The Best Private Schools in Urbandale, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Urbandale. 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 Catholic college preparatory school serving the Des Moines metro area, including Urbandale families. With a strong academic reputation, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum including 23 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. The 60-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Known for its faith-based education and college acceptance rate near 100%, Dowling emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School provides a comprehensive PreK-8 education serving families throughout the western Des Moines suburbs, including Urbandale. The school features a rigorous academic program integrated with Catholic values, including dedicated STEM instruction, Spanish language classes from early grades, and robust fine arts programming. The modern facility includes technology-enhanced classrooms, science labs, and extensive athletic facilities. Parent satisfaction is consistently high with emphasis on community involvement and individualized student attention.
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St. Pius X Elementary School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
Located directly in Urbandale, St. Pius X Elementary School offers a strong PreK-8 Catholic education with deep community roots. The school provides a balanced curriculum featuring accelerated mathematics programs, comprehensive reading intervention services, and extensive music and arts education. The campus includes modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, library, and gymnasium facilities. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, the school emphasizes academic excellence while fostering spiritual development and community service involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Urbandale, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Urbandale, Iowa?
Urbandale is served by several well-regarded private schools, primarily Catholic institutions within the Des Moines metro area. The most prominent include Dowling Catholic High School (located in West Des Moines but drawing heavily from Urbandale), St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School (PreK-8 in West Des Moines), and St. Pius X Elementary School (PreK-8 in Urbandale). While there are no large independent non-religious private schools within Urbandale's city limits, these parochial schools offer strong academic programs and are central options for Urbandale families seeking private education. Many families also consider nearby schools in Des Moines, West Des Moines, and Johnston.
How does tuition for private schools in the Urbandale, IA area typically work, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for Urbandale-area private schools like St. Pius X or Dowling Catholic varies by grade level and parish membership. For the 2024-25 school year, typical elementary tuition ranges from $5,000 to $7,000 annually, while high school tuition can exceed $10,000. Iowa offers two key financial aid programs: the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit** and the **Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit**. The STO program, administered by organizations like the AIM (Accessible, Innovative, Modern) Fund for Dowling, provides need-based scholarships funded by donor tax credits. Iowa residents can also claim a state tax credit for a portion of private school tuition and textbook expenses, directly reducing tax liability.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Urbandale area offer that distinguish them from local public schools?
Urbandale's private schools offer distinct programs rooted in their missions. **Dowling Catholic High School** features extensive College Credit and Advanced Placement courses, a renowned STEM program, and championship-caliber athletics and fine arts. **St. Pius X Elementary** integrates faith-based learning with technology and Spanish instruction from an early age. A key differentiator is often smaller class sizes and a values-based education framework. Many Urbandale private schools also have unique partnerships with local colleges and businesses in the Des Moines metro, providing enhanced internship and dual-enrollment opportunities not always as readily available in the public system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Pius X or Dowling Catholic for an Urbandale resident?
The enrollment process for Urbandale-area private schools is centralized and often begins almost a year in advance. For elementary schools like **St. Pius X**, priority registration for existing families and parish members typically opens in January, with open registration for new families in February. **Dowling Catholic** holds its freshman registration night in early February, with placement tests often in January. It's crucial for Urbandale parents to contact the school's admissions office by the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. Many schools require applications, student records, pastor referrals (for Catholic schools), and entrance exams for higher grades. Waiting lists are common, so early inquiry is recommended.
For an Urbandale family, what are the key considerations when comparing the highly-rated Urbandale Community Public Schools to local private school options?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, cost, and specific student needs. **Urbandale Public Schools** are consistently high-performing, tuition-free, and offer diverse programs, including a 1:1 technology initiative and extensive AP courses at the high school. **Private options** like those in Urbandale provide a specific faith-based environment, often with more traditional discipline and a consistent community from elementary through high school (e.g., St. Pius X feeding into Dowling). Transportation is a key logistical factor; while Urbandale Public provides busing, private school families often must arrange carpools. Ultimately, the choice involves weighing the value of a tailored, mission-driven education against the robust, tax-supported resources of the public system.