#1 Best Private Schools in Des Moines, IA
Joshua Christian Academy
Christian school (nondenominational) · Grades K–12
One of the most diverse private schools in Iowa
Des Moines, IA
A+Overall grade199 students8 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Private Schools in Des Moines, IA
Private schools in Des Moines, IA with the highest overall grades. Top 9 of 9 schools.
#2 Best Private Schools in Des Moines, IA
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
#3 Best Private Schools in Des Moines, IA
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
#4 Best Private Schools in Des Moines, IA
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
#5 Best Private Schools in Des Moines, IA
J. W. Reed Christian Academy
Religious school · Grades K–12
A private school in Des Moines
Des Moines, IA
B+Overall grade74 students9 students per teacher
#6 Best Private Schools in Des Moines, IA
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
#7 Best Private Schools in Des Moines, IA
Mt. Olive Lutheran School
Lutheran (Missouri Synod) school · Grades Pre-K–8
Growing: enrollment up 130% since 2011–12
Des Moines, IA
B+Overall grade191 students14 students per teacher
#8 Best Private Schools in Des Moines, IA
Bergman Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The largest of 10 independent schools in Iowa
Des Moines, IA
B-Overall grade281 students11 students per teacher
#9 Best Private Schools in Des Moines, IA
Grand View Christian School
Christian school (nondenominational) · Grades Pre-K–5
The largest Christian school in Des Moines
Des Moines, IA
B-Overall grade458 students19 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.