The Best Private Schools in Miles, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Miles. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Rivermont Collegiate
Independent School
Rivermont Collegiate is the only independent, International Baccalaureate World School in the Quad Cities region, serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located approximately 30 miles from Miles, the school attracts students from throughout eastern Iowa with its rigorous academic program, small class sizes, and exceptional college placement record. The historic campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes global citizenship and critical thinking skills.
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Prince of Peace Catholic School
Diocese of Davenport Catholic Schools
Prince of Peace Catholic School serves students from preschool through 12th grade and is one of the premier private educational institutions in the Clinton County area, making it accessible to families in Miles. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and technology-integrated learning spaces. The school consistently achieves high academic performance with graduates attending competitive colleges nationwide.
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Assumption High School
Diocese of Davenport Catholic Schools
Assumption High School is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school serving students throughout the Quad Cities region, including those from Miles. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and outstanding fine arts programs. With a strong tradition of academic excellence and faith-based education, Assumption boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and numerous state championships in athletics. The campus features modern facilities including recently renovated science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Miles, Iowa
What are the specific private school options available for families in Miles, Iowa, and what grade levels do they serve?
Miles, Iowa, is served by a few notable private institutions, though families often look to nearby Bettendorf for additional options. Within the immediate area, Prince of Peace Catholic School in Clinton (a short drive away) is a common choice for Pre-K through 8th grade. For high school, Assumption High School in Davenport is a highly-regarded private option. Rivermont Collegiate, located in Bettendorf, is a prestigious Pre-K through 12th grade independent school. It's important for Miles parents to note that these schools involve a commute, as Miles itself is a very small rural community without a private school within its city limits. Transportation is typically the family's responsibility.
How does tuition for private schools near Miles, Iowa, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for private schools in the Eastern Iowa region near Miles varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, parochial schools like Prince of Peace Catholic School often have lower tuition rates, typically ranging from $4,000 to $6,000 annually, with discounts for parish members and multiple children. Independent schools like Rivermont Collegiate have a higher tuition, often exceeding $15,000 per year for upper grades. Iowa has two significant financial aid programs: the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit** and the **Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit**. The STO program allows donors to direct funds to need-based scholarships for private school students. All major schools in the area participate in STO programs and also offer their own need-based financial aid. It's crucial to apply for aid early in the admissions cycle.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to students from Miles, IA?
Private schools in the Quad Cities area accessible to Miles families offer distinct programs. **Rivermont Collegiate** emphasizes a rigorous college-prep curriculum with advanced STEM programs, global studies, and a renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. **Assumption High School** offers a strong college-prep curriculum alongside distinctive programs like their Knight Science Institute and extensive service-learning projects rooted in their Catholic identity. **Prince of Peace Catholic School** provides a faith-based education integrated with core subjects and character development. For Miles students interested in agriculture or vocational paths—common in rural Iowa—these private schools may offer less specific programming than some public schools, but they counter with smaller class sizes, advanced academic tracks, and unique arts or language immersion opportunities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Miles, Iowa families?
The enrollment process for schools like Rivermont Collegiate and Assumption High School typically begins in the fall, a full year before the desired start date. Open houses are held from September to January. Application deadlines for priority consideration are often in January or February, with financial aid applications due concurrently. Admission decisions and financial aid awards are usually communicated in March. For parochial schools like Prince of Peace, the timeline may be more flexible, but early application is still advised. A key step for Miles families is scheduling a campus visit and shadow day, which requires planning for the commute to Bettendorf, Davenport, or Clinton. Rolling admission may be available if spaces remain, but popular grades fill quickly.
For a family in rural Miles, what are the primary considerations when comparing local public schools to private schools in the Quad Cities area?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The **Miles Community School District** (part of the East Central district) offers the convenience of proximity, a tight-knit community, and potentially strong agricultural/vocational programs (FFA). Choosing a private school in Bettendorf or Davenport means a significant daily commute (20-40 minutes each way) and responsibility for transportation. In return, private schools offer smaller average class sizes, specialized academic or religious curricula, and often more resources for college counseling. For high school, families might compare Assumption's private college-prep environment to the offerings at larger public high schools in nearby DeWitt or Maquoketa. The cost of tuition versus no cost for public school is a major factor, but Iowa's tax credit programs can help offset private school expenses for qualifying families.