The Best Private Schools in Runnells, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Runnells. 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 private Catholic college preparatory school serving the greater Des Moines area, including Runnells. Founded by the Sisters of St. Francis, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 23 Advanced Placement courses and comprehensive STEM programs. The 70-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. With a 14:1 student-teacher ratio and 98% college acceptance rate, Dowling emphasizes faith formation, academic excellence, and character development through extensive extracurricular offerings.
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St. Augustine Catholic School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
St. Augustine Catholic School provides comprehensive elementary education serving families throughout the Des Moines metro area, including Runnells. The school offers a faith-based education with strong emphasis on core academics, character development, and community service. Features include modern classrooms, technology integration, specialized art and music programs, and before/after school care. The school maintains small class sizes and individualized attention while offering robust extracurricular activities and strong parent involvement opportunities.
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Holy Trinity Catholic School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
Holy Trinity Catholic School serves students from preschool through 8th grade, drawing families from across central Iowa including Runnells. The school provides a comprehensive Catholic education with strong academic foundations, technology integration across all grade levels, and character development programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science lab, library, gymnasium, and outdoor learning spaces. The school emphasizes community partnerships, service learning, and preparing students for success in high school and beyond through individualized learning plans and enrichment opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Runnells, Iowa
What are the private school options for families living in Runnells, Iowa, and are they located within the town itself?
Families in Runnells, Iowa, primarily look to nearby communities for private school options, as there are no private schools physically located within the town limits of Runnells. The most prominent options are Catholic schools in the greater Des Moines metro area, which are accessible via a commute. These include Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines (grades 9-12), St. Augustine Catholic School in Des Moines (PreK-8), and Holy Trinity Catholic School in Des Moines (PreK-8). Many Runnells families choose these schools for their faith-based education and strong academic communities, factoring in daily transportation as a key consideration.
How does the tuition for private schools near Runnells, IA, compare, and are there any Iowa-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Dowling Catholic High School tuition is approximately $11,000-$12,000, while elementary schools like St. Augustine and Holy Trinity typically range from $5,000 to $7,000 for parishioners. A critical Iowa-specific benefit is the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit Program**. Iowa taxpayers can receive a 75% state tax credit for donations to STOs, which then provide need-based tuition grants to families at participating private schools. All the mentioned schools work with STOs like the AIM (Accessible, Innovative, Measurable) Institute, making private education more accessible for Runnells residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving Runnells students offer?
The schools accessible to Runnells families provide distinct programs. Dowling Catholic is known for its extensive college-prep curriculum, including numerous AP courses, a renowned STEM program, and competitive athletics in the Iowa high school conference. At the elementary level, St. Augustine and Holy Trinity offer foundational faith-integrated curricula with specialized classes in Spanish, music, and art. A notable feature for Iowa students is the emphasis on community service and agricultural awareness, even in an urban setting, with some schools offering environmental science programs that connect to Iowa's landscape.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Dowling Catholic that serve Runnells-area students?
Enrollment timelines are crucial for planning. For Dowling Catholic High School, the process for incoming 9th graders begins a full year in advance, with open houses in the fall and placement exams typically in January. Application deadlines are often in early February. For K-8 schools like St. Augustine and Holy Trinity, enrollment often opens in January for the following fall, with priority given to parish members and siblings of current students. Given Runnells' location, it's essential to inquire about transportation options or carpool networks early in the process, as bus service from the district may not be provided.
For a family in Runnells, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local Southeast Polk public school district and a private school commute?
The decision hinges on several Runnells-specific factors. The Southeast Polk Community School District provides a well-regarded, tuition-free education with the convenience of local busing. Choosing a private school involves a commitment to a daily commute of 20-30 minutes to the Des Moines metro, along with tuition costs. The trade-off is often a desire for a specific faith-based education, smaller class sizes, and a particular community environment. Many families value the continuity of a PreK-8 Catholic school feeding into Dowling for high school, creating a consistent educational pathway that outweighs the logistical considerations of living in a smaller town like Runnells.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Private Kindergarten in Runnells, Iowa: A Parent's Guide
For families in Runnells, the decision about where to send your child for kindergarten is a significant one, setting the educational and social foundation for years to come. While the Runnells area offers public options, many parents are increasingly exploring the distinct advantages of a private kindergarten program. This choice often centers on smaller class sizes, a values-based curriculum, and a close-knit community feel that can be especially comforting during these formative early years. Understanding the local landscape of private early education can help you make the most informed decision for your family.
In our community, private kindergarten options are primarily offered through faith-based institutions, which provide a seamless educational pathway. While Dowling Catholic High School in nearby West Des Moines is a renowned destination for older students, its presence underscores the strong, continuous Catholic education system accessible to Runnells families. This pipeline often begins with schools like St. Augustine Catholic School in Des Moines or Holy Trinity Catholic School in Des Moines. These schools typically offer pre-kindergarten programs that feed directly into their private kindergarten classes, allowing for a stable and consistent environment for young learners. For parents commuting into the Des Moines metro for work, these schools can become integrated parts of the family routine.
A key benefit of private kindergarten in this setting is the intentional integration of character development with academic readiness. The curriculum goes beyond letters and numbers to include lessons on kindness, community, and responsibility, all within a framework that aligns with many families' values. Class sizes are deliberately kept small, ensuring your child receives personalized attention from teachers who are dedicated to nurturing each student's unique strengths. This individual focus can be pivotal in building confidence and a genuine love for learning from the very first day of school.
Logistically, choosing a private kindergarten in the Runnells area involves consideration of the commute. Many families find the drive to these established schools in Des Moines to be manageable, often carpooling with other local families. This commute time can transform into valuable family conversation or a quiet moment to prepare for the day. It’s also important to investigate each school’s specific kindergarten readiness expectations and their admissions timelines, as spots can be limited. We encourage scheduling a visit to feel the atmosphere of the classrooms and speak directly with the kindergarten teachers. Ask about their daily structure, how they support social-emotional growth, and how they communicate with parents.
Ultimately, selecting a private kindergarten is about finding the environment where your child will thrive. For Runnells parents, it means connecting with institutions that offer not just an education, but a partnership in raising well-rounded, curious, and compassionate individuals. The investment in this foundational year is an investment in a child’s entire academic journey, potentially leading all the way through to distinguished high schools like Dowling Catholic. Taking the time to explore these options locally can provide immense peace of mind, knowing you’ve chosen a supportive and enriching first step into formal education for your kindergartener.