The Best Private Schools in Union, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Union. 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 central Iowa, including the Union area. Founded in 1968, the school has established itself as one of Iowa's top private educational institutions with a rigorous academic program featuring over 20 Advanced Placement courses. The 55-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a 98% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character formation through its Catholic identity. With comprehensive extracurricular programs spanning athletics, arts, and community service, Dowling serves families throughout the region seeking exceptional college preparation.
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St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School provides exceptional private education for students from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout the greater Des Moines area including Union. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum enriched with technology integration, Spanish language instruction, and strong STEM programming. The faith-based environment emphasizes character development while maintaining high academic standards. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces. The school is known for its strong parent community and individualized attention, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty providing a nurturing yet challenging educational experience.
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Gilbert Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Gilbert Christian Academy is a respected private Christian school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, drawing families from Union and surrounding communities. The school provides a comprehensive college-preparatory education within a Christian worldview framework. Academic programs emphasize critical thinking, writing skills, and STEM education while maintaining small class sizes for personalized instruction. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement options for high school students and robust fine arts and athletic programs. Located approximately 30 minutes from Union, the school offers a tight-knit community atmosphere with strong parent involvement and a focus on developing well-rounded students prepared for college and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Union, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available for families in Union, Iowa, and what are their core educational approaches?
Union, Iowa, is served by a few key private institutions, though many families also consider schools in nearby larger communities. Within the immediate area, Gilbert Christian Academy offers a nondenominational Christian education from preschool through 12th grade. Many Union families also look to schools in neighboring towns, such as St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in West Des Moines for a Catholic elementary education, and Dowling Catholic High School, also in West Des Moines, for a comprehensive Catholic secondary education. The core approaches range from college-preparatory academics with a faith-based foundation to more intimate, community-focused Christian learning environments. Transportation to these schools from Union is a key consideration for parents.
How does tuition for private schools in the Union, Iowa, area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs available to Iowa residents?
Tuition in the Union area varies significantly by school and grade level. For example, Gilbert Christian Academy typically has a different tuition structure than the larger Catholic schools. A critical financial consideration for Iowa families is the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit** program. Donations to STOs fund need-based scholarships for students attending private schools, and donors receive an Iowa state tax credit. Many families at schools like Dowling Catholic and St. Francis utilize STO scholarships. Additionally, Iowa's **Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit** allows a small credit for educational expenses. It's essential to contact each school's financial aid office directly to understand their specific tuition, fees, and available scholarship opportunities.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Union, Iowa, offer that might not be available in the local public districts?
Private schools in the greater Union area often provide specialized programs rooted in their missions. Dowling Catholic High School is known for its extensive **Maranatha (Global Studies) program**, advanced STEM curriculum, and a wide array of athletics and arts. St. Francis of Assisi integrates **STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math)** into its elementary curriculum. Gilbert Christian Academy emphasizes a **biblically-integrated curriculum** across all subjects and may offer more personalized academic tracks due to its smaller size. These schools often have distinct foreign language offerings, religious education, and character development programs that define their educational experience compared to Union's public school options.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Union, Iowa, families, especially for competitive high schools?
The process and timeline are school-specific and require proactive planning. For highly sought-after schools like **Dowling Catholic High School**, the enrollment process for incoming freshmen often begins over a year in advance, with open houses in the fall, placement exams in the winter, and application deadlines typically in early spring. For elementary schools like **St. Francis of Assisi** or **Gilbert Christian Academy**, applications may open in January for the following academic year, with priority often given to siblings and parish members (for Catholic schools). Given Union's location, many schools host informational events in Des Moines suburbs. It is crucial to check each school's website in the summer or early fall and make direct contact, as spaces, especially in specific grades, can be limited.
For a family in Union, Iowa, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in the area?
Families in Union must weigh several location-specific factors. **Commute and Transportation** is primary; attending a private school often means a daily drive to a suburb like West Des Moines or to Gilbert, as most do not provide district-wide busing from Union. **Cost** is significant, involving not only tuition but also the STO scholarship application process. **Educational Philosophy** is key: public schools in the North Scott or other local districts offer a secular, comprehensive education, while private options provide a specific faith-based or value-centered environment. Finally, consider **Community and Continuity**; a private school may offer a consistent peer group from elementary through high school (e.g., via a feeder system to Dowling), whereas public schooling follows geographic boundaries. Visiting both types of schools is essential to gauge the right fit for your child.