The Best Private Schools in Roland, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Roland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Des Moines Christian School
Independent Christian School
Des Moines Christian School is a premier private Christian institution located about 30 minutes from Roland, offering comprehensive education from preschool to 12th grade. It is renowned for its strong college preparatory curriculum, including Advanced Placement courses, and a wide array of extracurriculars such as competitive athletics, theater, and music programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities like science labs, a performing arts center, and athletic fields. With a long track record of academic success and high parent satisfaction, the school provides a nurturing environment focused on spiritual growth and educational excellence, serving families across central Iowa.
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Ames Christian School
Independent Christian School
Ames Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school located approximately 10 minutes from Roland, serving students from kindergarten through 8th grade. It features a rigorous academic program integrated with biblical teachings, small class sizes for personalized attention, and dedicated teachers. The school offers modern facilities including well-equipped classrooms, a gymnasium, and technology resources. Extracurricular activities encompass music, arts, and sports programs. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to its strong community focus, emphasis on character development, and academic excellence, making it a top choice for families in the Roland area.
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Boone Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Boone Christian Academy, situated roughly 20 minutes from Roland, delivers a Christ-centered education for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The academy emphasizes academic rigor within a supportive community, with programs including a Bible-based curriculum, sports teams, and music activities. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, and athletic spaces designed to foster holistic development. Known for its dedicated faculty and small class sizes, the school has built a reputation for high parent satisfaction and student achievement, making it a reliable option for families seeking quality private education in the Roland region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Roland, Iowa
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Roland, Iowa, given that the top-named schools are in neighboring towns?
For residents of Roland, IA, private education typically involves commuting to schools in nearby communities. The closest options include Ames Christian School (PreK-12) in Ames, approximately a 15-minute drive, and Boone Christian Academy (K-12) in Boone, about a 20-minute drive. Des Moines Christian School in Urbandale is a larger option but requires a 45-minute commute. There are no private schools physically located within Roland's city limits. This means transportation logistics are a primary consideration for Roland families, and many schools offer carpool coordination with families from the Story County area.
How does Iowa's School Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit program benefit Roland families considering private schools?
Iowa's unique STO program is a significant financial consideration. It allows individuals and corporations to receive a state tax credit for donations to nonprofit STOs, which then provide need-based tuition grants to students. For Roland families enrolling at participating schools like Ames Christian or Des Moines Christian, this can substantially reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs. It's crucial to apply for these grants directly through the school or its affiliated STO (such as the School Tuition Organization of Central Iowa) as part of the enrollment process, as funds are limited and awarded based on eligibility.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are accessible to Roland students at nearby private schools that might not be available in the local public district?
While Roland-Story Community School District offers strong programs, nearby private schools provide distinct specializations. Ames Christian School emphasizes a biblical worldview integrated across all subjects and offers smaller class sizes. Des Moines Christian School, though a longer commute, provides a wider range of advanced courses, competitive athletics in the Heart of Iowa Activities Conference, and fine arts programs. Boone Christian Academy focuses on a classical Christian education model and hands-on learning. For Roland families, the choice often hinges on whether they seek a specific religious integration or are willing to commute for a broader program variety.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and key deadlines for private schools serving the Roland, IA, community?
Enrollment timelines for schools like Ames Christian and Boone Christian Academy generally open in January or February for the following fall. Priority is often given to re-enrolling students and siblings, so interested Roland families should initiate inquiries by early winter. Many schools host open houses in the fall and winter. A key deadline for Iowa is the STO financial aid application, which often has a spring deadline (e.g., April or May). Because these schools draw from multiple communities, spaces in certain grades can fill, so early application is recommended, especially for kindergarten and other entry-grade levels.
For a Roland family, what are the practical considerations when comparing the local public school (Roland-Story) to commuting to a private school?
The decision involves weighing several local factors. Roland-Story Community Schools offer the convenience of proximity, no tuition, and strong academic and extracurricular programs rooted in the community. Opting for a private school like Ames Christian or Boone Christian Academy adds a daily commute, tuition costs (offset partially by Iowa STO grants), and a specific religious educational environment. Parents must consider the impact of commute time on family routines and student activities, the value they place on faith-based instruction, and the difference in school culture and size. Many Roland families value the local public system, while others choose the mission-fit of a private school, accepting the commute as part of that choice.