2023 Best Private Schools in Iowa

• Fairfield, IA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.68 out of 5  85 reviews

Senior: Maharishi School has been one of the most amazing and wonderful experiences of my life. I have grown so much as a person here. Being a boarding student has also really helped in so many ways such as making new friends and learning how to be independent and it has also really helped me learn how to get along when living with other people! Since Maharishi School is a college-based education school it really prepares you for college and how to venture out into the world. The staff and faculty, teachers, students and everyone work so well together to have a peaceful and understanding community. The practice of Transcendental Meditation has also really helped me grow both academically and socially! If you are scrolling through the reviews and are trying to figure out whether this school is a good match for you or not then this is the comment that's going to make you want to attend this school!... Read 85 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 165

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• Bettendorf, IA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  58 reviews

Parent: We love Rivermont! For us there is no other school for our son. We love the value they place on social and emotional growth especially during the last few years. The school does a phenomenal job of honoring our child as an individual while maintaining a sense of community throughout the grades. We are so impressed with how they scaffold their education and spark collaborative learning which will be essential skills for work and life. To me, providing a safe and joyful learning environment is priceless and we are confident that’s what our child receives everyday at Rivermont.... Read 58 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 200

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• West Branch, IA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  37 reviews

Parent: My daughter started attending Scattergood as a freshman and it has been the best experience for her academically, socially and for her mental health as well! She is challenged academically, accepted for who she is at Scattergood and flourishes as a person. She has a wonderful and diverse group of friends. When coming back from a weekend at home as we pulled into the driveway, she said - "It's Scattergood, my favorite place in the world." We couldn't be more pleased with this school and are certain of the positive impact it will have on our daughter for the rest of her life.... Read 37 reviews

• grade A

• Students 45

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• West Des Moines, IA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  245 reviews

Junior: I have had a great experience at Dowling so far. They have so many ways to get involved including many different clubs and groups. Most teachers care about each student and their education, and I have had many teachers use their free time to help me in their classes. Dowling holds all of their students to a high standard. Personally, I enjoy the dress code because it takes away the possibility for bullying based on clothes. There are many different classes you can take here at Dowling, choosing what courses you would like to advance your studies in. Overall, my experience at Dowling has been great; I've made friends, learned study habits, joined clubs and groups, and I feel very well prepared for college!... Read 245 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,391

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Sioux City, IA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  84 reviews

Parent: This is an outstanding school and community! You will find seasoned, nurturing teachers and staff. There are lots of opportunities for growth and developement. At Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools our students are educated with a focus on strong academics, faith, activities, discipline and service to others. Your child will learn in a safe, supportive and caring environment. Our dedicated faculty members and committed parents support success in and outside the classroom.... Read 84 reviews

• grade A

• Students 541

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Storm Lake, IA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  11 reviews

Senior: The family atmosphere all throughout my years of education, from kindergarten to being a senior, has been absolutely phenomenal. They have advanced their resources for the kids as the years have gone by, giving them a better accessible chance to learn more. I have personally have little to none issues with people bullying one another, making it a safe and lovely environment. I started going here in kindergarten and couldn’t ask for a better education system to have. As you get to high school there is numerous opportunities for taking college courses. Therefore a student is set up for success leading to college. The only thing I’d say is lacking would be the communication and maturity of the staff sometimes.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• Students 285

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Mason City, IA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  38 reviews

Parent: We have three children who attend Newman Catholic School. Like so many of us, each of our children have different strengths and different challenges. I have been so appreciative of Newman Catholic School because they have taken the time to 'know' each of our children and provided activities, resources, and opportunities for each to develop into confident and capable individuals. As we sent our oldest to college, there was no doubt that he would be successful. Newman Catholic helped him develop the communication skills and academic preparedness to shine at that next stage. Newman Catholic School has been a phenomenal community for our children and our entire family.... Read 38 reviews

• grade A

• Students 609

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Kalona, IA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Alum: Small class sizes make it very easy to interact with teachers and classmates! Teachers are very willing to give extra help to students, and are forgiving and understanding if students have trouble with an assignment. Students and teachers are able to cultivate personal, but professional relationships that prepare students for forming relationships with adults in the future.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 59

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Davenport, IA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  119 reviews

