"St. Joseph Catholic School opened its doors in 1949. The Precious Blood Sisters were our first teachers, ministering 23 years.
In 1971, the Sisters of the Congregation of the Humility of Mary began their ministry to students which continued for the next 18 years.
Today we are extremely proud of our highly dedicated, spiritual, and talented teaching staff.
Our educational program includes Kindergarten through Eighth, in addition to an exceptional preschool program for three and four year olds.
We also offer an alternative to Kindergarten within the preschool program; Developmental Kindergarten.
This program is designed for those students who may miss the September 15th cut off date for Kindergarten enrollment, or for those families who simply elect to wait another year.
Our mission, as well as that of the Diocese of Des Moines Schools, is to provide a meaningful educational experience for our children and adolescents, in an environment integrated with Gospel values which nurture faith, community, prayer and service.
We believe that we provide a warm and caring environment for students and that they are challenged to learn the essential curriculum regardless of learning rate or style.
We teach the value of human dignity and the concepts of peace and justice, which therefore enable our students to become involved participants in our global society.".
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 206 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Top Rankings
St. Joseph Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
206 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
39%
State avg.: 16%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
9 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
23:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
School Notes
- "St. Joseph Catholic School opened its doors in 1949. The Precious Blood Sisters were our first teachers, ministering 23 years. In 1971, the Sisters of the Congregation of the Humility of Mary began their ministry to students which continued for the next 18 years. Today we are extremely proud of our highly dedicated, spiritual, and talented teaching staff. Our educational program includes Kindergarten through Eighth, in addition to an exceptional preschool program for three and four year olds. We also offer an alternative to Kindergarten within the preschool program; Developmental Kindergarten. This program is designed for those students who may miss the September 15th cut off date for Kindergarten enrollment, or for those families who simply elect to wait another year. Our mission, as well as that of the Diocese of Des Moines Schools, is to provide a meaningful educational experience for our children and adolescents, in an environment integrated with Gospel values which nurture faith, community, prayer and service. We believe that we provide a warm and caring environment for students and that they are challenged to learn the essential curriculum regardless of learning rate or style. We teach the value of human dignity and the concepts of peace and justice, which therefore enable our students to become involved participants in our global society."
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are St. Joseph Elementary School often compared to?
St. Joseph Elementary School is often viewed alongside schools like St. Augustin Catholic School by visitors of our site.
When is the application deadline for St. Joseph Elementary School?
The application deadline for St. Joseph Elementary School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
Endorse St. Joseph Elementary School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of private school tuition and financing options. Divided into three chapters, it covers understanding private school tuition, various payment methods, and seven specific options for managing educational expenses. The article aims to provide parents and guardians with valuable insights and practical strategies to make private education more accessible and affordable.