For the 2025 school year, there are 14 private schools serving 3,390 students in Des Moines, IA (there are 63 public schools, serving 31,135 public students). 10% of all K-12 students in Des Moines, IA are educated in private schools (compared to the IA state average of 9%).
The top ranked private 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 school average acceptance rate of 86%.
Top Ranked Des Moines Private Schools (2025)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Des Moines Adventist School
(Seventh Day Adventist)
2317 Watrous Ave
Des Moines, IA 50321
(515) 285-7729
Des Moines, IA 50321
(515) 285-7729
Grades: PK-8
| 41 students
2905 Ne 46th Ave
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 630-1250
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 630-1250
Grades: PK-12
| 706 students
16 Columbus Ave
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 243-1874
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 243-1874
Grades: PK-8
| 349 students
St. Augustin Catholic School
(Catholic)
4320 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 279-5947
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 279-5947
Grades: PK-8
| 282 students
5810 Carpenter Ave
Des Moines, IA 50311
(515) 277-0178
Des Moines, IA 50311
(515) 277-0178
Grades: PK-8
| 238 students
Christ The King School
(Catholic)
701 Wall Ave
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 285-3349
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 285-3349
Grades: PK-8
| 233 students
Empigo Academy
(Christian)
4801 Franklin Ave
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 350-4008
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 350-4008
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Holy Family School
(Catholic)
1265 E 9th St
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 262-8025
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 262-8025
Grades: K-8
| 208 students
Joshua Christian Academy
(Christian)
1740 Garfield Ave
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 265-0603
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 265-0603
Grades: PK-12
| 139 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
Grades: PK-8
| 303 students
4111 Hubbell Ave
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 266-5065
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 266-5065
Grades: 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
Grades: PK-8
| 206 students
Des Moines, Iowa Private Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
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
Grades: 1-8
| 14 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked private schools in Des Moines, IA?
The top ranked private schools in Des Moines, IA include Bergman Academy, Des Moines Adventist School, and Grand View Christian School.
How many private schools are located in Des Moines?
14 private schools are located in Des Moines.
How diverse are private schools in Des Moines?
Des Moines private schools are approximately 37% minority students, which is higher than the Iowa private school average of 16%.
What percentage of students in Des Moines go to private school?
10% of all K-12 students in Des Moines are educated in private schools (compared to the IA state average of 9%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Des Moines?
Which private schools in Des Moines are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private 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
Recent Articles
International Students: The New Visa Regulations And You
The Department of Homeland Security recently announced that it would enforce a 2017 policy of requiring visa applicants to list their social media handles. More about this and how it impacts international students wishing to attend American K-12 private schools.
What Strings Do School Vouchers Have Attached?
Private school vouchers are available in one form or another in more than a dozen states. Are schools which accept vouchers sacrificing their independence?
April 18, 2025
Independent Schools in AfricaDiscover Africa's vibrant international education landscape with our comprehensive guide to private K-12 schools across the continent. From British and American curricula to French, German, and niche language programs, explore how expat families can find world-class education tailored to their needs. Learn about boarding and day schools in South Africa, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, and beyond.
