Mater Dei School Photo - Our teachers care about their students

Most Selective Private Elementary Schools in Iowa

The average private elementary school acceptance rate in Iowa is 93% per year (2025).
The most selective school in Iowa is Des Moines Adventist School, with an acceptance rate of 25%.
Acceptance Rate Range: 25% 99% Avg. Acceptance Rate: 79%

Most Selective Private Elementary Schools in Iowa (2025)

School
Acceptance Rate
Grades
Location
Rank: #1 - 41. - 4.
Des Moines Adventist School
(Seventh Day Adventist)
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: PK-8
2317 Watrous Ave
Des Moines, IA 50321
(515) 285-7729
Rank: #1 - 41. - 4.
Heartland Christian School
(Christian)
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: PK-12
400 Wright Rd
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
(712) 322-5817
Rank: #1 - 41. - 4.
Sacred Heart Continuation School
(Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: PK-6
601 1st Ave Sw
Oelwein, IA 50662
(319) 283-1366
Rank: #1 - 41. - 4.
St. Albert Middle School
(Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: 4-6
400 Gleason Ave
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
(712) 322-7004
Rank: #55.
Morning Star Academy
Morning Star Academy Photo - Upper school students on their annual field trip to Chicago.
(Christian)
(2)
Acceptance Rate: 42%
Grades: PK-12
1426 Tanglefoot Ln
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 359-5700
Rank: #66.
Shelby County Catholic School
(Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Grades: PK-5
2005 College Pl
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-5634
Rank: #77.
Scattergood Friends School
Scattergood Friends School Photo - Scattergood offers a Sustainable Agriculture Endorsement. Students earning this endorsement take five farm-related Project classes over the course of four years, complete an agriculturally-related topic for either their Junior or Senior research papers and design and execute a 30-hour service project with with Scattergood Farm's livestock, 35 acre restored prairie, or 10 acre certified organic vegetable fields and fruit orchards.
(Friends)
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Grades: 6-12
1951 Delta Ave
West Branch, IA 52358
(319) 519-1860
Rank: #88.
Acceptance Rate: 60%
Grades: 6-8
3225 W 9th St
Waterloo, IA 50702
(319) 232-1422
Rank: #99.
Maharishi School
Maharishi School Photo - Maharishi School is a global community with students and families representing more than 30 countries. Our school community is deeply enriched by students of diverse origin who come together to create global awareness and a vibrant school culture with rich traditions.
Special Program Emphasis
(3)
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Grades: PK-12
804 Dr Robert Keith Wallace Drive
Fairfield, IA 52556
(641) 472-9400
Rank: #1010.
Marquette Catholic Schools Pk-12
Marquette Catholic Schools Pk-12 Photo - State Track Sprinters
(Catholic)
(1)
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Grades: K-12
502 Franklin St
Bellevue, IA 52031
(563) 872-3356
Rank: #11 - 1211. - 12.
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Grades: K-8
1250 12th Avenue
Coralville, IA 52241
(319) 339-0998
Rank: #11 - 1211. - 12.
Rivermont Collegiate
Rivermont Collegiate Photo - The Carriage House: Art classroom and girls' residence
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Grades: PK-12
1821 Sunset Dr
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 359-1366
Rank: #13 - 1613. - 16.
St. Augustin Catholic School
(Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Grades: PK-8
4320 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 279-5947
Rank: #13 - 1613. - 16.
St. Francis Of Assisi School
(Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Grades: PK-8
7075 Ashworth Rd
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 457-7167
Rank: #13 - 1613. - 16.
St. Jude Elementary School
(Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Grades: NS-3
3700 1st Avenue Nw
Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
(319) 396-7818
Rank: #13 - 1613. - 16.
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Grades: PK-12
6000 Gordon Drive
Sioux City, IA 51106
(712) 276-4732
Rank: #17 - 1917. - 19.
Ankeny Christian Academy
Ankeny Christian Academy Photo
(Christian)
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Grades: PK-12
1604 West 1st St
Ankeny, IA 50023
(515) 965-8114
Rank: #17 - 1917. - 19.
Iowa Conservatory
Iowa Conservatory Photo - Costume Studio
Special Program Emphasis
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Grades: 8-12
123 N. Linn St.
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 804-5943
Rank: #17 - 1917. - 19.
Sacred Heart School
