The Best Private Schools in Windsor Heights, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Windsor Heights. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bergman Academy
Independent School
Bergman Academy is an internationally-minded independent school located just minutes from Windsor Heights, offering the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme for students age 3 through 6th grade. The school features a comprehensive Spanish immersion program and innovative STEAM curriculum with dedicated makerspaces and technology integration. Small class sizes averaging 15 students ensure individualized attention, while specialized programs in visual arts, music, and physical education provide well-rounded development. The school's modern campus includes outdoor learning environments, science labs, and collaborative learning spaces designed to foster inquiry-based education and global citizenship.
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Dowling Catholic High School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
Dowling Catholic High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving the greater Des Moines area, including Windsor Heights. With a rigorous academic curriculum featuring 25 Advanced Placement courses and specialized STEM programs, the school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The 70-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. Student-teacher ratio of 14:1 ensures personalized attention, and the school offers comprehensive extracurricular programs with over 60 clubs and 26 athletic teams.
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St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School provides exceptional education for students from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout the western Des Moines suburbs including Windsor Heights. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, featuring comprehensive STEM programs, advanced literacy instruction, and integrated technology throughout the curriculum. Facilities include modern classrooms, dedicated science lab, art studio, and extensive playground areas. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships, with many graduates advancing to top-tier high schools in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Windsor Heights, Iowa
What are the primary private school options available within or immediately adjacent to Windsor Heights, Iowa?
Windsor Heights itself is a small, residential city within the Des Moines metro area, so many of its private school options are in neighboring communities. The most prominent local options include Dowling Catholic High School (located just across the border in West Des Moines), St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School (in West Des Moines), and Bergman Academy (a secular, independent school in Des Moines). Due to Windsor Heights' central location, families also have convenient access to a wider range of private schools throughout the Des Moines metro. Transportation is a key consideration, as most families will need to drive a short distance to reach these campuses.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Windsor Heights, IA area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Windsor Heights area varies significantly by school type. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Dowling Catholic High School tuition is approximately $12,500, while elementary schools like St. Francis are typically between $5,000-$7,000. Bergman Academy, as an independent school, has a higher tuition, around $20,000 for grades K-8. Iowa offers two important 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, Moral) Fund for Dowling, provides need-based scholarships funded by donor tax credits. The Tuition and Textbook Credit allows a state income tax credit for a portion of private school expenses.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Windsor Heights families?
Schools in this corridor offer distinct programs that attract Windsor Heights residents. **Dowling Catholic** is known for its extensive STEM curriculum, renowned performing arts department, and a wide array of championship-level athletic programs. **Bergman Academy** emphasizes project-based learning, Spanish language immersion starting in preschool, and a gifted and talented focus without traditional grade-level advancement constraints. **St. Francis of Assisi** provides a faith-based education with strong core academics and character development programs. Many of these schools also leverage their Des Moines metro location for partnerships with local businesses, colleges, and cultural institutions for enhanced learning opportunities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Windsor Heights, Iowa area?
The enrollment process is school-specific but generally follows a metro-wide pattern. For Catholic schools like Dowling and St. Francis, **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, as an independent school, may have a more rolling admissions process but encourages applications by early spring for the following fall. Most schools require an application, student records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview or student assessment. It's crucial to contact schools directly in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year, as some grades, especially kindergarten and 9th grade, can fill quickly. Waiting lists are common for popular entry points.
How do the private school options near Windsor Heights compare to the highly-rated Windsor Heights Elementary in the public system?
This is a key consideration for local families. Windsor Heights is part of the **Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS)** district, and Windsor Heights Elementary is consistently high-performing. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy and specific needs. Private options offer smaller class sizes, religious education (in the case of Dowling and St. Francis), or alternative pedagogies (like Bergman's project-based model). They may also provide continuity through higher grade levels (K-12 for Dowling, K-8 for Bergman and St. Francis), whereas DMPS requires a transition to Merrill Middle School and then Hoover High School. The public school offers the convenience of a neighborhood walkable school, while private schools involve tuition and transportation. Many Windsor Heights families value the diversity and community of their local public school, while others seek the specialized focus of a private institution.