The Best Private Schools in Rhodes, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Rhodes. 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 Catholic college-preparatory school serving the greater Des Moines area, including Rhodes. Founded by the Sisters of Humility, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 21 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM Academy. The 60-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. With a 100% college acceptance rate and average ACT scores consistently above state and national averages, Dowling provides a faith-based education emphasizing academic excellence, character formation, and service learning.
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Des Moines Christian School
Independent Christian School
Des Moines Christian School serves students from preschool through 12th grade, drawing families from Rhodes and surrounding communities. The school integrates biblical truth throughout its comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum, offering Advanced Placement courses and dual credit opportunities. The 40-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and fine arts spaces. DMCS emphasizes spiritual formation alongside academic excellence, with small class sizes ensuring personalized attention. The school maintains strong college placement records and offers extensive extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, music, and drama.
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Valley Christian School
Independent Christian School
Valley Christian School provides a classical Christian education serving families from Rhodes and the greater Des Moines area. Using the time-tested Trivium method, the school emphasizes critical thinking, communication skills, and integration of faith and learning across all subjects. The college-preparatory program includes rigorous humanities, sciences, and mathematics curriculum with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. The school features comprehensive fine arts programs, competitive athletics, and community service opportunities. Valley Christian's graduates consistently excel in college preparation while developing strong Christian character and leadership skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Rhodes, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Rhodes, Iowa?
While Rhodes itself is a very small, unincorporated community, families in the surrounding area have access to several highly-regarded private schools within a reasonable commuting distance. The most prominent options include Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines (a college-preparatory, co-ed Catholic school for grades 9-12), Des Moines Christian School in Urbandale (a PreK-12 Christian school), and Valley Christian School in Des Moines (also a PreK-12 Christian school). For Rhodes residents, school choice often involves considering the commute to these schools in the greater Des Moines metro area, as there are no private school campuses within Rhodes proper.
How does Iowa's School Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit program affect private school tuition for families in Rhodes?
Iowa's unique STO program is a significant financial consideration for Rhodes-area families. This program allows individuals and corporations to receive a state tax credit for donations to nonprofit STOs, which then provide need-based tuition grants to students attending private schools. Families at schools like Dowling Catholic, Des Moines Christian, or Valley Christian can apply for these grants, which can substantially reduce the out-of-pocket tuition cost. It's crucial to apply directly through the specific STO that partners with your chosen school, as deadlines and criteria vary.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at the private schools accessible from Rhodes, IA?
The private schools serving the Rhodes area offer distinct specializations. Dowling Catholic is renowned for its extensive Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum, robust STEM programs, and dominant athletic programs in the Iowa high school scene. Des Moines Christian and Valley Christian Schools offer strong college-prep academics integrated with a biblical worldview, and often have notable programs in fine arts, music, and service learning. A key advantage for rural students from communities like Rhodes is access to these comprehensive programs and facilities that may be more limited in local public school districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Dowling Catholic for a student from Rhodes?
For a Rhodes student aiming to attend a private high school like Dowling Catholic, planning begins in the 7th or 8th grade. The process typically involves attending an open house (often in the fall), submitting an application by a winter deadline (usually January or February for the following academic year), and providing records from their current school. Placement testing is commonly required. For Catholic schools, parish verification may be needed for differentiated tuition rates. Given the commute, families should also inquire about transportation options, as some schools offer bus routes from designated areas that may or may not extend to rural locations like Rhodes.
How do the class sizes and community environments of private schools near Rhodes compare to the local public school districts?
Families from Rhodes often compare the intimate, community-focused environment of area private schools to the smaller, rural public school districts (like Roland-Story or Collins-Maxwell) they may otherwise attend. Private schools such as Des Moines Christian and Valley Christian typically offer smaller average class sizes, which can allow for more individualized attention. The community environment is also distinctly shaped by a shared religious mission. However, the public districts provide a strong local community anchor and eliminate a significant commute. The choice often hinges on whether a family prioritizes a specific faith-based education and specialized programs over the convenience and localized community of the public district.