The Best Private Schools in Washington, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Washington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Xavier High School
Catholic Diocese of Davenport
Xavier High School is a top-rated Catholic secondary school serving Eastern Iowa with a reputation for academic excellence and faith-based education. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum including 18 AP courses, a robust STEM program, and state-of-the-art facilities such as a new science wing and performing arts center. Athletics include championship-level teams in multiple sports, and extracurriculars range from robotics to theater. Parent reviews highlight strong community involvement and high student success rates in college admissions.
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Cedar Rapids Christian School
Independent Christian School
Cedar Rapids Christian School provides a well-rounded education from preschool through high school, emphasizing academic rigor and character development. The curriculum integrates biblical principles with college preparatory courses, supported by experienced teachers and modern facilities including STEM labs and a full-sized gymnasium. Extracurricular activities encompass arts, music, and competitive sports, fostering a supportive community. The school is noted for high parent satisfaction, with graduates consistently accepted into prestigious universities.
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Iowa City Christian School
Independent Christian School
Iowa City Christian School is a highly-regarded K-12 institution known for its rigorous academic curriculum rooted in Christian values. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong emphasis on college preparation with a 100% college acceptance rate. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and athletic fields. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports, music programs, and community service opportunities, contributing to high parent satisfaction and student achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Washington, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Washington, Iowa?
Washington, Iowa, is a smaller community, so most local families seeking private, faith-based education look to nearby cities. The top schools in the region include **Xavier High School** in Cedar Rapids (about 45 minutes north), **Cedar Rapids Christian School** (also in Cedar Rapids), and **Iowa City Christian School** (about 40 minutes southeast). For elementary and middle school students in Washington, St. James Catholic School in Washington is a key local option. Many families commute, so understanding transportation options and carpool networks is an important local consideration.
How does tuition at private schools in the Washington, Iowa, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition in the Washington area varies. Local parochial schools like St. James often have lower tuition, frequently under $5,000 annually, supported by the parish. Regional schools like Xavier High School or Iowa City Christian School have higher tuition, often ranging from $8,000 to $12,000+ per year, which is competitive with Iowa's private school averages. Importantly, Iowa has the **School Tuition Organization (STO) Tax Credit** program. This allows donors to direct funds to STOs, which then provide need-based tuition grants to families at participating private schools, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs. All major schools in the area participate in this Iowa-specific program.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Washington, Iowa, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools in this region often leverage their specific missions. **Xavier High School** is known for its strong college-prep curriculum, extensive athletic programs (competing in the Mississippi Valley Conference), and notable STEM initiatives. **Iowa City Christian School** integrates a biblical worldview across subjects and may offer unique connections to the University of Iowa community. **Cedar Rapids Christian School** offers comprehensive K-12 arts and athletics. A key local differentiator for many families is the smaller class sizes and religious instruction, which are consistent priorities in Iowa's rural and small-town communities like Washington.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Washington, Iowa, families?
For the local St. James Catholic School, enrollment often opens in early spring (February/March) for the following fall, with priority given to parish members. For the larger regional schools, open houses and application periods typically begin in the fall, a full year in advance (e.g., fall 2024 for the 2025-26 school year). **Critical local factor:** Because these are popular schools drawing from a wide area, especially at the high school level (Xavier), early application is strongly advised. Many require entrance exams (like the HSPT for high school), interviews, and submission of records from Washington's public schools. It's essential to contact schools directly by December/January to ensure you meet all deadlines.
For a family in Washington, Iowa, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school requiring a commute?
The decision hinges on several Washington-specific factors. The **Washington Community School District** offers the convenience of no commute, robust extracurriculars, and no tuition. Choosing a private school like Xavier or ICCS involves a daily 40-45 minute commute each way, which impacts family logistics and costs. Parents must weigh the value of a specific religious education, often smaller class sizes, and specialized programs against the time commitment. Many families form carpools with others from the Washington area. Additionally, the cultural environment—whether a close-knit community school in Washington or a larger regional private school—is a significant consideration for life in a smaller Iowa city.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top Private High Schools Near Washington, Iowa: A Parent's Guide
When you begin searching for "private high schools near me" from Washington, Iowa, you are embarking on a significant journey that extends beyond a simple internet query. You are looking for an educational community that aligns with your family's values and your student's aspirations. While Washington itself is a wonderful community, the landscape for private secondary education here means looking to neighboring cities, which offers a unique set of opportunities and considerations for local families. The commute becomes part of the equation, but so does access to specialized programs, faith-based education, and tight-knit academic environments that might not be available otherwise.
Several excellent institutions are within a reasonable driving distance, making them viable options for dedicated Washington families. To the east, in Cedar Rapids, you'll find Cedar Rapids Christian School, which offers a comprehensive PK-12 experience rooted in Christian principles. Its established high school program emphasizes college preparatory academics alongside spiritual development. Heading southeast, Iowa City Christian School provides another strong faith-based option, integrating a biblical worldview across its curriculum and fostering a close community feel. For many parents, the search for "private high schools near me" is deeply connected to finding this kind of value-centered environment that supports the whole child—academically, spiritually, and socially.
Another prominent name you will encounter is Xavier High School, also located in Cedar Rapids. As a Catholic college preparatory school, Xavier boasts a robust tradition of academic excellence, competitive athletics, and a wide array of extracurricular activities. Its reputation for strong STEM programs and high college placement rates makes it a compelling choice for families focused on rigorous preparation for higher education. The daily trip from Washington is an investment, but one that many families find worthwhile for the specific opportunities and community Xavier provides. It’s important to visit these schools, feel the atmosphere, and talk to current parents about the real-world logistics of the commute from our area.
Your search in Washington, Iowa, requires a local perspective. Consider the daily rhythm: driving routes along Highway 1 or Highway 218, coordinating carpools with other Washington families, and evaluating how after-school activities fit into the schedule. The good news is that you are not alone. Many families in our community have navigated this path before. We recommend connecting with local parents whose children attend these schools to get firsthand insights into the commute, the culture, and the overall fit. Ultimately, finding the right private high school near you is about matching your child’s needs with a school’s mission. It’s about finding a place where they will be known, challenged, and inspired, even if that place is a short drive from our hometown. The effort to look beyond our immediate zip code can open doors to exceptional educational experiences that resonate for a lifetime.