The Best Private Schools in Story City, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Story City. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bergman Academy
Independent
Bergman Academy is a highly-regarded private school serving the greater Des Moines metro area, including Story City families. The school offers a comprehensive PreK-8 education with a strong emphasis on STEM education, project-based learning, and Spanish language immersion from early childhood. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and modern facilities including science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's rigorous academic program, inclusive community, and innovative approach to education that prepares students for future success.
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Des Moines Christian School
Independent Christian
Des Moines Christian School is one of central Iowa's premier private educational institutions, serving students from Story City and throughout the region with a comprehensive PreK-12 program. The school features a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. The 40-acre campus includes state-of-the-art science laboratories, technology centers, performing arts facilities, and extensive athletic complexes. With a long history of academic excellence and strong college placement records, DMCS consistently receives high marks from parents for its dedicated faculty, strong community values, and comprehensive student development programs.
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Ames Christian School
Independent Christian
Ames Christian School has been serving Story City and central Iowa families for over four decades with a comprehensive PreK-8 Christian education program. The school combines strong academic foundations with character development and spiritual growth. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, science with lab components, and extensive fine arts programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated science lab, music and art studios, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small student-teacher ratios and has a strong track record of preparing students for success in high school and beyond, with many graduates attending top regional private high schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Story City, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Story City, Iowa?
While Story City itself is a smaller community, families have several well-regarded private school options within a reasonable commuting distance. The most prominent are Bergman Academy in Des Moines (approx. 45 minutes south), which offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, and Des Moines Christian School in Urbandale (approx. 40 minutes south), offering a comprehensive Christian education from preschool through 12th grade. Closer to home, Ames Christian School (approx. 20 minutes west in Ames) provides a biblically-based K-8 education. Many Story City families choose these schools for their specialized curricula and values-based education, accepting the commute as part of their choice.
How does tuition for private schools near Story City, Iowa, compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the primary options near Story City varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Des Moines Christian School's high school tuition is approximately $12,000, while Bergman Academy's is higher, reflecting its IB program. Ames Christian School is typically more modest. Importantly, Iowa has a strong School Tuition Organization (STO) system. The Iowa Tuition and Textbook Credit allows families to claim a state income tax credit for a portion of donations made to STOs, which then provide need-based scholarships to students attending private schools. Additionally, the Iowa Tuition Grant is available for students attending private colleges, which can be a future consideration. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific tuition, fees, and scholarship opportunities.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Story City, Iowa, area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools serving Story City offer distinct programs not universally found in public districts. Bergman Academy is the only school in central Iowa authorized for the full International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes, offering a globally-focused, inquiry-based education. Des Moines Christian School provides extensive STEM initiatives, competitive athletics, and fine arts programs all within a faith-integrated framework. Ames Christian School emphasizes small class sizes and character development rooted in Christian principles. These specialized approaches contrast with the Story City community's excellent public school, Roland-Story, which offers its own robust programs but without these specific curricular or philosophical focuses.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Des Moines Christian or Bergman Academy for a family from Story City?
The enrollment process for these sought-after schools is competitive and begins early. For fall admission, applications often open in the preceding September or October, with priority deadlines in January or February. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. Sibling and legacy applicants usually receive priority. Given the commute from Story City, it's advisable to apply early and also inquire about transportation options; some families form carpools. We strongly recommend attending open houses (usually held in the fall) and contacting the admissions office of each school 12-18 months before your child's intended start date to understand specific requirements and deadlines.
For a family living in Story City, what are the key logistical considerations when choosing a private school in Ames or the Des Moines metro?
The primary logistical factor is the daily commute. A school in Ames is a 20-25 minute drive, while schools in the Des Moines metro are 40-50 minutes away, heavily dependent on weather, which can be severe in Iowa winters. Parents must consider before- and after-school care, participation in extracurricular activities, and the impact of drive time on family routines. Some families find the commute worthwhile for the specific educational philosophy. It's also important to consider the community aspect; your child's friendships will largely be with families who may live 30+ minutes away, which can affect social planning. Exploring carpool possibilities with other Story City or nearby Nevada/Huxley families attending the same school is a highly recommended first step.