The Best Private Schools in Stockton, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Stockton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School
Diocese of Davenport Catholic Schools
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving the Stockton area and greater Scott County region. The school provides a comprehensive faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade, emphasizing academic excellence within a supportive Christian environment. The curriculum includes strong STEM programs, language arts, and religious education. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a wide range of extracurricular activities including sports, music, and community service programs. The school maintains strong parent involvement and consistently receives high marks for both academic quality and character development.
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Rivermont Collegiate
Independent School
Rivermont Collegiate is a premier independent day school serving the Quad Cities region, including Stockton area families. As the only International Baccalaureate World School in the area, Rivermont offers a globally-focused education from preschool through 12th grade. The school features rigorous college preparatory academics, advanced STEM programs, and extensive arts education. Students benefit from small class sizes averaging 12:1 student-teacher ratio, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, technology centers, and performing arts spaces. The school consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier colleges and universities.
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Assumption High School
Diocese of Davenport Catholic Schools
Assumption High School is a highly-respected Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Stockton and throughout the Quad Cities region. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with over 140 courses, including 20 Advanced Placement options and extensive STEM offerings. Assumption maintains a 98% college acceptance rate and provides strong faith formation alongside academic excellence. The campus features modern science labs, technology resources, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Extracurricular programs include championship athletic teams, competitive academic clubs, and extensive service opportunities, creating a well-rounded educational experience for students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Stockton, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available for families in Stockton, Iowa, and what grade levels do they serve?
Stockton, Iowa, is served by a few key private institutions, primarily with a religious affiliation. St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School in nearby Davenport provides a Pre-K through 8th grade education. For high school, Assumption High School, also in Davenport, is a major option for Stockton families seeking a private, college-preparatory Catholic education. While Rivermont Collegiate is a prestigious private option in the Quad Cities area (Bettendorf), it is a significant commute from Stockton. The availability of in-town private schools in Stockton itself is very limited, so families should be prepared to consider schools in the greater Scott County or Davenport area.
How does tuition for private schools in the Stockton, IA, area compare, and are there any Iowa-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2023-2024 year, elementary tuition at St. Paul the Apostle is approximately $5,000-$6,000 for parishioners, while Assumption High School tuition is around $10,000-$11,000. Rivermont Collegiate, as an independent college-prep school, has a higher tuition, often exceeding $15,000. Critically for Iowa residents, the state offers the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit** program. This allows donors to direct scholarships to students attending private schools, and many Stockton-area families utilize STO scholarships through their chosen schools to significantly reduce net tuition costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools serving Stockton, Iowa students?
Private schools in the Davenport area that Stockton students attend often have distinct focuses. Assumption High School is renowned for its strong STEM programs, competitive athletics (especially football and soccer), and a wide array of clubs and service opportunities rooted in its Catholic identity. St. Paul the Apostle emphasizes foundational literacy and math with integrated faith formation. Rivermont Collegiate offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, a rare program in Iowa, focusing on global perspectives and inquiry-based learning. For Stockton families, these programs offer alternatives to the local public school curriculum, with a particular emphasis on college preparation and character development.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Assumption High School that serve Stockton families?
The enrollment process for schools like Assumption High School or St. Paul the Apostle typically begins almost a full year in advance. For fall admission, open houses and application portals often open in September or October, with priority application deadlines set for January or February of the prior year. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. For Catholic schools, proof of baptism and parish affiliation may be required. It's crucial for Stockton parents to plan ahead, as spaces, particularly in specific grades at these sought-after schools, can be limited.
For a family in Stockton, Iowa, what are the key considerations when comparing local public schools to private schools in Davenport?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Stockton's public education is provided by the **Calamus-Wheatland Community School District**, offering a small, community-centered K-12 experience. Choosing a private school in Davenport involves a daily commute of 30+ minutes but offers different advantages: typically smaller class sizes at the elementary level (St. Paul's), specialized college-prep curricula and facilities (Assumption, Rivermont), and a specific religious or value-based education. Parents must weigh the commute time and cost against their desired educational philosophy, extracurricular breadth, and the importance of a faith-based environment. Transportation is almost always the family's responsibility, which is a major logistical consideration for Stockton residents.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top Independent Secondary Schools Near Stockton, Iowa for Your Child's Future
For parents in Stockton, Iowa, beginning the search for “independent secondary schools near me” marks a significant step in your child’s educational journey. This quest is about more than just proximity; it’s about finding a community and an academic environment that aligns with your family’s values and your student’s aspirations. While Stockton itself offers a close-knit community atmosphere, the surrounding Quad Cities area provides a rich tapestry of private secondary options, each with distinct philosophies and strengths, all within a reasonable commute.
Understanding the local landscape is crucial. Within Stockton, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School provides a foundational faith-based education through eighth grade, prompting families to look ahead for high school. This often leads to exploring esteemed institutions like Assumption High School in nearby Davenport. Assumption is a premier diocesan college-preparatory school, renowned for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus ministry, and competitive athletics. For many Stockton families seeking a Catholic secondary education, Assumption represents a natural and well-traveled path, fostering a seamless transition from a local parish school to a rigorous high school environment.
However, the definition of “independent” can vary, and your search may also include private schools that offer a different educational model. A standout example is Rivermont Collegiate in Bettendorf. As the only independent, non-sectarian, college-preparatory school in the Quad Cities area, Rivermont offers a unique proposition. Its curriculum is designed around critical thinking, global awareness, and personalized attention, with small class sizes as a cornerstone. For a student from Stockton who thrives in an intimate, discussion-based setting with a focus on innovation and the arts, Rivermont presents a compelling choice. The commute is a consideration, but many families find the specialized environment well worth it.
As you evaluate these options, consider the daily logistics. The drive from Stockton to schools in Bettendorf or Davenport is a manageable part of life for many local families, often becoming a time for conversation or listening to an audiobook. It’s wise to visit during a school day to truly gauge the culture and commute. Engage current parents from your area; they can offer invaluable insights into carpools, after-school activity schedules, and how their children have adjusted. Remember, an independent or private secondary school is an investment in a community. Look for a school where your child will be known, challenged, and supported—a place that feels like an extension of your family’s commitment to their future.
Ultimately, your search for “independent secondary schools near me” in the Stockton area is a positive exploration of possibility. It’s about matching your child’s unique learning style and goals with an institution that can nurture them. From the faith-filled halls of Assumption to the innovative classrooms of Rivermont, the region provides quality choices. Take your time, ask detailed questions about curriculum, support services, and community life, and trust that finding the right fit will open doors for your student that will resonate far beyond their graduation year.