Private schools in Polk County, IA
19 schools across Ankeny, Des Moines, West Des Moines. About 5,182 students in all (2023-24). 15 on the state’s Students First ESA list.
| School | Grades | Students |
|---|---|---|
| Ankeny Christian Academy ✓ | PreK-12 | 510 |
| St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School ✓ | K-8 | 336 |
| Bergman Academy ✓ | PreK-8 | 281 |
| Des Moines Adventist School ✓ | PreK-8 | 45 |
| Gospel Assembly Christian Academy ✓ | K-11 | 13 |
| Grand View Christian School ✓ | PreK-5 | 458 |
| Holy Trinity ✓ | PreK-8 | 358 |
| J. W. Reed Christian Academy ✓ | K-12 | 74 |
| Joshua Christian Academy ✓ | K-12 | 199 |
| Mt Olive Lutheran School ✓ | PreK-8 | 191 |
| St. Anthony Elementary School ✓ | PreK-8 | 345 |
| St. Joseph Elementary School ✓ | PreK-8 | 201 |
| Airazi Academy ✓ | PreK-5 | 58 |
| Dowling Catholic High School ✓ | 9-12 | 1,354 |
| Sacred Heart School ✓ | PreK-8 | 497 |
| Cottontail Creek Montessori School | PreK-Transitional K | 5 |
| One School Global Des Moines Campus | 3-12 | 23 |
| St. Theresa Catholic School | PreK-8 | 221 |
| Montessori Children's House | PreK-2 | 13 |
On the state’s official list Other private schools
What Iowa pays
Iowa Students First Education Savings Account Education savings account
$8,148 per student for 2026-27 Paid in two equal installments, fall and spring. Homeschooled students do not qualify.
Figures read from each program’s official pages, 2026-09-20. Sources and how to apply
Cities in and around Polk County
Neighboring counties
- Drake County (1)
- Merle Hay County (1)
- Capitol Park County (1)
- Warren County (2)
- Dallas County (3)
- Boone County (3)
- Story County (1)
- Jasper County (2)
Get one email when applications open
Most programs open once a year, and several ran out of money or seats in 2026. Pick your state and we will email you the day the next window opens, with the official link. That is the only email you get.
One email per application window. No calls, no sharing your details.