Ankeny Christian Academy Photo

Best Polk County Private High Schools (2025-26)

For the 2025-26 school year, there are 7 private high schools serving 3,886 students in Polk County, IA.
The top ranked private high schools in Polk County, IA include Dowling Catholic High School, Ankeny Christian Academy, and Des Moines Christian School.
The average acceptance rate is 90%, which is higher than the Iowa private high school average acceptance rate of 82%.
88% of private high schools in Polk County, IA are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian and Other).

Top Ranked Polk County Private High Schools (2025-26)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Ankeny Christian Academy
Ankeny Christian Academy Photo
(Christian)
1604 West 1st St
Ankeny, IA 50023
(515) 965-8114
Gr: PK-12 | 509 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Des Moines Christian School
Des Moines Christian School Photo
(Christian)
(2)
13007 Douglas Pkwy
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 334-2240
Gr: PK-12 | 1,086 student Avg. class size: 16 students Tuition listed
Dowling Catholic High School
(Catholic)
1400 Buffalo Rd
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 222-1015
Gr: 9-12 | 1,389 student Avg. class size: 23 students Sports: 20 Tuition listed
Empigo Academy
(Christian)
4801 Franklin Ave
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 350-4008
Gr: 9-12 Sports: 5 Tuition listed
Gospel Assembly Christian Academy
(Christian)
4665 72nd St
Urbandale, IA 50322
(515) 276-9047
Gr: 1-12 | 15 students
Joshua Christian Academy
(Christian)
1740 Garfield Ave
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 265-0603
Gr: PK-12 | 139 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 5 Tuition listed
4111 Hubbell Ave
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 266-5065
Gr: 3-12 | 42 students
[+] Show Closed Private Schools in Polk County, Iowa

Polk County Private Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
7210 Vista Drive
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 222-9685
Gr: NS-PK
Lincoln Heights Lutheran School (Closed 2004)
(Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod)
1217 Sw Watrous Ave
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 288-3013
Gr: 1-8 | 14 students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked private high schools in Polk County, IA?
The top ranked private high schools in Polk County, IA include Dowling Catholic High School, Ankeny Christian Academy, and Des Moines Christian School.
How many private high schools are located in Polk County?
7 private high schools are located in Polk County.
How diverse are private high schools in Polk County?
Polk County private high schools are approximately 20% minority students, which is higher than the Iowa private school average of 14%.
What percentage of private high schools are religiously affiliated in Polk County?
88% of private high schools in Polk County are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian and Other).
Which private high schools in Polk County are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

Transferring from Public to Private School Mid-Year: What to Expect
Transferring from Public to Private School Mid-Year: What to Expect
Considering a mid-year transfer from public to private school? Learn what to expect with admissions, academic placement, social adjustment, and financial aid to ensure a smooth transition.
A Guide to Day vs. Boarding School: Which Is Right for Your Family
A Guide to Day vs. Boarding School: Which Is Right for Your Family
Discover the key differences between day and boarding schools to determine the best fit for your child. Explore benefits, costs, lifestyle factors, and questions to help guide your family’s decision.
The A to Z of Private Schools 2025
The A to Z of Private Schools 2025
Explore the A to Z of private schools in 2025—from admissions to tuition—offering parents and educators clear insights into today’s options.