The Best Private Schools in Peru, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Peru. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John's Catholic School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
St. John's Catholic School serves families throughout Dallas County and surrounding areas, including Peru. This highly-rated private school offers a comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on Catholic values and academic excellence. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced math and reading programs, technology integration, and extensive extracurricular activities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community feel, and excellent preparation for high school. The campus includes modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and gymnasium facilities.
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Dowling Catholic High School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
As the premier Catholic high school in central Iowa, Dowling Catholic serves students from over 60 communities including Peru. This nationally recognized college preparatory school offers a rigorous academic program with over 20 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The 70-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, athletic complexes, and technology-rich classrooms. With a 99% college acceptance rate and a strong tradition of excellence in academics, athletics, and service, Dowling provides outstanding preparation for higher education. The school's Maroon Bus transportation system serves many outlying communities.
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Des Moines Christian School
Independent Christian School
Des Moines Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving families throughout the Des Moines metro area and surrounding communities including Peru. Offering education from preschool through 12th grade, the school provides a comprehensive Christ-centered education with strong academic programs, including college preparatory courses, advanced STEM offerings, and extensive fine arts and athletic programs. The school features modern facilities on a 40-acre campus with science labs, technology centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic fields. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, DMCS emphasizes both academic excellence and character development, consistently achieving high college acceptance rates and strong standardized test scores.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Peru, Iowa
What are the private school options for families living in Peru, Iowa, and are there any directly within the town?
For families in Peru, Iowa, private schooling primarily involves commuting to nearby communities, as there are no private schools physically located within the town of Peru itself. The most prominent options are Catholic and Christian schools in the greater Des Moines area. St. John's Catholic School in Adel (K-8) and Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines (9-12) form a common Catholic educational pathway. Des Moines Christian School in Urbandale offers a Protestant, non-denominational Christian education from preschool through 12th grade. The commute from Peru to these schools is typically 30-45 minutes, which is a key logistical consideration for Peru residents.
How does tuition for private schools near Peru, IA, compare, and are there Iowa-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-25 academic year, St. John's Catholic School (K-8) has active parishioner tuition around $4,500-$5,500, while Dowling Catholic High School tuition is approximately $12,000-$13,000. Des Moines Christian School tuition ranges from about $10,000 for elementary to over $13,000 for high school. A critical Iowa-specific financial benefit is the **Student Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit program**. Iowa taxpayers can donate to an STO (like the AIM STO for Catholic schools or the School Tuition Organization for Christian schools) and receive a 75% state tax credit, which funds need-based scholarships for private school families. Additionally, Iowa's new Education Savings Account (ESA) program provides state funds for students attending private schools, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs for eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving Peru, IA, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools accessible to Peru families offer distinct programs shaped by their missions. **Dowling Catholic High School** features extensive Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings, a renowned performing arts program, and competitive athletic leagues (in the Iowa High School Athletic Association). **Des Moines Christian School** emphasizes a curriculum integrated with Biblical worldview across all subjects and offers specialized tracks in STEM and fine arts. **St. John's Catholic School** provides a strong foundational education with sacramental preparation and character formation. A key differentiator from the smaller Interstate 35 public school district (which Peru is part of) is the breadth of specialized courses, extracurricular activities, and athletic competitions available at these larger private institutions, though this comes with the trade-off of a longer daily commute.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Dowling or Des Moines Christian for a family moving from Peru?
Enrollment for these schools is highly structured and often begins almost a full year in advance. For **Dowling Catholic**, the application process for incoming 9th graders typically opens in early fall (October/November) of the student's 8th-grade year, with placement tests held in January. Sibling and Catholic parishioner applicants receive priority. **Des Moines Christian School** usually begins its re-enrollment for current families in January, opening new family applications in February. Both schools require application forms, academic records, teacher recommendations, and an interview or shadow day. For Peru families, it's crucial to initiate contact with the admissions office by the fall prior to the desired enrollment year, as spaces, especially in specific grades, can be limited. Transportation from Peru is the family's responsibility, which should be factored into planning.
For a family in Peru, what are the primary factors to consider when choosing between the local Interstate 35 public school and a private school in the Des Moines metro?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. **Interstate 35 Community School District** offers the convenience of a very short commute, a close-knit community environment, and no tuition. In contrast, private schools like Dowling or Des Moines Christian offer a mission-driven education (Catholic or Christian), a wider array of academic electives, AP courses, and extracurricular activities due to their larger size, but require a significant daily commute (60-90 minutes round trip from Peru). Financially, Iowa's ESA program can now offset private school tuition, making cost less of a barrier. Parents must weigh their educational priorities (faith integration, specific programs), the value of the community environment versus program breadth, and the practical impact of daily travel on their child's schedule and family life.