The Best Private Schools in Rome, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Rome. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Trinity Catholic Schools
Holy Trinity Catholic School System
Holy Trinity Catholic Schools serves multiple communities in Southeast Iowa, including the Rome area, with a comprehensive K-12 education program. The school emphasizes faith-based education combined with strong academic preparation, featuring modern STEM labs, competitive athletics programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains high academic standards and consistently sends graduates to top colleges and universities. The campus includes updated facilities with technology integration across all grade levels.
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Burlington Notre Dame Catholic School
Diocese of Davenport
Burlington Notre Dame serves students from Rome and surrounding communities with a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum that includes AP courses and dual enrollment opportunities with Southeastern Community College. The school features state-of-the-art science laboratories, comprehensive athletic facilities, and a strong emphasis on character development and community service. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school provides personalized attention and has a track record of high academic achievement and college acceptance rates.
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Faith Christian School
Independent Christian School
Faith Christian School provides a comprehensive Christian education for students in the Rome area and greater Burlington region. The school offers a biblically-integrated curriculum with strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and spiritual growth. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, gymnasium, and athletic fields. The school maintains small class sizes and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities including competitive sports, music programs, and community service opportunities, preparing students for college and life beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Rome, Iowa
What are the specific private school options available for families residing in Rome, Iowa, and are there transportation services provided?
For families in Rome, Iowa, the primary private school options are located in nearby communities, as Rome itself is a small, unincorporated area. The closest and most commonly attended schools include Holy Trinity Catholic Schools in Fort Madison (about 15 miles away), Burlington Notre Dame Catholic School in Burlington (approximately 20 miles away), and Faith Christian School, also in Burlington. These schools typically do not provide district-wide bus transportation from Rome. Parents should contact each school directly to inquire about possible carpool networks or private shuttle arrangements, as transportation is generally the responsibility of the family. It's important to factor in commute times when considering these options.
How does tuition at private schools serving Rome, Iowa, compare to the state average, and what financial aid or Iowa-specific programs are available?
Tuition for the private schools serving the Rome area is generally below the national private school average but aligns with regional Iowa costs. For the 2024-2025 academic year, K-8 tuition at these schools typically ranges from $4,000 to $6,500 annually, with high school levels being higher. A key Iowa-specific financial benefit is the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit Program**. Donations to STOs fund need-based scholarships for students attending private schools. Parents in Rome can apply for scholarships through STOs like the **Empower Rural Iowa STO** or **ACE Iowa**, which directly support schools like Holy Trinity and Notre Dame. Additionally, each school offers its own financial aid and multi-child discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Rome, Iowa, offer that leverage the local community or environment?
Private schools in the region emphasize programs that reflect both their faith-based missions and the rural, river-community context of Southeast Iowa. Holy Trinity Catholic Schools offer robust agricultural science and FFA programs, connecting students to the area's farming heritage. Burlington Notre Dame provides a strong focus on STEM and dual-enrollment courses through partnerships with Southeastern Community College. Faith Christian School emphasizes a classical Christian curriculum with fine arts integration. Extracurricularly, many schools participate in Mississippi River-related environmental studies and Iowa history projects. Their smaller sizes also allow for personalized learning plans that can incorporate local internships or service projects in communities like Rome and Fort Madison.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools that accept students from Rome, Iowa, and are there geographic priority zones?
The enrollment process for schools like Holy Trinity, Notre Dame, and Faith Christian usually begins in January or February for the following fall, with re-enrollment for current families taking precedence. Open houses are held in the winter. As Rome is not within a specific school district for these private institutions, there are no formal geographic priority zones, but admission is often prioritized for parish members (for Catholic schools) and returning families. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, a family interview, and often a student assessment. Due to the limited seats in these smaller schools, especially in specific grades, families from Rome are advised to apply early and communicate their interest directly.
For a family in rural Rome, Iowa, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision involves weighing several location-specific factors. The **public school** option for Rome residents is typically the **Fort Madison Community School District**. This offers the convenience of district-provided transportation, no tuition, and proximity. Choosing a **private school** in Fort Madison or Burlington involves a daily commute, tuition costs, and personal transportation. The trade-off often centers on educational philosophy (faith-based vs. secular), class size (smaller in private schools), and specialized programs. For families deeply connected to the Rome community, consider where your child's peer network will be. Many families in rural Iowa choose private schools for their specific values alignment, even with the commute, while others value the consolidated community experience of the local public school system. Visiting both types of schools is crucial.