The Best Private Schools in Low Moor, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Low Moor. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph Catholic School
Diocese of Davenport Catholic Schools
St. Joseph Catholic School serves the Clinton County area including Low Moor with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education grounded in Catholic values. The school features small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, library, and gymnasium. The school maintains high parent satisfaction through its community-oriented approach and rigorous academic preparation for high school.
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Rivermont Collegiate
Independent Private School
Rivermont Collegiate is a premier independent school serving the Quad Cities region, attracting students from surrounding communities including Low Moor. As Iowa's only International Baccalaureate World School for all grades, Rivermont offers a globally-focused education with exceptional college preparation. The campus features historic buildings with modern facilities, including science labs, art studios, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school is renowned for its academic rigor, diverse student body, and 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Clinton Christian School
Independent Christian School
Clinton Christian School provides a comprehensive K-12 education serving the greater Clinton County region, including Low Moor families. The school emphasizes biblical integration across all subjects while maintaining strong academic standards. Features include college preparatory curriculum, competitive athletics programs, music and drama offerings, and advanced placement opportunities. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and commitment to developing students spiritually, academically, and socially.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Low Moor, Iowa
What are the specific private school options available for families residing in Low Moor, Iowa, and do they require commuting?
Low Moor itself is a very small community, so there are no private school campuses physically located within its boundaries. Families in Low Moor typically commute to nearby cities for private education. The primary options include St. Joseph Catholic School (PreK-6) in DeWitt, Clinton Christian School (K-12) in Clinton, and Rivermont Collegiate (PreK-12) in Bettendorf. Rivermont is a significant commute but offers a distinct college-preparatory International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The choice often depends on the family's educational philosophy, religious affiliation, and willingness to drive, with commutes ranging from 15-20 minutes to over 45 minutes one-way.
How does tuition at private schools serving Low Moor, IA, compare to the Iowa state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for schools serving the Low Moor area varies widely. St. Joseph Catholic School and Clinton Christian School generally have lower tuition rates, often between $4,000-$7,000 annually, aided by parish subsidies or church support. Rivermont Collegiate, as a secular, independent college-prep school, has a significantly higher tuition, often exceeding $15,000. All these schools typically offer need-based financial aid, and Iowa residents can utilize the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit Program**. This allows donors to direct funds to STOs, which provide scholarships for students attending private schools, making tuition more manageable for eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Low Moor, IA, that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools accessible from Low Moor offer specialized programs not always available in smaller public districts. Clinton Christian School provides a Bible-based curriculum and may offer smaller class sizes for individualized attention. Rivermont Collegiate is the only school in the broader Quad Cities area offering the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum from preschool through 12th grade, emphasizing global citizenship and inquiry-based learning. St. Joseph Catholic School integrates faith formation throughout its curriculum. These schools often have more flexibility in their programming, which can include unique language offerings, specialized arts, or distinctive science and technology emphases tailored to their missions.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like Clinton Christian or St. Joseph Catholic for a family moving to Low Moor?
The process is school-specific but generally involves key steps. For St. Joseph Catholic School, priority is often given to active parishioners, with registration typically opening in early winter (January/February) for the following fall. Clinton Christian School usually has an open enrollment period in the spring. Both require an application, student records, possibly an entrance assessment, and an interview or family meeting. It's crucial to contact the schools directly as soon as possible, as some grades may have waiting lists. Unlike public school boundaries, admission is not guaranteed by residence in Low Moor and is based on the school's capacity and mission fit.
For a family in Low Moor, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school (North Scott Community School District) and a private school option?
The decision hinges on several factors unique to the Low Moor context. The North Scott district is highly regarded, offering a consolidated, comprehensive K-12 experience with robust extracurriculars without a tuition cost. Choosing a private school involves a financial commitment and a daily commute. The reasons to consider private include: desire for a specific religious education (Catholic or Protestant), seeking a particularly rigorous college-prep curriculum like the IB program at Rivermont, preferring a smaller, potentially more intimate school environment, or wanting an educational philosophy deeply aligned with family values. Transportation is a major practical consideration, as private schools do not provide district busing from Low Moor.