The Best Private Schools in Superior, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Superior. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Wahlert Catholic High School
Holy Family Catholic Schools
Wahlert Catholic High School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school located approximately 30 minutes from Superior. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and extensive extracurricular programs. With small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, Wahlert provides personalized attention and strong academic support. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school has a strong track record of college acceptance and emphasizes character development through service learning.
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Xavier High School
Cedar Rapids Xavier Schools
Xavier High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving Eastern Iowa, including the Superior area. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 20+ AP courses and International Baccalaureate options. Known for its strong STEM curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities, Xavier features modern science labs, technology centers, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a 13:1 student-teacher ratio and has exceptional college placement rates. Extracurricular programs include championship athletic teams, fine arts, and numerous clubs and activities.
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Aquinas Catholic Schools
Aquinas Catholic Schools
Aquinas Catholic Schools, located just across the state border in La Crosse, Wisconsin (approximately 45 minutes from Superior), offers a comprehensive PreK-12 education with a strong classical curriculum foundation. The high school program emphasizes critical thinking, moral development, and college preparation with numerous AP and honors courses. The school features modern academic facilities, dedicated arts spaces, and competitive athletic programs. With a long history of educational excellence and a close-knit community atmosphere, Aquinas provides transportation options and serves students from multiple states in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Superior, Iowa
What are the private school options for families living in Superior, Iowa, and are there any located directly in the town?
Superior, Iowa, is a very small, unincorporated community. There are no private school campuses physically located within Superior itself. However, families in Superior typically look to private schools in nearby larger cities, particularly within the Dubuque area which is about a 30-minute drive away. The most prominent options, as you noted, include Wahlert Catholic High School and Xavier High School in Dubuque, and Aquinas Catholic Schools, which is a system based in nearby David City, Nebraska, but may be considered by some families in the region. For elementary and middle school ages, parents often explore Catholic parish schools in surrounding towns. Transportation is a key consideration, as attending these schools will require commuting.
How does tuition at private schools near Superior, Iowa, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for private schools in the Dubuque region serving Superior families is generally competitive with statewide Iowa private school averages. For the 2023-2024 academic year, high school tuition at schools like Wahlert or Xavier typically ranges from $8,000 to $11,000 annually. Iowa offers significant financial support through the School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit program. This allows donors to receive tax credits for contributions to STOs, which then provide need-based tuition grants to families. Many families in Superior utilizing these schools apply for aid through the local Catholic diocesan STO. Additionally, most schools offer their own merit-based scholarships and flexible payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Dubuque area offer that might attract families from Superior, Iowa?
Private high schools like Wahlert Catholic and Xavier are known for robust college preparatory curricula with high graduation and college acceptance rates. Specific draws for families in rural areas like Superior often include advanced STEM programs, extensive foreign language offerings, and consistent access to arts and music education, which can sometimes be more limited in smaller public school districts. Xavier High School, for example, has a strong engineering and computer science program. Furthermore, these schools typically offer a wide array of extracurricular activities, including competitive athletic conferences, speech and debate, and drama, providing opportunities that rival those of larger urban districts.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families in Superior applying to private high schools like Wahlert or Xavier?
The enrollment process for these schools begins early in the calendar year for the following fall. For 8th graders transitioning to high school, open houses and shadow days (where a student spends a day at the school) usually occur in the fall (October-November). Application deadlines are typically in January or February. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, and often a pastor or teacher recommendation. For families in Superior, it's crucial to plan for the commute and inquire about transportation options, as some schools may offer bus service from designated regional stops. Early application is encouraged, especially for those seeking financial aid, as STO grant applications have firm deadlines.
For a family in Superior, Iowa, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in Dubuque?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The local public school for Superior students is likely within a consolidated rural district, offering a close-knit community and no tuition costs. Choosing a private school in Dubuque involves a significant commitment to daily transportation (a 25-40 minute commute each way) and annual tuition. Parents must weigh the value of a specific religious education, often smaller class sizes, and specialized academic programs against the convenience and cost of the local public option. The community aspect is also different: a private school provides a peer network from a wider geographic area, while the public school connects students more directly with immediate neighbors. Visiting both types of schools is essential to feel the difference in environment.