Private School Review - Established 2003
Pella Christian Grade School Top 3 · Largest Endowment (IA)
St. Paul The Apostle Catholic School Top 15 · Highest % Faculty w/ Adv. Degrees (IA)
Lourdes Catholic School Top 4 · Largest Endowment (IA)

Best Iowa Blue Ribbon Private Elementary Schools (2026-27)

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 8 blue ribbon private elementary schools serving 3,595 students in Iowa.
The top ranked blue ribbon private elementary schools in Iowa include St. Augustin Catholic School, St. Francis Of Assisi School, and Pella Christian Grade School.
The average acceptance rate is 91%, which is higher than the Iowa private elementary school average acceptance rate of 90%.
100% of blue ribbon private elementary schools in Iowa are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Other).
Blue Ribbon schools have been recognized by the Department of Education for achieving superior standards of academic excellence. Read more about this national school awards program and how blue ribbon schools work.

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • # Private Schools: 8
  • # Students Served: 3,595

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • # Private Schools: 8
  • # Students Served: 3,595

Top Ranked Iowa Blue Ribbon Private Elementary Schools (2026-27)

Lourdes Catholic School Photo
Lourdes Catholic School
Gr: PK-8 | 357 students
Avg. class size: 20 students
Sports: 9 | Extracurriculars: 9
Blue Ribbon year: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Catholic
1453 Mississippi Blvd
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 359-3466
(3)
View Profile
Newman Catholic School Photo
Newman Catholic School
Gr: K-12 | 628 students
Avg. class size: 39 students
Sports: 17 | Extracurriculars: 4
Catholic
2445 19th St Sw
Mason City, IA 50401
(641) 423-6939
(1)
View Profile
Pella Christian Grade School Photo
Pella Christian Grade School
Gr: PK-8 | 549 students
Avg. class size: 19 students
Sports: 8 | Extracurriculars: 8
Blue Ribbon year: 1993, 1994
Specialized Curriculum
216 Liberty Street
Pella, IA 50219
(641) 628-2414
(2)
View Profile
Map of St. Augustin Catholic School
St. Augustin Catholic School
Gr: PK-8 | 282 students
Avg. class size: 26 students
Sports: 5 | Extracurriculars: 3
Blue Ribbon year: 2004
Catholic
4320 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 279-5947
View Profile
Map of St. Francis Of Assisi School
St. Francis Of Assisi School
Gr: PK-8 | 728 students
Avg. class size: 22 students
Sports: 4
Blue Ribbon year: 2014, 2020
Catholic
7075 Ashworth Rd
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 457-7167
View Profile
St. Paul The Apostle Catholic School Photo
St. Paul The Apostle Catholic School
Gr: PK-8 | 487 students
Avg. class size: 22 students
Sports: 3 | Extracurriculars: 8
Blue Ribbon year: 2011
Catholic
1007 E Rusholme Street
Davenport, IA 52803
(563) 322-2923
View Profile
Map of Resurrection School
Resurrection School
Gr: NS-5 | 279 students
Blue Ribbon year: 2018
Catholic
4320 Asbury Rd
Dubuque, IA 52002
(563) 583-9488
View Profile
Map of St. Columbkille School
St. Columbkille School
Gr: K-5 | 285 students
Avg. class size: 20 students
Blue Ribbon year: 2011
Catholic
1198 Rush Street
Dubuque, IA 52003
(563) 582-3532
View Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked blue ribbon private elementary schools in Iowa?
The top ranked blue ribbon private elementary schools in Iowa include St. Augustin Catholic School, St. Francis Of Assisi School, and Pella Christian Grade School.
How many blue ribbon private elementary schools are located in Iowa?
8 blue ribbon private elementary schools are located in Iowa.
How diverse are blue ribbon private elementary schools in Iowa?
Iowa blue ribbon private elementary schools are approximately 9% minority students, which is lower than the Iowa private school average of 15%.
What percentage of blue ribbon private elementary schools are religiously affiliated in Iowa?
100% of blue ribbon private elementary schools in Iowa are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Other).

Recent Articles

When Your Child Struggles in One Private School Subject
When Your Child Struggles in One Private School Subject
Learn what to do when your child struggles in one private school subject, including identifying causes, working with teachers, evaluating support, tutoring, progress, and next steps effectively.
Is Your Child Challenged or Just Given More Work?
Is Your Child Challenged or Just Given More Work?
Learn how to distinguish meaningful academic rigor from excessive workload by evaluating assignments, feedback, classroom expectations, assessments, and intellectual challenge when comparing private schools for your child.
Private School Extra Help: Evaluating Teacher Access
Private School Extra Help: Evaluating Teacher Access
Learn how to evaluate private school extra-help systems, including teacher availability, scheduling, advising, response times, and access, so your child can receive meaningful academic support when needed most.

Filter Schools

School Level
Must Offer Grade
Show more
Gender
School Focus
Religious Affiliation
ADD/ADHD Support
Summer Program

Quick Links

SCHOOL SEARCH TOOLS:
SCHOOL BY TYPE (IA):
OPEN-HOUSES & JOBS:
PUBLIC & BOARDING SCHOOLS:
PRIVATE SCHOOL DATA:

Most Popular Articles

School Rankings by Category
School Rankings by Category
 Private School Governance Structures Explained
Private School Governance Structures Explained
Free Schools
Free Schools

More Articles

Timeless School Insights
The Journey to Enrollment
Well-Rounded Achievements
Premier School Models
Global Educator Empowerment