The Best Private Schools in Princeton, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Princeton. 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 highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Quad Cities region, including Princeton. Founded by the Sisters of Humility, the school offers rigorous academic programs with 98% of graduates attending college. Features include advanced placement courses, state-of-the-art science labs, competitive athletics programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school emphasizes faith formation alongside academic excellence and has a strong tradition of community service.
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St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School
Diocese of Davenport Catholic Schools
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School provides comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout the Quad Cities area including Princeton. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a strong foundation in Catholic values. Academic programs include integrated technology with 1:1 device program, Spanish language instruction, and comprehensive STEM curriculum. The school maintains high parent satisfaction with its family-oriented community and strong academic preparation for high school.
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Alleman High School
Diocese of Peoria Catholic Schools
Alleman High School is a respected Catholic college preparatory school located just across the river in Rock Island, serving students from both Illinois and Iowa, including the Princeton area. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with 16 Advanced Placement courses, extensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, Alleman provides personalized education in a faith-based environment. The school boasts a 99% college acceptance rate and strong alumni network throughout the Quad Cities region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Princeton, Iowa
What are the private school options for families residing in Princeton, Iowa, and what grade levels do they serve?
Princeton, Iowa, is served by a small number of private, faith-based schools in the immediate and surrounding area. The most prominent options include St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School, which typically serves elementary and middle school grades, and Assumption High School in nearby Davenport, which serves grades 9-12. It's important to note that Alleman High School is located in Rock Island, Illinois, just across the Mississippi River, and is a common choice for Princeton-area families seeking a Catholic secondary education. Due to the limited number of schools within Princeton's city limits, many families consider schools in the broader Quad Cities metropolitan area, which may involve a commute.
How does tuition at private schools in the Princeton, Iowa, area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, elementary schools like St. Paul the Apostle may have tuition ranging from $4,000 to $6,000 annually, while high schools like Assumption can range from $9,000 to $11,000. A significant financial aid resource for Iowa families is the **Student Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit Program**. Iowa law allows taxpayers to receive a state tax credit for donations to STOs, which then provide need-based tuition grants to students attending private schools. Many Princeton-area families utilize this program to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and multi-child discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Princeton, Iowa, residents?
Private schools in the Quad Cities region accessible to Princeton families often leverage their smaller size and specific missions to offer distinctive programs. Assumption High School, for instance, has a strong focus on STEM and college preparatory academics, along with notable extracurriculars in athletics, speech, and drama. St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School integrates faith-based learning with core academics. A unique aspect for Princeton residents is the potential access to specialized programs in Illinois schools like Alleman High School, which may offer different state-recognized curricular paths or clubs. Many of these schools also emphasize community service projects specific to the Quad Cities area.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Princeton, Iowa?
The process generally begins in the fall or winter prior to the desired school year. For schools like St. Paul the Apostle, applications often open in January, with deadlines in February or March for the following fall. The process typically includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. For high schools like Assumption, placement tests for incoming freshmen are commonly held in January. Due to limited seats, especially in popular elementary grades, applying early is crucial. Many schools also host open houses in the fall, which are highly recommended for Princeton families to attend, as they provide a vital opportunity to visit campuses that may be a short drive away.
How do the class sizes and educational environments of private schools near Princeton, Iowa, compare to the local public school options?
The most direct comparison for Princeton residents is between the Princeton Community School District and nearby private options. The primary difference is scale and focus. Princeton public schools offer a comprehensive K-12 experience within the community, with typical class sizes that may vary. Private schools like St. Paul the Apostle or Assumption often feature significantly smaller class sizes (e.g., 15-20 students), allowing for more individualized attention. The educational environment in the private schools is explicitly mission-driven, with a focus on religious formation and values-based education. This contrasts with the secular, community-centered approach of the public district. For high school, families often choose between the intimate, college-prep environment of a private school and the broader extracurricular offerings that might be available in a larger public high school.