Sacred Heart School Photo - Sacred Heart offers kindergarten through the eighth grade
(Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Grades: PK-8
5010 Military Rd
Sioux City, IA 51103
(712) 233-1624
Rank: #2020.
St. Columbkille School
(Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Grades: K-5
1198 Rush Street
Dubuque, IA 52003
(563) 582-3532
Rank: #21 - 2721. - 27.
Heritage Christian School
Heritage Christian School Photo - Our Pre-K program is taught by passionate, state-certified teachers with early childhood education endorsements. They create a nurturing environment where students feel comfortable and safe as they learn and grow.
(Christian)
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Grades: PK-8
255 Hackberry St
North Liberty, IA 52317
(319) 626-4777
Rank: #21 - 2721. - 27.
Lourdes Catholic School
Lourdes Catholic School Photo
(Catholic)
(3)
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Grades: PK-8
1453 Mississippi Blvd
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 359-3466
Rank: #21 - 2721. - 27.
Prince Of Peace Catholic School
Prince Of Peace Catholic School Photo - The beginning of life-long learning starts here!
(Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Grades: K-12
312 S 4th St
Clinton, IA 52732
(563) 242-1663
Rank: #21 - 2721. - 27.
St. Albert Catholic
St. Albert Catholic Photo - With the addition of the state-of-the-art childcare center and elementary school, Saint Albert's elite learning, faith-filled environment is unmatched in Southwest Iowa.
(Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Grades: PK-12
400 Gleason Ave
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
(712) 328-2316
Rank: #21 - 2721. - 27.
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Grades: PK-8
1007 E Rusholme Street
Davenport, IA 52803
(563) 322-2923
Rank: #21 - 2721. - 27.
Sioux Center Christian School
Sioux Center Christian School Photo - Sioux Center Christian School welcomes you!
(Calvinist)
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Grades: PK-8
630 1st Ave Se
Sioux Center, IA 51250
(712) 722-0777
Rank: #21 - 2721. - 27.
Trinity Lutheran School
(Lutheran Church Missouri Synod)
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Grades: NS-6
1500 N 16th St
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
(712) 322-3294
Rank: #28 - 3128. - 31.
Hillcrest Academy
Hillcrest Academy Photo - During the first week of school, our students have a fun day out at Crooked Creek Christian Camp. Students get to participate in chapel, play group games, enjoy small group activities, hike through the woods and eat lunch outdoors.
(Mennonite)
(3)
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Grades: 6-12
1421 540th Street SW
Kalona, IA 52247
(319) 656-2073
Rank: #28 - 3128. - 31.
Holy Family School
(Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Grades: K-8
1265 E 9th St
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 262-8025
Rank: #28 - 3128. - 31.
Our Lady Of Guadalupe
Alternative School (Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Grades: PK-5
2105 Saint Joseph Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
(563) 582-1198
Rank: #28 - 3128. - 31.
St. Joseph Catholic School
(Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Grades: PK-8
1430 14th Street
Marion, IA 52302
(319) 377-6348
Rank: #32 - 3532. - 35.
Alrazi Academy
Alrazi Academy Photo - AlRazi Students learning measurements and math skills ( hands on activities)
(Islamic)
(1)
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Grades: PK-8
1119 5th St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 255-0220
Rank: #32 - 3532. - 35.
St. Anthony Elementary School
(Catholic)
(3)
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Grades: PK-8
16 Columbus Ave
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 243-1874
Rank: #32 - 3532. - 35.
St. Vincent Elementary School
(Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Grades: PK-5
2981 Plank Rd
Keokuk, IA 52632
(319) 524-5450
Rank: #32 - 3532. - 35.
Zion-st John Lutheran School
(Lutheran Church Missouri Synod)
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Grades: PK-8
103 W Bertha St
Paullina, IA 51046
(712) 949-3915
Show 13 more private schools in IA (out of 48 total schools)
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Iowa average private elementary schools acceptance rate?
The Iowa average private elementary schools acceptance rate is 93% for 2025.
What are the most selective private elementary schools in Iowa?
The top ranked private elementary schools in Iowa include Des Moines Adventist School, Heartland Christian School and Sacred Heart Continuation School.

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