The Best Private Schools in Slater, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Slater. 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 highly-regarded private Christian school serving the greater Des Moines metro area, including Slater families. With over 75 years of educational excellence, the school offers comprehensive college preparatory programs from preschool through 12th grade. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. Academic programs emphasize rigorous coursework with Advanced Placement options, while maintaining strong Christian values and character development. The school maintains small class sizes and has a reputation for strong college placement rates.
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Dowling Catholic High School
Catholic School System
Dowling Catholic High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving central Iowa, including Slater students. Founded in 1919, the school has a long tradition of academic excellence and spiritual formation. The comprehensive curriculum includes extensive AP course offerings, specialized academies in STEM and business, and robust fine arts programs. The 70-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes service learning and character development alongside rigorous academics, with nearly 100% of graduates attending college.
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St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School
Catholic School System
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School provides excellent private education for students in preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout the Des Moines metro area including Slater. The school offers a strong academic foundation with integrated technology, specialized instruction in STEM subjects, and comprehensive religious education. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, computer labs, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes small class sizes and individualized attention, with a focus on preparing students for success in high school and beyond. Parent satisfaction is high with the school's community atmosphere and academic rigor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Slater, Iowa
Are there any private schools physically located within Slater, Iowa for K-12 education?
No, there are no private K-12 schools physically located within the city limits of Slater, Iowa. Families in Slater seeking private education typically look at schools in the greater Des Moines metropolitan area, which is about a 20-30 minute commute. The most commonly considered institutions include Des Moines Christian School in Urbandale, Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in West Des Moines. This means transportation planning is a key consideration for Slater residents.
What is the typical tuition range for private schools near Slater, Iowa, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
For the top private schools serving the Slater area, annual tuition typically ranges from approximately $7,500 to $12,000+ for elementary grades, with high school often at the higher end. Iowa offers a unique financial aid opportunity through the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit Program**. This program provides need-based tuition grants to students attending accredited private schools. Families must apply directly through the STO associated with their chosen school (e.g., the AIM STO for Dowling Catholic). Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and multi-child discounts.
How do the academic and extracurricular programs at Des Moines-area private schools compare to Slater's public school options?
Slater is part of the Ballard Community School District, which is well-regarded. The primary difference lies in specialization and scale. Private schools like Des Moines Christian offer a distinct faith-based curriculum integrated throughout all subjects. Dowling Catholic provides a wide array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, extensive arts, and competitive athletic programs in larger class settings than Ballard High School might offer for certain activities. Choosing between them often comes down to prioritizing a specific religious education, particular academic tracks, or the desire for a different social environment versus the community-based experience of Ballard schools.
What are the critical enrollment timelines and application steps for private schools near Slater, Iowa?
Planning ahead is crucial. For schools like Des Moines Christian, Dowling Catholic, and St. Francis, the main application period for the following academic year typically opens in **September or October**, with priority deadlines often in **January or February**. The process usually involves an online application, submission of records from your current Slater-area school, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and an entrance assessment. Sibling and legacy applicants often receive priority. It is highly recommended to attend open houses in the fall, which are frequently held on weekends, to understand the commute and community before applying.
For a Slater family, what are the practical considerations regarding the daily commute to a Des Moines-area private school?
The commute is the most significant practical factor. Driving to schools in West Des Moines or Urbandale from Slater takes 20-40 minutes depending on traffic and weather. Key considerations include: **Transportation**—most schools do not provide bus service from Slater, so carpooling with other local families is a common solution. **Schedule Impact**—this commute affects morning routines, after-school activity participation, and homework time. **Weather**—Iowa winters can make the drive on I-35 or Highway 17 challenging. Many families find it helpful to connect with other Slater or northern Polk County families at their chosen school to coordinate logistics and support.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Top Private High Schools Near Slater, Iowa for Your Child's Future
As a parent in Slater, Iowa, beginning the search for the best private high schools near me can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You’re looking for an environment that aligns with your family’s values, offers academic rigor, and provides a supportive community for your teen, all within a reasonable distance from our central Iowa town. The good news is that while Slater itself is a smaller community, you have access to several highly-regarded private high schools in the greater Des Moines metro area, each offering a unique educational approach. The key is finding the right fit, which involves considering commute, educational philosophy, and the specific opportunities each school provides.
One of the primary considerations from Slater is the daily commute. Most options will involve a drive of 20 to 45 minutes into the western suburbs or Des Moines proper. This travel time is an investment, so it’s worth understanding what each school offers in return. For families seeking a faith-based education rooted in Protestant Christian values, Des Moines Christian School in Urbandale is a prominent choice. Their college-preparatory curriculum is strong, and they emphasize integrating faith into every subject. For many Slater families, this combination of academic excellence and spiritual development is a top priority, making the drive south on I-35 feel purposeful.
Another cornerstone of private education in our region is Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines. As a larger, diocesan Catholic school, Dowling offers an extensive array of academic programs, including numerous Advanced Placement courses, alongside a legendary athletics and activities program. The sense of tradition and community at Dowling is powerful, and for many students from surrounding towns like Slater, it becomes a central hub for their high school experience. It’s important to note that while St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in West Des Moines is an excellent institution, it serves grades preschool through eighth, so it would be a consideration for younger siblings rather than a direct high school option.
When researching the best private high schools near me, the process extends beyond websites and brochures. I encourage every Slater parent to plan campus visits. Attend an open house, schedule a shadow day for your student, and talk to current parents. Ask specific questions about daily schedules, how the school supports students transitioning from a smaller community, and what transportation options, like activity buses, might exist. Pay attention to the culture you observe. Does it feel like a place where your child will be known and challenged? The investment in a private high school education is significant, but for many families in our area, the return—measured in personalized attention, values alignment, and preparation for college and life—makes it a cornerstone decision. Your journey starts with understanding the excellent options within reach and thoughtfully matching them to your child’s unique needs and your family’s goals.