For the 2025 school year, there are 254 private schools serving 52,446 students in Iowa (there are 1,320 public schools, serving 501,674 students). 9% of all K-12 students in Iowa attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
The average private school tuition is $9,506 for elementary schools and $11,180 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
The top-ranked private schools in Iowa include Cedar Ridge Christian School, Heartland Christian School, and Rivermont Collegiate.
The average acceptance rate is 85% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 16% and the student:teacher ratio is 12:1.
Top Ranked Iowa Private Schools by County (2025)
Popular neighborhoods: Cedar Hills (3 schools), Noelridge Park (2 schools), Southwest Area (2 schools), Merle Hay (2 schools), Penn (2 schools).
County
# Schools
# Students
% of K-12 Students in Private Schools
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked private schools in Iowa?
The top-ranked private schools in Iowa include Cedar Ridge Christian School, Heartland Christian School, and Rivermont Collegiate.
How many private schools are located in Iowa?
There are 254 private schools are located in Iowa.
How much do private schools cost in Iowa?
The average private school tuition in Iowa is $9,506 for elementary schools and $11,180 for high schools
How diverse are private schools in Iowa?
Approximately 16% of students in Iowa private schools are minority students (compared to the national percentage).
What percentage of students in Iowa go to private school?
9% of all K-12 students in Iowa attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Iowa?
Which private schools in Iowa are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in Iowa include: Suburan Hgts. Baptist Church vs. Maharishi School, Burlington Notre Dame vs. Great River Christian School, Ames Christian School vs. St. Cecilia Elementary School
Recent Articles
Educational Podcasts
I've selected some general purpose and some robotics podcasts to enrich your classroom teaching. With over 2 million podcasts available, be careful to review any podcasts you want to use at home or school.
Educating Your Gifted Child
This article provides comprehensive guidance for parents of gifted children, covering identification of giftedness, common characteristics, enrichment strategies, dealing with perfectionism, and selecting appropriate schools. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing a gifted child's unique abilities while addressing their social and emotional needs.
June 09, 2025
The Private School Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed EducatorsNavigating the private school job market? Whether you're employed or unemployed, the right strategy can make all the difference. This article breaks down essential steps to keep your resume sharp, expand your network, and stay visible in the education community. Learn insider tips to position yourself for success in private schools.
