#1 Best Private Schools in the Diocese of Des Moines
St. Patrick School
Diocesan school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 78% of Catholic schools in Iowa
Perry, IA
A+Overall grade93 students8 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Private Schools in the Diocese of Des Moines
Private schools in the Diocese of Des Moines with the highest overall grades. Top 12 of 12 schools.
#2 Best Private Schools in the Diocese of Des Moines
Shelby County Catholic School
Diocesan school · Grades Pre-K–5
Smaller classes than 79% of Catholic schools in Iowa
Harlan, IA
AOverall grade81 students8 students per teacher
#3 Best Private Schools in the Diocese of Des Moines
St. Joseph Elementary School
Diocesan school · Grades Pre-K–8
One of the most diverse private schools in Iowa
Des Moines, IA
AOverall grade201 students13 students per teacher
#4 Best Private Schools in the Diocese of Des Moines
St. Malachy School
Diocesan school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 70% of Catholic schools in Iowa
Creston, IA
A-Overall grade137 students9 students per teacher
#5 Best Private Schools in the Diocese of Des Moines
Dowling Catholic High School
Diocesan school · Grades 9–12
The smallest classes of any Catholic school in West Des Moines
West Des Moines, IA
A-Overall grade1,354 students15 students per teacher
#6 Best Private Schools in the Diocese of Des Moines
St. Anthony Elementary School
Parish school · Grades Pre-K–8
Growing: enrollment up 25% since 2011–12
Des Moines, IA
B+Overall grade345 students14 students per teacher
#7 Best Private Schools in the Diocese of Des Moines
Holy Trinity
Diocesan school · Grades Pre-K–8
The smallest classes of any Catholic school in Des Moines
Des Moines, IA
B+Overall grade358 students13 students per teacher
#8 Best Private Schools in the Diocese of Des Moines
St. Theresa Catholic School
Parish school · Grades Pre-K–8
Serving families in Des Moines since at least 2011
Des Moines, IA
B+Overall grade221 students13 students per teacher
#9 Best Private Schools in the Diocese of Des Moines
Sacred Heart School
Parish school · Grades Pre-K–8
Serving families in West Des Moines since at least 2011
West Des Moines, IA
BOverall grade497 students16 students per teacher
#10 Best Private Schools in the Diocese of Des Moines
St. Francis of Assisi School
Diocesan school · Grades Pre-K–8
Serving families in West Des Moines since at least 2011
West Des Moines, IA
B-Overall grade680 students16 students per teacher
#11 Best Private Schools in the Diocese of Des Moines
St. Albert Catholic
Diocesan school · Grades Pre-K–12
The only Catholic school in Council Bluffs
Council Bluffs, IA
B-Overall grade595 students14 students per teacher
#12 Best Private Schools in the Diocese of Des Moines
St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School
Diocesan school · Grades K–8
The only Catholic school in Ankeny
Ankeny, IA
B-Overall grade336 students17 students per teacher
Grades compare each school's official facts, such as class size, how long it has served families and where graduates go, with similar schools. They're a starting point: visit, ask questions and trust what you see.