Senior: Assumption High School gave me the best years of my life. The staff was overall very friendly and helpful. The courses were difficult but prepared us for college-level courses. We were required to take multiple college classes before graduating, so we could be a step above other schools; therefore, giving us an advantage. The school created a sense of community and family. The athletics department was excellent, the coaches were so helpful in each sport. Our teams achieve state-level status in almost every sport! Assumption gave me many experiences that I am thankful for.... Read 119 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 450

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Iowa, IA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  88 reviews

Senior: Being a international student coming into this school, it created a environment that's safe and friendly for me. The teachers and staff all contribute to provide the best experience for everyone. They pushes you to do your best and become the best version of yourself. The administration is very well organized and provides weekly updates to the parents. Regina provides a wide variety of clubs and activities and the school community is very supportive at sporting events. The coaching staff are very experienced and the sport programs have very successful history. Cafeteria food is in need of improvement and lunch time are short, however, the basic nutrition need are met. Regina have a very good college readiness with the help from the counselor but visit with the counselor is limited due to the fact that we only have one counselor. Resources and facilities are all well maintained and provided with Indoor baseball/softball facility and newly built lifting room and wrestling room.... Read 88 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 920

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Cedar Rapids, IA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  216 reviews

Senior: I truly love to Xavier and everything about it. The teachers and staff are wonderful and try their best to make Xavier feel like a second home. The teachers and staff at Xavier push you harder than you’ve ever been pushed before, because the want you to succeed. The classes can be very challenging but they are challenging so that students continue to be interested and push themselves. It is a great environment to send your kids to!... Read 216 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 662

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Des Moines, IA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  35 reviews

Senior: I absolutely LOVE Grand View! I have attended Grand View for 10 years and there is no place I would rather be. Grand View has created an atmosphere that promotes maturity and growth academically as well as spiritually. The teachers truly care about you and want you to succeed and are willing to help you in any way that they can.... Read 35 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 270

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Cedar Falls, IA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  8 reviews

Parent: Valley Lutheran School is an amazing school. Our daughter, now an 8th Grader, was the very first Kindergarten class at Valley Lutheran School. She is absolutely and totally excited to be the very first class that will have attended Valley Lutheran School for K-12. There are a few students in his class that attended Pre K together at another school I the area. Our son, a current 4th grader, is doing marvelous. There are several students in this class that all attended Immanuel Lutheran Preschool together as well.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 116

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Le Mars, IA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  25 reviews

Junior: I joined Gehlen Catholic my freshmen year. What I love about this school is the family feel it has to it. At Gehlen, teachers really care about you and your well being. I've had teachers individually email me checking in to see if I am doing alright after they've noticed I've had a bad day. The teachers and staff all know me by name and have a special bond with their students that I've never seen before. We are a tight knit community that puts God first. At Gehlen, I have formed a new and personal relationship with God. I've been taught so much I hadn't known before about Jesus and meanings of his teachings here on earth. The religion teachers are focused and hard-working on strengthening our faith and for that I am extremely grateful. I've been thinking for a while now about something I would want to see change in at Gehlen but I'm afraid I can't come up with anything. Gehlen is amazing and I wouldn't trade it for any other school.Gehlen is my family.... Read 25 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 509

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Waterloo, IA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.89 out of 5  19 reviews

Parent: Excellent! Our child was in another smaller private school in the area and it was not a good environment. WCS is so positive in all things. Our learning so much and has been built up to try new things . The school has standards but not so many the squash individuality. Sports are excellent. They also have band which the other school did not have. I wish we had switched sooner! I hope they can find a bigger place because the school is so positive many from other schools- private and public are switching to WCS! Best private school in the waterloo/cedar falls area!... Read 19 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 358

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Urbandale, IA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  85 reviews

Senior: Des Moines Christian School is a place that I will always be thankful for. It has helped me grow in so many ways and provided me with amazing friends, mentors, and an amazing Christian education. This school is very intentional in relationships and helping students grow not only academic wise but as people. The teachers push us to be the best people that we can be, but also push us to be the best students we can be! I am so thankful for my highschool, and wouldn't trade my experience for the world!... Read 85 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,096

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Dubuque, IA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  58 reviews

