The Best Private Schools in Pleasant Valley, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Pleasant Valley. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Assumption High School
Diocese of Davenport Catholic Schools
Assumption High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving the Pleasant Valley area and greater Quad Cities region. With a strong academic reputation, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum including 17 Advanced Placement courses and a dedicated STEM Academy. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with a 100% college acceptance rate and numerous state championships in athletics and activities.
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St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School
Diocese of Davenport Catholic Schools
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School provides exceptional private education for students from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout Pleasant Valley and Davenport. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a strong emphasis on both academic achievement and spiritual development. Facilities include modern classrooms, technology labs, and dedicated spaces for art, music, and physical education. The school consistently achieves high academic test scores and prepares students well for high school transition.
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Rivermont Collegiate
Independent School
Rivermont Collegiate is the Quad Cities' only independent, International Baccalaureate World School for preschool through 12th grade. Located just minutes from Pleasant Valley in Bettendorf, the school offers a rigorous academic program with a global perspective. The historic campus features state-of-the-art science labs, technology integration, and extensive arts facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, the school provides personalized attention and consistently sends graduates to top-tier colleges and universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Pleasant Valley, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available for families in Pleasant Valley, Iowa, and what educational levels do they serve?
Pleasant Valley, Iowa, is served by a small cluster of well-regarded private institutions, each with a distinct focus. **Assumption High School** in nearby Davenport is a popular choice for Pleasant Valley residents seeking a Catholic, co-educational secondary education (grades 9-12). **St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School**, also in Davenport, provides a faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade. For families seeking a non-religious, college-preparatory environment, **Rivermont Collegiate** in Bettendorf offers a unique Pre-K through 12th grade program on a historic campus. It's important to note that as a suburb within the Quad Cities metro, many Pleasant Valley families also consider private schools in neighboring Bettendorf and Davenport, expanding the options beyond the immediate city limits.
How does tuition for private schools in the Pleasant Valley, IA area compare, and are there any Iowa-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Pleasant Valley area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, area Catholic schools like Assumption High School and St. Paul the Apostle typically have tuition ranging from approximately $6,500 to $10,000 annually, with reduced rates for parish members. Rivermont Collegiate, as an independent college-prep school, has a higher tuition range, often between $15,000 and $20,000. A critical Iowa-specific benefit is the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit Program**. Iowa taxpayers can receive a 75% state tax credit for donations to STOs, which then provide need-based tuition grants to students attending private schools. Many Pleasant Valley area families utilize this program to make private education more affordable.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs distinguish private schools in the Pleasant Valley/Quad Cities area?
Private schools in the region leverage their independence to offer specialized programs. **Rivermont Collegiate** emphasizes a global curriculum, advanced STEM initiatives, and its status as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for all grades, which is unique in the area. **Assumption High School** is known for its strong tradition in athletics, particularly in state-competitive sports like football and soccer, alongside robust fine arts and theology programs. **St. Paul the Apostle** integrates faith throughout its curriculum and often features strong foundational literacy and math programs. Many of these schools also facilitate partnerships with local Quad Cities institutions like colleges, museums, and engineering firms for enhanced learning opportunities not always available in standard public school curricula.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Pleasant Valley, Iowa families?
The process generally begins in the fall or winter prior to the desired school year. For schools like **St. Paul the Apostle** and **Rivermont Collegiate**, which have lower grades, open houses and tours are held from October through January. Application deadlines often fall between January and March, with acceptance notifications sent by early spring. **Assumption High School** typically holds its placement exam for incoming 9th graders in January. A key step for many families is applying for financial aid and Iowa STO grants simultaneously with admission, as deadlines for aid (like the FACTS application) often align with admission deadlines. Due to limited seats, especially in popular early grades, initiating the process a full year in advance is highly recommended for Pleasant Valley residents.
For families zoned for the highly-rated Pleasant Valley Community School District, what are the common reasons for choosing a local private school instead?
While the Pleasant Valley public district is excellent, families often choose private options for specific philosophical or programmatic reasons. Some seek a consistent **faith-based education** and community from preschool through high school, offered by the Catholic school network. Others are drawn to the **specific pedagogical approach** of a school like Rivermont Collegiate, with its small class sizes, IB curriculum, and focus on global citizenship. Additionally, private schools can offer a different social environment and a consistent educational pathway without the transitions between multiple public school buildings. The decision often comes down to alignment with family values, desire for a particular type of college preparation, or the importance of a specific learning environment that differs from the larger, comprehensive public model, even in a top-tier district like Pleasant Valley's.
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