Maharishi School Top 3 · Lowest Acceptance Rate (IA)

Hillside Christian School Top 3 · Lowest Acceptance Rate (IA)

Rivermont Collegiate Top 3 · Most AP Courses (IA)

Home > Find Schools > School Rankings > Most Selective Schools > Iowa

Most Selective Private Schools in Iowa

Name: Iowa Average Acceptance Rate Trends (All Private Schools)
Creator: Private School Review
License: https://www.privateschoolreview.com/terms

The average private school acceptance rate in Iowa is 91% per year (2026-27).

The most selective school in Iowa is Cedar Ridge Christian School, with an acceptance rate of 60%.

Quick Facts (26-27)

# IA Schools Ranked: 24
Top 20 Range (Acceptance Rate): 60%–100%
IA School Avg.: 92%
National School Avg.: 87%

Quick Facts (26-27)

# IA Schools Ranked: 24
Top 20 Range (Acceptance Rate): 60%–100%
IA School Avg.: 92%
National School Avg.: 87%

Iowa Average Acceptance Rate (Trends)

Showing 2016–2025. Full 11-year historical data available below ↓

Total Growth: (-5.2%) (-5% since 2016)

View Data

Year	National avg	Iowa (IA) avg
2025	85%	92% (▼ 2 pp)
2024	85%	94% (▲ 1 pp)
2023	85%	93% (▼ 1 pp)
2022	85%	94% (— 0 pp)
2021	85%	94% (— 0 pp)
2020	85%	94% (▲ 1 pp)
2019	85%	93% (— 0 pp)
2018	85%	93% (▼ 2 pp)
2017	85%	95% (▼ 2 pp)
2016	85%	97% (— 0 pp)
2015	85%	97%

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Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Private School Universe Survey (PSS), direct school submissions, and proprietary website research and analysis by Private School Review.

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Show school map — Iowa (acceptance rate range: 60%–100%, avg 92%)

Acceptance Rate Range: 60% 100% Avg. Acceptance Rate: 92%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Iowa average private schools acceptance rate?

The Iowa average private schools acceptance rate is 91% for 2026-27.

What are the most selective private schools in Iowa?

The top ranked private schools in Iowa include Cedar Ridge Christian School, Maharishi School and Hillside Christian School.

What is the most selective high school and elementary school in Iowa?

The most selective private high school in Iowa is Cedar Ridge Christian School, with an acceptance rate of 60%. The most selective private elementary school is Cedar Ridge Christian School, with an acceptance rate of 60%.

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