The Best Private Schools in Pleasant Hill, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Pleasant Hill. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Dowling Catholic High School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
Dowling Catholic High School is a premier private Catholic college-preparatory school serving the greater Des Moines metro area, including Pleasant Hill. With a rigorous academic program that includes 24 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM academy, the school consistently achieves exceptional college acceptance rates. The 70-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development through its Maroon & White leadership program and offers over 60 clubs and activities alongside competitive athletic programs in the CIML conference.
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Des Moines Christian School
Independent Christian School
Des Moines Christian School provides comprehensive Christ-centered education from preschool through 12th grade, serving families throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area including Pleasant Hill. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical worldview, featuring advanced STEM courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The 40-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts facilities, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains strong academic outcomes and emphasizes character development through service learning and spiritual formation programs.
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Bergman Academy
Independent Private School
Bergman Academy is an innovative independent private school offering International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme education for students from preschool through 6th grade, serving the greater Des Moines area including Pleasant Hill. The school features a unique Spanish immersion program and emphasizes project-based STEAM education with dedicated makerspaces and technology integration. The campus includes outdoor classrooms, nature trails, and modern learning environments designed for hands-on exploration. With a focus on developing global citizens and critical thinkers, Bergman provides small class sizes with personalized attention and maintains strong partnerships with local middle schools for seamless transitions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Pleasant Hill, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Pleasant Hill, Iowa, and are they located within the city limits?
While Pleasant Hill itself is a residential suburb, most of the top-rated private schools are located in nearby Des Moines and are commonly attended by Pleasant Hill families. The most prominent options include Dowling Catholic High School (a co-ed Catholic high school in West Des Moines), Des Moines Christian School (a PreK-12 Christian school in Urbandale), and Bergman Academy (a secular, independent PreK-8 school in Des Moines). There are no major private K-12 campuses physically located within Pleasant Hill's city limits, so transportation or carpooling to these neighboring communities is a standard consideration for local parents.
How does Iowa's School Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit program affect private school tuition for Pleasant Hill residents?
Iowa's unique STO program significantly impacts affordability. Donations to STOs provide scholarships for students attending private schools, and donors receive a 75% state tax credit. For Pleasant Hill families, this means applying for need-based scholarships through the STO that partners with your chosen school (e.g., the Dowling Catholic High School STO). This can substantially reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs. It's crucial to apply for STO scholarships during the school's financial aid process, typically in early winter for the following academic year, as funds are limited.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Pleasant Hill offer that differ from the local public school district?
Private schools in the Des Moines metro area accessible to Pleasant Hill families often offer distinct specializations. Dowling Catholic is renowned for its extensive STEM programs, competitive athletics, and faith-based education. Des Moines Christian provides a comprehensive Bible-integrated curriculum and strong fine arts programs. Bergman Academy focuses on gifted and talented education, project-based learning, and has a very low student-to-teacher ratio. These offerings differ from Pleasant Hill's public schools, which, while excellent, follow a standard Iowa curriculum and may not have the same niche focuses or religious components.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Dowling Catholic that serve Pleasant Hill students?
The timeline is critical and often earlier than public school registration. For schools like Dowling Catholic High School, the process for incoming freshmen typically begins a full year in advance, with open houses in the fall (October-November). Application deadlines are usually in early December, with acceptance notifications sent by February. For lower grades at schools like Des Moines Christian or Bergman Academy, applications often open in January for the next fall, with rolling admissions until spots are filled. Siblings and legacy applicants frequently receive priority, so initiating the process early is highly recommended for Pleasant Hill families.
For a family moving to Pleasant Hill, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Pleasant Hill public schools and a private school in the metro?
The decision hinges on educational philosophy, cost, and community. Pleasant Hill is part of the Southeast Polk Community School District, which receives high ratings for its newer facilities and academic performance. Choosing private involves a commitment to a specific mission (e.g., Catholic, Christian, or secular gifted education), willingness to pay tuition (offset by Iowa STO scholarships), and managing a commute to Des Moines/Urbandale. Private schools often offer smaller class sizes and distinct values-based education. The choice is deeply personal: public offers a free, comprehensive, community-centered education, while private provides a tailored environment aligned with specific family values or academic approaches.