Alum: I really enjoyed the atmosphere at Wahlert Catholic High School! The teachers and staff were great at helping students; however, some of the students weren't the nicest people. Besides a few bad apples, I received a great education from Wahlert. The Catholic school education taught me how to be a good person and an even better student. The small class sizes and the block schedule allowed for an in-depth education. The honors and AP teachers prepared me pretty well for tests and college life. Overall, I highly recommend Wahlert's private education, and I am so grateful to have received a Wahlert education.... Read 58 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 521

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Orange City, IA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  59 reviews

Senior: I love the community you are surrounded with. It is located in a small town in Iowa. It is filled with people of dutch heritage that allows you to enjoy the tulip festival each year. There are many surrounding churches, so you are surrounded by many others that love God and show kindness when you are in need. I would like to see more update facilities, but luckily the school is building a new wing with new ag, science, and sports facilities.... Read 59 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 263

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Ankeny, IA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  19 reviews

Senior: Ankeny Christian Academy welcomed me with a warm smile into their school. This excellent school helped me further my walk with God. It also enlightened me on how to build my own relationship with Him. I can tell from my previous public school that ACA is special and cares about their student's futures. The teachers try to make their student's days better and to help as much as they can. What I would change about in this school is the unclear grading, but they are very kind in explaining their thoughts to you. This school is, overall, a great school!... Read 19 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 330

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Bettendorf, IA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.64 out of 5  22 reviews

Parent: We have just had our last child graduate from Morning Star. I am so thankful that we chose MSA and the sacrifices over the years have been so worth it! The care and concern that the staff has for the students well beyond their time there is amazing. Not only have our children been exposed to an incredible education, but the instructors have also invested in their lives and have shown a great desire to see them grow in the Lord as well as academically. Even when things have not been perfect - the situations have been handled with grace. The extra shifts and jobs to make it work for our children to be at MSA have been well worth it - we would do it all over again in a heartbeat!... Read 22 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 220

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Pella, IA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  57 reviews

Senior: Small class sizes and caring Christian teachers have made this the perfect school for me! There are so many opportunities to get involved and it just feels like one big family! Because it is a small school, I know everyone and they know me. My teachers know me too and really take an interest in me, my schooling, my faith walk, and how I am doing. I LOVE Pella Christian!... Read 57 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 266

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Burlington, IA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  13 reviews

Alum: I had a very positive experience at Burlington Notre Dame. I had the opportunity to be involved in a variety of clubs, organizations, sports, and leadership opportunities. The faculty and staff were very caring, encouraging, and supportive.... Read 13 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 473

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Mount Pleasant, IA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Senior: Mt. Pleasant Christian School is an amazing school. With small classes, the teachers are able to work better with each student indivually. Most students score extremly high on tests and exams because of this. The teachers expect a lot out of their students so they can see them succeed, but also strive to make class fun. When you walk into the school you know that the teachers truly care about their students. If you need, any of the teachers will talk with you about any issues you might be having with your friends, work, home life, or any other issue you might be facing. The school holds the students to a high standard of both accedemics and respect towards others, which makes fights and disagreements between students extremly rare. It is an overall amazing school that prepares students not only academiclly, but also prepares them to be respectful and considerate of others they will encounter outside of school. Teachers truly care for their student and help them succeed.... Read 3 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 79

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Bellevue, IA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.71 out of 5  28 reviews

Senior: Marquette provides its students with many opportunities to connect with their teachers, devolp a strong connection to their faith, and form morals that will last a lifetime. With Marquette's low enrollment rate, it allows all students to know each other on a personal level. There is never a face walking down the hall that you do not know. The only downside to this is sports are not always successful, and sometimes there are not enough people to even have a sports team. Another issue with Marquette's low numbers is the lack of diversity. The school is primarily made up of caucasion male and females amoung teachers and students, which is attributed to the lack of diversity in Bellevue, the town Marquette is located in. Although Marquette is not perfect like any school, Marquette provides its students with educational excellence, and many deep relationships that will last a lifetime; your classmates and teachers truly do become your family.... Read 28 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 236

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Fort Dodge, IA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  76 reviews

Alum: So many positive changes have occurred in the past 5 years thanks to strong leadership. The curriculum has been updated, staff is held accountable, the cleanliness of the school and grounds has dramatically improved and it seems to be financially in good shape. Go Gaels!... Read 76 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 672

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1