The Best Private Schools in Norwalk, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Norwalk. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Theresa School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
St. Theresa School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the greater Des Moines metro area including Norwalk. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, science labs, language arts, and religious studies. Extracurricular activities include sports, music, art, and various clubs. The school features modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, library, and gymnasium facilities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated teachers, strong community atmosphere, and rigorous academic preparation for high school.
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Dowling Catholic High School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
Dowling Catholic High School is a premier private Catholic high school serving students from Norwalk and throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with over 20 Advanced Placement courses, a comprehensive STEM program, and extensive fine arts offerings. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, athletic complex, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and strong athletic traditions. Parent reviews highlight exceptional faculty, diverse extracurricular opportunities, and strong community values that prepare students for college and beyond.
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Holy Trinity Catholic School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
Holy Trinity Catholic School serves students from Norwalk and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education. The school emphasizes faith formation, academic excellence, and service to others. Curriculum features include daily Spanish instruction starting in preschool, comprehensive technology integration with 1:1 devices in middle school, and robust fine arts programs. The campus includes modern classrooms, science lab, computer lab, library, gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's nurturing environment, strong academic foundation, and preparation for high school success. The school community is known for its welcoming atmosphere and active parent involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Norwalk, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Norwalk, Iowa?
Norwalk, Iowa, is served by a few key private institutions, primarily Catholic schools. Within the city itself, St. Theresa School offers a Pre-K through 8th-grade education. For high school, many Norwalk families look to nearby Des Moines, with Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines being a major destination. Additionally, Holy Trinity Catholic School in nearby Des Moines is another K-8 option. It's important to note that while Norwalk has excellent public schools, the immediate private school landscape is limited, often requiring a commute to the greater Des Moines metro area for more variety, including non-religious independent schools.
How does tuition for private schools like St. Theresa in Norwalk compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition at St. Theresa School in Norwalk is generally competitive with and often below the average for Iowa private elementary schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, parishioner tuition is approximately $4,500-$5,500 for the first child, with discounts for additional siblings. Non-parishioner rates are higher. Iowa offers unique financial support through the Student Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit program. This allows donors to contribute to STOs, which then provide need-based tuition grants to families at participating schools, including St. Theresa and Dowling Catholic. Additionally, most schools offer direct financial aid and payment plans.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Norwalk students offer that differ from the public system?
Private schools in the Norwalk/Des Moines corridor often emphasize specific value-based education and specialized programs. St. Theresa School integrates Catholic faith throughout its curriculum and may offer smaller class sizes than Norwalk's public schools. Dowling Catholic High School provides a wide array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, renowned arts and athletic programs, and distinctive academies within the school, such as the STEM Institute. While Norwalk Public Schools have strong programs, these private options provide an education rooted in religious tradition and, in the case of Dowling, a large-scale, comprehensive high school experience with particular programmatic depth.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a private school like St. Theresa in Norwalk?
The enrollment process for St. Theresa School typically begins in January or February for the following fall. Priority is often given to currently enrolled students, siblings, and active parishioners of St. Theresa Catholic Church before opening to the general community. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates, recent report cards (for transferring students), and possibly a family interview. It's highly recommended to contact the school office in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year to schedule a tour, receive exact dates, and ensure you meet any deadlines. Waiting lists can form for certain grades.
For a family moving to Norwalk, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Norwalk Public Schools and local private options?
The decision often centers on educational philosophy, cost, and logistics. Norwalk Public Schools are consistently high-performing, tuition-free, and offer modern facilities with a wide range of extracurriculars. Choosing a private school like St. Theresa or commuting to Dowling involves a significant financial investment but offers a faith-based education community, often with a different student-to-teacher ratio. A major practical consideration is the daily commute to schools outside Norwalk, like Dowling (a 20-30 minute drive). Families should assess their values, budget, and willingness to commute versus the convenience and quality of the local public system. Many families in Norwalk successfully utilize both, attending St. Theresa for elementary/middle and then choosing between Norwalk High School or Dowling.