#1 Best Catholic 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 Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Des Moines
The highest-graded schools of this kind in the Diocese of Des Moines. Top 12 of 12 schools.
#2 Best Catholic 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 Catholic 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 Catholic 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 Catholic 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 Catholic 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 Catholic 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 Catholic 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 Catholic 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 Catholic 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 Catholic 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 Catholic 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.