For the 2025 school year, there are 8 private schools serving 3,140 students in West Des Moines, IA (there are 14 public schools, serving 8,983 public students). 26% of all K-12 students in West Des Moines, IA are educated in private schools (compared to the IA state average of 9%).
The top ranked private schools in West Des Moines, IA include Dowling Catholic High School, Alrazi Academy, and Sacred Heart School.
The average acceptance rate is 99%, which is higher than the Iowa private school average acceptance rate of 94%.
Top Ranked West Des Moines Private Schools (2025)
School
Location
Grades
Students
1119 5th St
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 255-0220
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 255-0220
Grades: PK-8
| 168 students
Dowling Catholic High School
(Catholic)
1400 Buffalo Rd
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 222-1015
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 222-1015
Grades: 9-12
| 1,389 students
Sacred Heart School
(Catholic)
1601 Grand Ave
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 223-1284
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 223-1284
Grades: K-8
| 511 students
St. Francis Of Assisi School
(Catholic)
7075 Ashworth Rd
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 457-7167
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 457-7167
Grades: PK-8
| 728 students
Montessori Children's House

Montessori School
1505 42nd Street
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(151) 577-1690
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(151) 577-1690
Grades: PK-2
| 209 students
Shepherds Flock Early Learning Center
Daycare / Preschool (Other Lutheran)
3900 Ashworth Rd
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 225-1952
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 225-1952
Grades: PK-K
| 135 students
Westlakes KinderCare

Daycare / Preschool
6670 University Ave.
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 221-0718
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 221-0718
Grades: NS-PK
| n/a students
Whiz Kid Academy
Daycare / Preschool
1721 25th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 225-8513
West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 225-8513
Grades: NS-7
| n/a students
West Des Moines, Iowa Private Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
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
Grades: NS-PK
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked private schools in West Des Moines, IA?
The top ranked private schools in West Des Moines, IA include Dowling Catholic High School, Alrazi Academy, and Sacred Heart School.
How many private schools are located in West Des Moines?
8 private schools are located in West Des Moines.
How diverse are private schools in West Des Moines?
West Des Moines private schools are approximately 21% minority students, which is higher than the Iowa private school average of 16%.
What percentage of students in West Des Moines go to private school?
26% of all K-12 students in West Des Moines are educated in private schools (compared to the IA state average of 9%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in West Des Moines?
Which private schools in West Des Moines are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in West Des Moines include: Shepherds Flock Early Learning Center vs. Montessori Children's House, Montessori Children's House vs. Shepherds Flock Early Learning Center, Sacred Heart School vs. St. Francis Of Assisi School
Recent Articles

A Parent's Guide To Understanding High School Teaching Methods
This comprehensive guide helps parents navigate the various teaching methods used in today's high school classrooms. By understanding these approaches, you'll be better equipped to support your teen's learning journey, communicate effectively with teachers, and create a complementary learning environment at home.

February 08, 2025
Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden SymphonyA musician's perspective on Social Emotional Learning reveals how this educational framework orchestrates success through five essential emotional competencies.

January 24, 2025
A Roadmap For Starting A Private SchoolUse this roadmap as a set of talking points with your trusted mentors and professionals to start the private school of your dreams. You're not alone. Over the years, hundreds of folks like you have had the same dream. From Quintilian to Maria Montessori to Lucy Madeira Wing, visionary educators have established schools to teach according to their beliefs and methodologies.