Thank you for your interest in Summit Schools! Summit Schools is an alternative to public and parochial education, but even more than that, we are a close knit community whose mission is to challenge the educational growth of each individual child.
As the only independent, non-religious school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, we enjoy our unique position and are proud of the progress our students make individually and as a whole.
Our students excel because of our high expectations, multi-sensory approach to teaching and learning, and attention to the individual needs and gifts of each child.
Families select Summit Schools for their children because they place a high value on education.
Our dedicated faculty continuously strives to meet the challenge of preparing students for the future in an ever-changing world and collectively create an excellent educational program that allows students to become confident, independent thinkers who demonstrate a love for learning throughout their lives.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 116 students
- Yearly Tuition: $14,350
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School News
- Summit Schools celebrates 25th anniversary! - 09/11/2023Summit Schools celebrates 25th anniversary and eyes expansion.
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia
Year Founded
1998
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
116 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
24%
State avg.: 16%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
12 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
16 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$14,350
Tuition Notes
K-8th grade; PreK is $9000
Summer Program Cost Notes
Please call for pricing specific for age and grade level
% on Financial Aid
22%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$2,774
Admissions Director
Larisa Bickel
Admissions Associate
Kathleen Reinwart
Sports
Total Sports Offered
3 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
2 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
First LEGO League Team, Yearbook Club
First LEGO League Team, Yearbook Club
School Notes
- Summit Schools is a place where children love to come to school! Not only can you see that in the classrooms, but you can also feel it when you walk through the doors and around the halls. Families come to pick up and drop off their children daily with smiles on their faces and satisfaction in their hearts.Summit Schools is an independent, coeducational PreK-8th grade school located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa dedicated to the educational and social development of children. It is an alternative to public and parochial education. As the only independent school in the metropolitan area, we enjoy our unique position and are proud of the progress our students make individually and as a whole. Summit is accredited by the Iowa Department of Education. It is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of parents and community leaders and supported by active parent volunteers that guide and coordinate parents` efforts to enhance and support Summit`s educational program.Founded in June 1998, Summit offers a strong academic program that is traditional and well-rounded, continuing to build upon the quality educational foundation established by Linn Academy and McLeod Academy. Language arts, math, science and social studies are balanced by a complementary curriculum in music, art and physical education. Computers and technology are fully integrated into the daily learning of all students while character development and service learning enrich the core program.Summit`s mission is to challenge educational growth through personalized instruction and innovative teaching. This is accomplished by providing a safe and nurturing environment that allows students to progress at a pace and level appropriate to their needs. Individualized attention helps to create confident learners while fostering intellectual curiosity, reasoning skills and creativity. Summit serves 111 students in our traditional school setting with small class sizes. Classrooms are organized in order for students to receive personalized instruction from teachers in small classes. Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each student and putting in place a plan to move each child forward is part of the unique Summit experience. Summit`s curriculum is structured, yet has the flexibility to accommodate the special interests and skills of both students and teachers.Families select Summit Schools for their children because they place a high value on education. Summit`s dedicated faculty continuously strives to meet the challenge of preparing students for the future in an ever-changing world and collectively create an excellent educational program that allows students to become confident, independent thinkers who demonstrate a love for learning throughout their lives.Summit strives to involve students in community service. We feel that students gain a better understanding of themselves, the world in which they live, and the opportunity and responsibility they have to improve both. Through opportunities in our Yet Another Learning Experience (Y.A.L.E.) program and student and staff projects, service to the community is tied to both our curriculum and to activities in our community. We assist students in developing lifelong habits of thinking and action that lead to lives as responsible world citizens.In addition to its PreK-8th grade school, Summit provides intensive year-round individual and small group tutoring to anyone in the metropolitan area. Through the use of a multi-sensory approach to learning, certified tutors are able to create individualized sessions that are action-oriented with auditory, visual and kinesthetic elements reinforcing each other for optimal learning. Most Summit tutors specialize in the Orton-Gillingham method of teaching reading.Summit also has a tradition of offering rich and exciting summer school opportunities that serve over 200 students in the metropolitan area each summer. Summit`s camps are fun, recreational and educational programs open to children K-6th grade. Students may choose a half-day or full-day summer camp during 8 weeks of learning and fun.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Summit Schools cost?
