The Conservatory of Worship Arts
Making Arts Education Accessible in Iowa
Quick Overview
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A Christian fine arts vocational school (no denomination association)
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ESA Dollars are used directly to benefit our students' learning
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Iowa's first pre-K-12th grade Montessori School
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Personalized education with 10 students per grade level
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Mental Health support from therapists and counselors
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Accepts students with IEPs and 504s
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Tuition grants available for low-income families
The first and only prek - 12th Montessori School in Iowa
An accreditation candidate with the American Montessori Society, and accredited with Christian Schools International means that TCWA will be the first and only accredited Montessori pre-K-12 school in the state of Iowa. While full Montessori schools are common on the coasts, they have yet to come to Iowa. A Montessori education fosters creativity, hard work, independence, confidence and allows for pursuing a vocational education, equipping students to leave high school ready to work in their chosen arts profession.
Mentally healthy students
We hear about suicides and other mental health crises far too often in Iowa. We partner with a therapy office, and have Christian counselors and therapists to give group, and if needed, individual therapy sessions to students and staff. We want students who are healthy in every way.
Pianissimo
Toddler preschool (Ages 18 mo-3 Yrs)
Now open
Toddlers are looking for a place to be independent. That "Do it myself" mentality is built into them for a purpose. At TCWA we help them grow in confidence and skill through the amazing Montessori method.
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Learners at this stage go through 8 specific stages or periods of development. Having a deep understanding of this allows teachers to truly serve students in the period they are at.
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This 18 month to 36 month old program meets Monday through Friday. A beautifully, small class of children, accepting only 15 students for the year, means your child gets the attention they need to thrive.
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The path to a full Christian arts education
The Early Childhood classroom at The Conservatory of Worship Arts
is a carefully prepared Montessori environment designed to honor
the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. Every element of the
classroom is intentional and beautiful, created to invite curiosity,
independence, and meaningful work.
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Children learn in mixed-age groups, which naturally fosters
leadership, collaboration, and compassion. Younger children are
inspired by older peers, while older students grow in confidence and
responsibility as they model skills and care for others. This structure
reflects real life and nurtures a strong sense of community within
the classroom.
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Learning is hands-on and developmentally appropriate. Montessori
materials guide children through foundational concepts in math,
language, practical life, and cultural studies in a concrete and
engaging way. As children work, they are encouraged to move at
their own pace—never rushed, never held back—developing deep
understanding and genuine confidence in their abilities.​
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Mezzo Piano
Lower Elementary (Ages 6-9)
As students enter the early elementary years, they begin developing abstract thinking, moral reasoning, and an increased need for social interaction.
In the Montessori environment, these skills are nurtured
through independence, exploration, and leadership in mixed-age
classrooms. Students don’t sit at desks doing worksheets or passively watch videos—they actively use problem-solving skills while exploring mathematics, language arts, science, social-emotional learning, movement, and cultural studies. Learning is hands-on, meaningful,
and designed to ignite curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
Faith and creativity are woven into every day, with daily fine arts
classes in singing, dancing, and art, plus daily lessons in guitar or
piano to strengthen musical skills, coordination, and confidence.
Montessori-trained guides support each child, providing
individualized instruction and encouragement as they grow
academically, socially, and spiritually.
Mezzo Forte
Upper Elementary (Ages 10-12)
In the upper elementary years, students are growing in critical
thinking, independence, and a deeper sense of belonging in the
world. The Montessori environment nurtures these skills through self-directed learning, leadership in mixed-age classrooms, and
meaningful hands-on exploration.
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Students engage in a rich academic program, studying Math,
Language, Geometry, Science, History, and Geography—all designed to deepen understanding, practice problem-solving skills, and create a love of learning. They are not confined to desks or worksheets— they actively collaborate, explore, and create projects that integrate knowledge across subjects while developing confidence and real-world skills. Faith is integrated throughout the day, helping students understand their unique purpose and grow in their character.
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In addition to academics, students receive an introduction to TCWA’s fine arts tracks. This includes vocal performance, photography, videography, audio engineering, and worship leading with a professional in their field. The also continue their daily guitar and piano lessons and have opportunities to participate in after-school clubs such as the Hype & Hymns band, dance team, or yearbook committee, allowing them to explore interests and talents beyond the classroom.
Forte
Middle School (Ages 12-15)
The middle school years are a time of rapid growth, both
academically and personally. At TCWA, students are guided to
develop critical thinking, self-discipline, and a strong sense of
identity, all within a Montessori-inspired environment that
encourages independence, leadership, and meaningful collaboration. Students engage in a rigorous academic program, including Math, Language, Geometry, Science, History, and Geography, with hands-on projects and problem-based learning that integrate knowledge across subjects. Learning is active, engaging, and designed to prepare students for high school and life beyond, while nurturing curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.
Faith and character development are woven throughout the day,
helping students grow spiritually and understand their unique
purpose in God’s plan. Creativity and artistic expression continue to be central, with students exploring fine arts tracks such as vocal
performance, photography, videography, audio engineering, and
worship leading with lessons from a professional in their field.
Students also have the option to participate in after-school clubs like the Hype & Hymns band, dance team, or yearbook committee,
deepening their skills and passions.
Fortissimo
High School (Ages 15-18)
Opening fall of 2029
The goal is that each student would leave TCWA with the ability to serve and work professionally in their chosen track. This could mean becoming a worship leader, opening a dance studio, being a professional photographer, etc. They would have time in high school to perfect their craft while also having time to still see their family after school hours to ensure a healthy balance.
The high school tracks would be available by audition
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Dance - How to be a studio owner, choreographer or director
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Vocal - Solo recording artist
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Worship Band - Instrumentalist or vocalist
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Production - Audio Engineering, Lighting
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Visual Arts - Photography, Videography
Students who have chosen a musical instrument are expected at this level to take private lessons throughout the week in their instrument of choice.
Students are expected at this level to be serving in their local church within the track(s) they have chosen.
High School students will have a middle school student to mentor within their chosen track.
High School students will have an internship their Senior year within their track.