's IB world-school model), a faith-based environment (Catholic schools), or smaller class sizes. The trade-off is cost and commute. Families must budget for tuition and daily drives to Bettendorf, Davenport, or Rock Island. Conversely, the local public school provides neighborhood convenience and strong community ties. Many Long Grove families value the private school option for its distinct curriculum and values alignment, accepting the commute as part of that choice.