Summit Schools's tuition is approximately $14,350 for private students.
What schools are Summit Schools often compared to?
Summit Schools is often viewed alongside schools like Isaac Newton Christian Academy by visitors of our site.
Does Summit Schools offer a summer program?
Yes, Summit Schools offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Summit Schools offer?
Summit Schools offers 3 interscholastic sports: Rock Climbing, Track and Field and Weightlifting.
When is the application deadline for Summit Schools?
The application deadline for Summit Schools is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Summit Schools located?
Summit Schools is located in the Noelridge Park neighborhood of Cedar Rapids, IA. There are 1 other private schools located in Noelridge Park.
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: Summit Schools vs. Isaac Newton Christian Academy
People that viewed Summit Schools also viewed these schools: Isaac Newton Christian Academy, Cedar Valley Christian School, Trinity Lutheran School and Holloway House Learning Center.
The nearest high school to Summit Schools is Isaac Newton Christian Academy (1.8 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is St. Pius X Elementary School (0.6 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Holloway House Learning Center (0.3 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: PK-12 | 359 students 1.8 miles 1635 Linmar Drive NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
(319) 362-9512
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
(319) 362-9512
1.8
PK-12
359
Grades: PK-12 | 164 students 2.6 miles 3636 Cottage Grove Ave Se
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
(319) 366-7462
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
(319) 366-7462
2.6
PK-12
164
Grades: PK-8 | 234 students 4.3 miles 1361 7th Avenue SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
(319) 362-6952
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
(319) 362-6952
4.3
PK-8
234
Grades: PK-K | 39 students 0.3 miles 3600 Cottage Grove Ave. SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
(319) 560-2333
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
(319) 560-2333
0.3
PK-K
39
School Reviews
5 2/29/2020
Summit School is a hidden-gem in Cedar Rapids. It is the only non-non-parochial school to serve Pre-K through 8th Grade students. Our daughters have thrived at Summit, and my eldest was well prepared for High School. It can not be explained in words, the calm, nurturing and exciting environment that exists behind these walls. Kids learn to love to learn and develop a critical mindset through individual plans which suit your child. Our Orton-Gillingham approach to reading is multi-sensory which encompasses Dyslexic friends. Health and wellness includes fishing, rock-climbing, ice and regular skating and gymnastics. Our Lego-league encompasses half of our school population. Kids in middle school grades have flex-Fridays where they venture out into community collaborations and discect organs in science. Come and tour this wonderful school and you won't be disappointed.
5 2/11/2020
I have been a teacher, parent and administrator in this school over its many years as Linn Academy, McLeod Academy, and Summit School. Over its history, it has been a wonderful place for children, especially a child who is not thriving in large classes. The school is an especially great place for dyslexic children, as Orton Gillingham is used to start children off in reading. The school is costly due to its specialized education and low class size, but financial aid is also available, so check it out before you think you can't afford it! We are blessed with a beautifully diverse population! Check it out!
5 2/11/2020
Summit School has been an excellent choice for my now 8th grader. The warm environment, academic rigor, and promotion of the imagination in the classroom has helped my son explore possibilities that would have otherwise not been made available in any other classroom setting in Cedar Rapids or Iowa City. The numerous field trips, guest speakers, and scaled math and writing curriculum have well prepared my student for high school.
5 5/2/2013
My daughter has gone to Summit for preschool, pre k and now kindergarten. She has done so well compared to children of parents involved with other local schools. She is reading ahead of her age and also excelling with mathematic skills. She also enjoys the schools Y.A.L.E. learning program that exposes students to new activities. The teachers and administrators go that extra mile every chance then can. They show a real caring for the children and their individual needs. We highly recommend Summit School to everyone looking for giving their child a great start at their education. We hope the school expands into the middle school ages of 6th through 8th grades soon.
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