The Best Private Schools in Wdm, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Wdm. 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 an exceptional independent private school offering International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme education for students from preschool through 5th grade. Founded in 2006, the school provides a unique Spanish immersion program where students receive 50% of instruction in Spanish. The school's innovative STEAM-focused curriculum integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through hands-on learning. The campus features modern classrooms, dedicated science and art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. Bergman Academy is known for its progressive educational approach, highly qualified faculty, and strong emphasis on global citizenship and environmental awareness. The school maintains an inclusive community with outstanding parent satisfaction ratings.
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St. Francis of Assisi School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
St. Francis of Assisi School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary and middle school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Established in 2000, the school provides a comprehensive education rooted in Catholic values while offering advanced academic programs. The curriculum includes specialized STEM education, Spanish language instruction from early grades, and robust arts programs. The modern facility features technology-integrated classrooms, science labs, and extensive playground facilities. Parents consistently praise the school's strong community atmosphere, dedicated teachers, and excellent preparation for high school. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular activities.
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Dowling Catholic High School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
Dowling Catholic High School is a premier private Catholic college preparatory school serving the West Des Moines area. Founded in 1965, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with over 20 Advanced Placement courses and specialized programs in STEM, fine arts, and business. The 70-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, the school emphasizes personalized education and character development. The school consistently achieves high college acceptance rates and boasts numerous state championships in athletics and academic competitions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Wdm, Iowa
What are the main types of private school options available to families in West Des Moines, Iowa?
West Des Moines offers a diverse range of private school options catering to different educational philosophies and needs. The area is home to prominent Catholic institutions like **Dowling Catholic High School** (grades 9-12) and **St. Francis of Assisi School** (PreK-8), which provide faith-based education within the Des Moines Catholic Schools system. For families seeking a non-religious, independent education, **Bergman Academy** offers a progressive, project-based learning model from preschool through 8th grade. Additionally, several private preschools and early learning centers serve the WDM community. This mix allows parents to choose between parochial and secular environments, each with distinct curricular approaches.
How does tuition for private schools in West Des Moines compare, and are there Iowa-specific financial aid options?
Tuition in West Des Moines varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Dowling Catholic High School tuition is approximately $12,500-$13,500, while elementary parochial schools like St. Francis are roughly $5,000-$7,000 for parishioners. Bergman Academy, as an independent school, has tuition ranging from $10,000 to $16,000 depending on the grade. Iowa offers specific financial aid opportunities that WDM families can utilize. Most notably, the **Iowa Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit** allows a 25% credit for private school tuition expenses. Additionally, the **Student Tuition Organization (STO)** program provides need-based scholarships funded by tax-credited donations, and many local schools have their own endowed financial aid funds.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the WDM area?
Private schools in West Des Moines leverage their independence to offer specialized programs. **Dowling Catholic** is renowned for its extensive STEM curriculum, competitive athletics in the Iowa High School Athletic Association, and unique programs like the Global Studies Certificate. **Bergman Academy** emphasizes Spanish language immersion starting in preschool, a dedicated STEAM lab, and an outdoor education curriculum that utilizes local parks and green spaces. **St. Francis of Assisi** integrates technology with a 1:1 iPad program and offers strong fine arts. A common advantage in WDM private schools is smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention and partnerships with Des Moines-area cultural and scientific institutions for enriched learning.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in West Des Moines, Iowa?
The enrollment process in WDM is school-specific but generally follows an annual cycle. For Catholic schools like St. Francis and Dowling, **priority enrollment for existing families and parish members typically opens in January**, with open enrollment for new families following in February or March. **Bergman Academy** often begins its re-enrollment in January and opens applications for new families shortly after. Most schools require an application, student records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview or student assessment. It's crucial to apply early, as popular grades, especially preschool, kindergarten, and 9th grade, can have waiting lists. Many schools also host fall and winter open houses for prospective families to tour and ask questions.
For families considering both sectors, how do private schools in West Des Moines generally compare to the highly-rated West Des Moines Community School District?
The comparison often centers on educational approach, community, and resources. The **West Des Moines Community School District (WDMCSD)** is consistently top-ranked in Iowa, offering large, comprehensive programs, extensive AP courses, and significant extracurricular diversity. Private schools in WDM offer a distinct alternative: a consistent **values-based or mission-driven environment** (faith-based at Dowling/St. Francis; progressive inquiry at Bergman), often with smaller, more close-knit communities. Private schools may have more curricular flexibility and specialized teaching methods, while the public district provides greater scale and typically no tuition. For college preparation, both pathways are strong; the choice often comes down to a family's preference for a specific educational philosophy, community size, and the desire for religious integration.