The Best Private Schools in Williamsburg, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Williamsburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Family Catholic School
Holy Family Catholic Parish
Holy Family Catholic School is the primary private educational institution located directly in Williamsburg, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school provides a faith-based education integrated with strong academic programs, including modern STEM curriculum and traditional Catholic values. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes individualized attention and character development. Facilities include updated classrooms, technology resources, and shared access to parish facilities for extracurricular activities. The school maintains strong community ties and serves as the central private education option for Williamsburg families seeking religious education combined with academic excellence.
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Xavier High School
Cedar Rapids Xavier Schools
Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids serves students from throughout Eastern Iowa, including the Williamsburg area located approximately 35 miles away. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with a strong emphasis on STEM education, numerous Advanced Placement courses, and competitive athletic programs. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, technology centers, performing arts venues, and extensive athletic facilities. Known for high academic achievement and strong community values, Xavier provides transportation options and serves as a regional Catholic high school choice for families seeking rigorous academic preparation in a faith-based environment with extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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Regina Catholic Education Center
Regina Catholic Schools
Located approximately 20 miles from Williamsburg in Iowa City, Regina Catholic Education Center serves students from throughout Eastern Iowa, including Williamsburg families. This comprehensive PreK-12 institution offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. The school features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and strong college placement, Regina attracts students from surrounding communities seeking a faith-based education with outstanding academic opportunities and extracurricular programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Williamsburg, Iowa
What are the private school options available for K-12 education within or very near Williamsburg, Iowa?
Williamsburg, Iowa, is served by a close-knit network of Catholic schools. For elementary education, Holy Family Catholic School in Williamsburg offers a faith-based education from preschool through 6th grade. For secondary education, families typically look to nearby Iowa City. Students often transition to Regina Catholic Education Center (Junior High & High School) or Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids for grades 7-12. These schools have established feeder relationships with Holy Family, providing a continuous, values-based educational pathway for families in the Williamsburg community.
How does tuition at private schools like Holy Family in Williamsburg compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available for Iowa residents?
Tuition at Holy Family Catholic School in Williamsburg is generally below the state average for private elementary schools, reflecting the community-oriented and parish-supported model. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition is approximately $4,500-$5,500 for parishioners, with a higher rate for non-parishioners. As an Iowa resident, you can apply for the state's School Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit program, which provides need-based scholarships for students attending accredited private schools. Both Regina and Xavier High Schools also participate in this program and offer additional parish subsidies, tuition assistance, and multi-child discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools associated with Williamsburg offer that leverage the local Iowa environment?
Schools in this network integrate Iowa's agricultural and community-focused values into their programs. Holy Family Catholic School emphasizes stewardship and science through local garden projects and environmental studies. For older students, Regina and Xavier High Schools offer robust FFA chapters, agriscience courses, and partnerships with local businesses for internships. Furthermore, Xavier High School's strong engineering and computer science programs connect with Iowa's growing tech and manufacturing sectors. All schools emphasize service learning, with students regularly engaging in local Williamsburg food pantry drives and community improvement projects.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for Holy Family Catholic School in Williamsburg, and when should I apply?
Holy Family Catholic School in Williamsburg typically begins its official enrollment period for the next academic year in January, with priority given to current families and registered parishioners until February. Open enrollment for new families usually runs from March onward, but it's advisable to contact the school office as early as the prior fall to schedule a tour and express interest. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates, academic records, and a registration fee. For the seamless transition to Regina or Xavier, coordination with Holy Family's administration is key, as those schools have their own application deadlines, often in the winter of a student's 6th-grade year.
For a family in Williamsburg, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the Williamsburg Community Public School District and the local private Catholic school pathway?
The decision often centers on educational philosophy, class size, and religious formation. The Williamsburg Community School District offers a comprehensive public education with strong athletics and arts programs. The private Catholic pathway, beginning at Holy Family, provides smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), integrated faith-based instruction, and a consistent moral framework throughout the K-12 journey. A practical consideration is transportation; while the public district provides busing, private school families often organize carpools to Iowa City or Cedar Rapids for junior high and high school. Many families value the tight-knit, familial environment of Holy Family and the strong college preparatory reputation of the associated secondary schools, despite the logistical coordination required.