For the 2026 school year, there are 14 private schools serving 3,513 students in Des Moines, IA (there are 63 public schools, serving 31,135 public students). 10% of all K-12 students in Des Moines, IA are educated in private schools (compared to the IA state average of 9%).
The top-ranked private schools in Des Moines, IA include Holy Trinity, Bergman Academy, and Grand View Christian School.
The average acceptance rate is 81%, which is lower than the Iowa private school average acceptance rate of 86%.
Top-Ranked Des Moines Private Schools (2026)
School
Location
Quick Facts
100 45th St
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 274-0453
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 274-0453
Gr: PK-8 | 336 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 3 | Extracurrculars: 5 Tuition listed
Des Moines Adventist School
(Seventh Day Adventist)
2317 Watrous Ave
Des Moines, IA 50321
(515) 285-7729
Des Moines, IA 50321
(515) 285-7729
Gr: PK-8 | 41 students Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
2905 Ne 46th Ave
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 630-1250
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 630-1250
Gr: PK-12 | 706 students
16 Columbus Ave
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 243-1874
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 243-1874
Gr: PK-8 | 349 students Avg. class size: 20 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
St. Augustin Catholic School
(Catholic)
4320 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 279-5947
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 279-5947
Gr: PK-8 | 282 students Avg. class size: 26 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 3 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
5810 Carpenter Ave
Des Moines, IA 50311
(515) 277-0178
Des Moines, IA 50311
(515) 277-0178
Gr: PK-8 | 238 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 7 | Extracurrculars: 3 Tuition listed
Christ The King School
(Catholic)
701 Wall Ave
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 285-3349
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 285-3349
Gr: PK-8 | 233 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Empigo Academy
(Christian)
4801 Franklin Ave
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 350-4008
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 350-4008
Gr: 9-12 Sports: 5 Tuition listed
Holy Family School
(Catholic)
1265 E 9th St
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 262-8025
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 262-8025
Gr: K-8 | 208 students Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Joshua Christian Academy
(Christian)
1740 Garfield Ave
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 265-0603
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 265-0603
Gr: PK-12 | 139 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 5 Tuition listed
Mt. Olive Lutheran School
(Lutheran Church Missouri Synod)
5625 Franklin Ave
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 277-8349
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 277-8349
Gr: PK-8 | 303 students Avg. class size: 17 students Sports: 4 Tuition listed
4111 Hubbell Ave
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 266-5065
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 266-5065
Gr: 3-12 | 42 students
St. Joseph Elementary School
(Catholic)
2107 E 33rd St
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 266-3433
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 266-3433
Gr: PK-8 | 206 students
Des Moines, Iowa Private Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Lincoln Heights Lutheran School (Closed 2004)
(Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod)
1217 Sw Watrous Ave
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 288-3013
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 288-3013
Gr: 1-8 | 14 students
Overview
This Town (Des Moines)
This State (IA)
# Schools
14 Schools
Student Body:
# Students
3,513 Students
52,671 Students
% Average Students of Color
37%
16%
Academics and Faculty:
# Teachers
256 Teachers
4,274 Teachers
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
% Average Faculty w/Advanced Degree
38%
40%
Average Class Size
18 students
16 students
Tuition and Acceptance Rate:
Average Yearly Tuition Cost
$9,196
$9,686
Average Summer Program Cost
$225
$611
Average % on Financial Aid
21%
37%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$665
$2,769
Average Acceptance Rate
81%
86%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.70
0.48
# American Indian Students
19 Students
116 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
n/a
# Asian Students
219 Students
1,075 Students
% Asian Students
6%
2%
# Hispanic Students
499 Students
3,392 Students
% Hispanic Students
14%
7%
# Black Students
204 Students
1,537 Students
% Black Students
6%
3%
# White Students
1,569 Students
36,965 Students
% White Students
45%
70%
# Hawaiian Students
1 Student
98 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
% of Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
# Others Students
1,005 Students
9,597 Students
% of Others Students
29%
18%
All Ethnic Groups
Extracurriculars and Sports:
Average Number of Extracurriculars
4 extracurriculars
6 extracurriculars
Average Number of Sports
5 sports
7 sports
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked private schools in Des Moines, IA?
The top-ranked private schools in Des Moines, IA include Holy Trinity, Bergman Academy, and Grand View Christian School.
How many private schools are located in Des Moines?
14 private schools are located in Des Moines.
How diverse are private schools in Des Moines?
Des Moines private schools are approximately 37% minority students, which is higher than the Iowa private school average of 16%.
What percentage of students in Des Moines go to private school?
10% of all K-12 students in Des Moines are educated in private schools (compared to the IA state average of 9%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Des Moines?
Which private schools in Des Moines are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in Des Moines include: One School Global Des Moines Campus vs. Bergman Academy, St. Joseph Elementary School vs. St. Augustin Catholic School, St. Anthony Elementary School vs. St. Augustin Catholic School
Recent Articles
Financial Aid 101 for Private School Families 2026
Guide to private school financial aid in 2026, with current costs, key planning timelines and practical steps parents need to maximize aid options.
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter in 2026
Discover why extracurricular activities remain essential in 2026, with updated research, costs, and admissions insights for parents and students.
How to Appeal for Financial Aid After Admission
Learn how to appeal for financial aid after admission to a private school, with expert steps, timelines, and 2026 updates for families.
