At Saint Theresa School, we believe it is our job to educate the whole child by challenging the mind and nurturing the soul.
We believe in high expectations, for ourselves as educators.
We believe that every child has the right to learn in a caring and safe environment.
We believe that parents are the primary educators of their children and that we are their partner in building a foundation for success.
The STS community is one of devoted teachers and staff.
It is involved and active parents. It is a strong and supportive parish community.
It is a community which embraces diversity. It is people praying together, working together, and playing together. It is family.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked IA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 238 students
- Yearly Tuition: $5,400
- Average class size: 20 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
St. Theresa Catholic School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
2 acres
Student Body
Total Students
238 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
25%
State avg.: 16%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
12 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
20 students
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Sports
Total Sports Offered
7 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
3 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Mock Trial
Arts and Music Programs:
BandChoir
School Notes
- At Saint Theresa School, we believe it is our job to educate the whole child by challenging the mind and nurturing the soul.
- We believe in high expectations, for ourselves as educators.
- We believe that every child has the right to learn in a caring and safe environment.
- We believe that parents are the primary educators of their children and that we are their partner in building a foundation for success.
- The STS community is one of devoted teachers and staff.
- It is involved and active parents.
- It is a strong and supportive parish community.
- It is a community which embraces diversity.
- It is people praying together, working together, and playing together.
- It is family.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does St. Theresa Catholic School cost?
St. Theresa Catholic School's tuition is approximately $5,400 for private students.
What sports does St. Theresa Catholic School offer?
St. Theresa Catholic School offers 7 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Flag Football, Football, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is St. Theresa Catholic School's ranking?
St. Theresa Catholic School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Iowa for: Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for St. Theresa Catholic School?
The application deadline for St. Theresa Catholic School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is St. Theresa Catholic School located?
St. Theresa Catholic School is located in the Merle Hay neighborhood of Des Moines, IA. There are 1 other private schools located in Merle Hay.
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed St. Theresa Catholic School also viewed these schools: St. Augustin Catholic School, St. Anthony Elementary School, St. Joseph Elementary School, Mt. Olive Lutheran School and Alrazi Academy.
The nearest high school to St. Theresa Catholic School is Empigo Academy (1.0 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Mt. Olive Lutheran School (0.7 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
St. Augustin Catholic School
(Catholic)
4320 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 279-5947
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 279-5947
1.6 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 282 students Avg. class size: 26 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 3 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
16 Columbus Ave
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 243-1874
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 243-1874
4.7 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 349 students Avg. class size: 20 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
St. Joseph Elementary School
(Catholic)
2107 E 33rd St
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 266-3433
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 266-3433
7.6 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 206 students
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
0.7 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 303 students Avg. class size: 17 students Sports: 4 Tuition listed
1119 5th St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 255-0220
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 255-0220
1.2 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 168 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 2 | Extracurrculars: 2 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
School Reviews
5 5/17/2016
St. Theresa is a really great school! They have the most caring teachers and administration. They really do care about me and my kids. St. Theresa is a warm and welcoming community. They go out of the way to include all families. Their academics are tops. My kids were very prepared for Dowling Catholic High School. They have done very well there because St. Theresa prepared them so well for the high level of academics that Dowling demands. Because of this my students have received big scholarship offers to colleges because they did so well and were so prepared for Dowling as freshman. I have an 8th grader that will go on to Dowling next year and is very interested in taking the higher level math and science/engineering courses at Dowling because of all that he learned through the STEM program at St. Theresa's. This program really engaged my kid. I just didn't find this in any other school. St. Theresa is an excellent school.
5 5/17/2016
St. Theresa's Catholic School is a fantastic school. We have 2 children that we send there. There are a number of Catholic schools that are much closer to us yet we still send our children here. The individual attention, small class size, excellent teachers and wonderful community of parents made our decision easy when deciding where to send our children. We could not be more pleased with St. Theresa's, it is an excellent school.
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