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%.
Top Ranked Polk County Private High Schools (2025-26)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Ankeny Christian Academy![Ankeny Christian Academy Photo]( "Ankeny Christian Academy Photo")
(Christian)
1604 West 1st St
Ankeny, IA 50023
(515) 965-8114
Ankeny, IA 50023
(515) 965-8114
Gr: PK-12 | 509 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
13007 Douglas Pkwy
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 334-2240
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
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
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
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
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
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 266-5065
Gr: 3-12 | 42 students
Polk County Private Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Country Club KinderCare (Closed 2025)
Daycare / Preschool
7210 Vista Drive
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 222-9685
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
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?
Which private high schools in Polk County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private high schools in Polk County include: Ankeny Christian Academy vs. Des Moines Christian School, Des Moines Christian School vs. Ankeny Christian Academy
Recent Articles
Understanding Private School Tuition in 2025
Explore updated private school tuition trends, costs, policy shifts, and financial planning insights for 2025 families considering private education.
Private School Curriculum in 2025: Key Courses and Trends
Explore what private schools are teaching in 2025, from core subjects and AI to global studies and tuition trends shaping private education today.
Sliding-Scale & Income-Based Tuition Models for Private Schools
Learn how sliding-scale and income-based tuition models work and whether they are right for your family. Compare costs, eligibility, and school options.
