For the 2026 school year, there are 209 religiously affiliated private schools serving 50,080 students in Iowa (81% of all schools).
The average tuition cost is $8,670, which is lower than the Iowa private school average tuition cost of $9,689.
The most common religiously affiliated schools are Catholic (54% of schools), Christian (18% of schools) and Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (9% of schools).
Top-Ranked Iowa Private Schools by Religious Affiliation (2026)
Religious Affiliation
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Recent Articles
A Parent’s Guide to 2026 High School Teaching Methods
Explore 2026 high school teaching methods, from AI integration to project-based learning, and what they mean for your teen’s success.
10 Misconceptions About Private Schools in 2026
Discover the top misconceptions about private schools in 2026, including cost, diversity, academics, and admissions realities.
Private Schools & Sustainability in 2026
Explore how private schools are advancing sustainability in 2026 through green campuses, eco-curriculum, and climate leadership initiatives.
