For the 2025-26 school year, there are 13 private elementary schools serving 3,513 students in Des Moines, IA.
The top ranked private elementary schools in Des Moines, IA include Bergman Academy, Des Moines Adventist School, and Grand View Christian School.
The average acceptance rate is 81%, which is lower than the Iowa private elementary school average acceptance rate of 84%.
Top Ranked Des Moines Private Elementary Schools (2025-26)
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
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked private elementary schools in Des Moines, IA?
The top ranked private elementary schools in Des Moines, IA include Bergman Academy, Des Moines Adventist School, and Grand View Christian School.
How many private elementary schools are located in Des Moines?
13 private elementary schools are located in Des Moines.
How diverse are private elementary schools in Des Moines?
Des Moines private elementary schools are approximately 37% minority students, which is higher than the Iowa private school average of 16%.
What percentage of private elementary schools are religiously affiliated in Des Moines?
Which private elementary schools in Des Moines are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private elementary schools in Des Moines include: St. Joseph Elementary School vs. St. Augustin Catholic School, One School Global Des Moines Campus vs. Bergman Academy, St. Anthony Elementary School vs. St. Augustin Catholic School
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