The Best Private Schools in Mitchellville, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Mitchellville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bergman Academy
Independent Private School
Bergman Academy is an International Baccalaureate World School serving Mitchellville and the greater Des Moines area with innovative educational approaches. The school offers the IB Primary Years Programme for preschool through 5th grade, with plans to expand through middle school. Unique features include Spanish language immersion starting in preschool, project-based learning, and strong STEM integration. The school emphasizes global citizenship and critical thinking skills in a nurturing environment with small class sizes and individualized attention.
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Dowling Catholic High School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
Dowling Catholic High School is consistently ranked among Iowa's top private schools, serving students from Mitchellville and throughout the Des Moines metro area. The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with 23 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM programs, and championship-caliber athletics. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. With a 100% college acceptance rate and a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, Dowling provides personalized attention while maintaining academic rigor.
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Des Moines Christian School
Independent Christian School
Des Moines Christian School serves Mitchellville families with a comprehensive Christian education from preschool through 12th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, offering rigorous college preparatory courses, advanced STEM programs, and competitive athletics. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, fine arts studios, and athletic fields. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 and has a strong track record of college placements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Mitchellville, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Mitchellville, Iowa, and are they located within the city?
Mitchellville itself is a smaller community, so most top-rated private schools are located in nearby areas, particularly in the western suburbs of Des Moines. The schools often considered by Mitchellville families include Dowling Catholic High School (in West Des Moines), Des Moines Christian School (in Urbandale), and Bergman Academy (in Des Moines). These schools typically provide transportation or have carpool networks for families in Mitchellville. There are limited, if any, private K-12 institutions physically located within Mitchellville's city limits, so commuting is a standard expectation.
How does Iowa's School Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit program affect private school tuition for Mitchellville residents?
Iowa's STO program is a significant financial consideration. It allows individuals and businesses to receive a state tax credit for donations to nonprofit organizations that provide tuition grants to students. Mitchellville families applying to participating private schools (like Dowling Catholic or Des Moines Christian) can apply for need-based grants through an STO. This can substantially reduce the out-of-pocket tuition cost. It's crucial to apply for these grants early, as funds are limited, and the application process is separate from school admission.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Mitchellville offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Mitchellville area often offer specialized programs not always available in smaller public districts. For example, Dowling Catholic offers extensive Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a renowned STEM program. Des Moines Christian provides a comprehensive Bible-integrated curriculum and strong arts programs. Bergman Academy focuses on gifted education and project-based learning with a low student-to-teacher ratio. These schools also typically have more resources for college counseling and specialized athletics or arts facilities compared to Mitchellville's public school system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Dowling Catholic that serve Mitchellville students?
The enrollment process for schools like Dowling Catholic High School begins very early, often in the fall for the following academic year. For 9th-grade enrollment, the process typically starts with an open house in September or October, followed by placement testing in the winter. Application deadlines are usually in early spring. It's highly recommended for Mitchellville families to begin the process during their child's 8th-grade year. Many of these schools also have feeder relationships with private elementary schools, but admission is open, requiring transcripts, recommendations, and entrance exam scores.
For a family in Mitchellville, what are the key factors in choosing between the local public school system and a private school in the Des Moines metro area?
The decision often hinges on several location-specific factors. Mitchellville is served by the Southeast Polk Community School District, which has its own strengths. Choosing a private school involves considering the daily commute (15-30 minutes to West Des Moines/Urbandale), the desire for a faith-based education (offered by Dowling and Des Moines Christian), or a specialized pedagogical approach (like at Bergman). Private schools offer an alternative to open enrollment within the public system. The cost, even with STO aid, is a major factor, weighed against perceived benefits like smaller class sizes, specific academic rigor, or religious instruction.