#1 Best Private Schools in Polk County, 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 Polk County, IA
Private schools in Polk County, IA with the highest overall grades. Top 13 of 13 schools.
#2 Best Private Schools in Polk County, 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 Polk County, IA
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
#4 Best Private Schools in Polk County, 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
#5 Best Private Schools in Polk County, 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
#6 Best Private Schools in Polk County, 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
#7 Best Private Schools in Polk County, 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
#8 Best Private Schools in Polk County, 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
#9 Best Private Schools in Polk County, IA
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 Polk County, 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
#11 Best Private Schools in Polk County, IA
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
#12 Best Private Schools in Polk County, IA
Ankeny Christian Academy
Christian school (nondenominational) · Grades Pre-K–12
The only Christian school in Ankeny
Ankeny, IA
B-Overall grade510 students15 students per teacher
#13 Best Private Schools in Polk County, 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.