The Best Private Schools in Preston, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Preston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph Catholic School
Diocese of Davenport Catholic Schools
St. Joseph Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving the Preston area and surrounding communities. Located approximately 15 miles from Preston in DeWitt, this established Catholic school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes faith formation alongside strong academic preparation, featuring small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science, language arts, and religious education. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and gymnasium. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community support with numerous extracurricular activities including sports, music, and community service programs.
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Rivermont Collegiate
Independent
Rivermont Collegiate is a prestigious independent school located approximately 25 miles from Preston in Bettendorf, serving students from preschool through 12th grade. As the only International Baccalaureate World School in the Quad Cities area, Rivermont offers an academically rigorous curriculum focused on developing critical thinking and global perspective. The school features exceptional teacher-to-student ratios, state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, technology centers, and performing arts spaces. Academic excellence is complemented by extensive extracurricular opportunities in athletics, robotics, debate, and community service. The school maintains a strong college placement record and serves families throughout eastern Iowa and western Illinois.
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Alleman High School
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
Alleman High School is a highly-respected Catholic college preparatory school located approximately 20 miles from Preston in Rock Island, Illinois. Serving students in grades 9-12 from both Iowa and Illinois, Alleman provides a comprehensive education grounded in Catholic values with strong academic outcomes. The school features advanced placement courses, honors programs, and specialized academies in STEM and arts. Facilities include modern science laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. With a dedicated faculty and strong alumni network, Alleman consistently achieves high college acceptance rates and maintains active parent and community involvement through various organizations and booster clubs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Preston, Iowa
What are the specific private school options available for families in Preston, Iowa, and what grade levels do they serve?
In the Preston, Iowa area, the primary private school options are St. Joseph Catholic School (typically Pre-K through 8th grade), Rivermont Collegiate (a Pre-K through 12th grade college preparatory school in nearby Bettendorf), and Alleman High School (a Catholic high school in Rock Island, IL, serving grades 9-12). Given Preston's smaller size, families often consider schools in the broader Quad Cities region. St. Joseph Catholic School is the most locally accessible option for elementary and middle school, while secondary education requires looking at institutions in neighboring communities. It's important to visit each school, as their educational philosophies, from faith-based to independent college-prep, differ significantly.
How does tuition for private schools in the Preston, Iowa area compare, and are there any Iowa-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies widely. St. Joseph Catholic School generally has the most accessible tuition, often with parishioner discounts. Rivermont Collegiate, as an independent college-prep school, has a higher tuition reflective of its extensive programs. Alleman High School operates on a separate tuition scale. Iowa offers two key financial aid programs: the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit** and the **Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit**. The STO program allows donors to direct scholarships to students attending accredited private schools, and many local families utilize this. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and payment plans. Consulting directly with each school's admissions office is crucial to understand the full cost and available assistance.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Preston, Iowa students?
Programs differ by school. **St. Joseph Catholic School** integrates Catholic values throughout a standard curriculum and may offer religion-based activities. **Rivermont Collegiate**, with its International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, offers a globally-focused, rigorous curriculum with strong arts, sciences, and language programs, plus extracurriculars like robotics and Model UN. **Alleman High School** provides a comprehensive Catholic secondary education with college-prep courses, athletics, and faith-based service programs. For Preston families, a notable consideration is access to specialized programs like IB at Rivermont or faith-based character education at the Catholic schools, which may not be as emphasized in the local public districts.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in the Preston, Iowa region?
The process often begins a full year in advance. For **St. Joseph Catholic School**, enrollment for the fall typically opens in early winter (January-February) for existing families and then to new families. **Rivermont Collegiate** and **Alleman High School** have similar timelines, with priority deadlines often in February or March for the following academic year. Steps usually include: submitting an application, providing academic records, attending a shadow day/visit (especially for upper grades), and sometimes an entrance assessment. Due to limited seats, particularly in younger grades, early inquiry is strongly recommended. Many schools host open houses in the fall, which is an ideal time for Preston parents to start their research.
For a family in Preston, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in the area?
Key considerations include: **Educational Approach:** Private schools offer specific philosophies (e.g., Catholic, IB) versus the standardized public curriculum. **Class Size:** Private schools generally have smaller class sizes, which can mean more individualized attention. **Cost:** Public schools are tuition-free, while private schools require tuition, though financial aid may offset costs. **Community & Values:** Private schools often have tight-knit, values-based communities. **Logistics:** For Preston residents, attending Rivermont or Alleman involves a significant commute to the Quad Cities, while St. Joseph is more local. Public school offers proximity and no tuition. Parents should assess their child's needs, their family's values, and the long-term educational goals when making this very personal decision.