Admissions Lookbook 2022-2023

Thank you for your interest in Dowling Catholic High School. We know that choosing a high school is an important decision as these formative years provide a foundation for your student’s future. Here you will find information on much of what we do in our mission to help students become Christ-centered leaders.

Dowling Catholic is the largest Catholic secondary school in Iowa. Our beautiful 65-acre campus is centrally located in suburban West Des Moines, Iowa. With a reputation that is strong in academics, athletics and the arts, students have the opportunity to discover and cultivate strengths, develop leadership skills and foster personal growth.

Our talented faculty and staff care for our students and are committed to helping them achieve their personal best. Our dedicated boards provide leadership and support for constant improvement. Outstanding support of the Annual Appeal makes it possible for us to provide an excellent education at a tuition rate significantly lower than the per-student cost, helping to remove financial barriers for those seeking a Dowling Catholic education.

We are focused on creating a personalized education experience for every student, with measurable outcomes for faith, academic and life preparation in place. We have raised our expectations when it comes to how we measure success, looking beyond high school to college preparation and college graduation rates. To help prepare our students for the future, we provide ACT preparation and one ACT exam for every junior to be taken on campus during the school day, both of which are included in the cost of tuition. Additionally, freshmen and sophomores take the pre-ACT. These are part of an ongoing initiative to provide every student with the opportunity to be successful beyond high school.

Ultimately, our goal is that every student discovers and cultivates their God-given talents and graduates with the confidence to lead positive change in the world. We invite you to contact our admissions team with questions or to learn more about Dowling Catholic. We look forward to working with you.

Ryan President The 2022-2023 DCHS Experience was printed December 2022 with statistics from the 2021-2022 school year.

Dr. Dan

DCHS has such a strong community that is different from any other school. We love and support one another in our faith and as peers. Being able to grow in our faith yet also have a great education is something that no other school in the metro has.

ACADEMICS

At Dowling Catholic High School we provide your student with an educational setting where faith and values are incorporated into the daily routine. With a curriculum designed to engage and challenge students to reach their fullest potential, our goal is to personalize the educational experience of every student. Recognized as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education, we are committed to academic excellence and strive to prepare students for college and beyond.

ACADEMIC AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Dowling Catholic students who excel in the classroom have the opportunity to earn numerous awards, including academic letters, medals and an Aquinas Key, our highest academic award.

Students may also apply for membership into the Dowling Catholic chapter of the National Honor Society by maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.7, and demonstrating leadership, service and the seven qualities of character (respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, faith, caring and citizenship).

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The curriculum at Dowling Catholic revolves around the core subject areas of Theology, English, Technology, Fine Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Guidance. Eight required credits of general electives provide students with the opportunity to pursue areas of special interest or to go into greater depth in core subjects. Additionally, graduation requirements include two credits (80 hours) of Christian Service.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) COURSES

CHRISTIAN SERVICE DOWLING 101 ENGLISH

FINE ARTS GENERAL ELECTIVES GUIDANCE MATHEMATICS PHYSICAL EDUCATION* SCIENCE SOCIAL STUDIES TECHNOLOGY THEOLOGY

2 CREDITS .5 CREDIT 4 CREDITS .5 CREDIT 6 CREDITS 1 CREDIT 3 CREDITS 4 CREDITS 3 CREDITS 3.5 CREDITS .5 CREDIT 4 CREDITS

Students who successfully complete AP courses may receive post-secondary credit. The AP program at DCHS includes Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Computer Science, English Language & Composition, English Literature & Composition, Environmental Science, European History, Government, Microeconomics, Physics I & II, Psychology, Spanish Language & Culture, Spanish Literature & Culture, Statistics and U.S. History. Online courses are also available.

PROJECT LEAD THE WAY

Dowling Catholic has been certified as a Project Lead the Way school, allowing students to earn college credit through DMACC. When combined with college preparatory math and science courses, the program introduces students to the discipline of engineering and engineering technology prior to entering college. Dowling Catholic currently offers a series of four engineering courses.

Physical Education* is required each semester, unless a student is excused following the PE Excusal process.

Nick P. ‘23

COLLEGE PLANNING

Dowling Catholic High School has a College & Career Coordinator dedicated to helping students along the path toward graduation and beyond. The goal of the college and career planning program is to help students make informed choices regarding their post-high school plans. Students are provided with personalized guidance, given access to college search tools, and provided with assistance through the college application process. Dowling Catholic also provides students with exposure to nearly 100 post-secondary options during an annual college fair hosted on campus.

COLLEGE CHOICES OF RECENT GRADUATES

• Arizona State University

• Boston University

• College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University

• Creighton University

• DMACC

• Drake University

• Georgetown University

• Iowa State University

• Kirkwood CC

• Loras College

• Loyola University Chicago

• Marquette University

• Princeton University

• Purdue University

• Southern Methodist University

• St. Louis University

• University of Texas at Austin

• University of Denver

• UC-Davis

• University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign

• University of Iowa

• University of Kansas

• University of Missouri

• University of Northern Iowa

• University of Notre Dame

• University of South Carolina, Columbia

• University of St. Thomas

• University of Washington (Seattle Campus)

• UW-Madison

• Villanova University

*Bold indicates top 10 attended schools

ALUMNI COMMUNITY

The current alumni network of over 16,000 Dowling Catholic graduates spreads across 50 states and many continents. No matter the graduating year, the location they call home or chosen profession, common values describe our alumni - faithful, caring and dedicated. All alumni form one family - the Maroons.

Nolan K. ‘21, current Notre Dame student

My transition to college went very well due to my experiences at Dowling Catholic. I felt substantially more prepared than my peers in my first semesters at Notre Dame.

Dowling Catholic High School is a community of faith where learning, leadership and student life are Christ-centered. The culture is one of caring and support with faith integrated into the curriculum and daily routine. Dowling Catholic embraces diversity and students of all faiths, regardless of where they are on their faith journey.

THEOLOGY CLASSES

Theology classes support and develop the faith and values students have learned at home and in church. Students enroll in one Theology class every semester, and have the opportunity to select a class of their choice each semester of senior year. Classes include Apologetics & Discipleship, Biblical Encounters, Comparative Christianities, Covenant and The Old Testament, Ecclesiology, Faith and the New Testament, Morality, Sacraments, Social Justice, Theology of the Body and World Religions.

FORMATION & MINISTRY

Formation & Ministry is an essential part of everyday life at Dowling Catholic, fostering the spiritual life of students and providing support as they continue on the life-long journey of faith formation. Through retreats, Mass, daily prayer and a variety of faith-life activities, students have the opportunity to grow in faith development.

Formation & Ministry seeks to build a strong community of faith within Dowling Catholic and to foster the spiritual life of each student.

UT FIDEM

Ut Fidem, from a Latin phrase meaning “Keep the Faith,” strives to develop high school students into intentional disciples who will keep the faith for the rest of their lives, and especially through college. Ut Fidem does this by supporting students in forming deep, personal relationships with Christ through small group ministry and faith mentoring.

SERVICE

Dowling Catholic students are called upon to be servant leaders and are provided with a variety of opportunities to put their faith in action. In an environment that is faithful, caring and dedicated, Dowling Catholic forms each student to become a Christ-centered leader.

SERVICE TO COMMUNITY

Through numerous programs, activities and projects, Dowling Catholic students give more than 17,000 hours of volunteer service each year to the Greater Des Moines community and beyond. In recognizing both individual and collective responsibility, the goal of Dowling Catholic’s Christian Service Hour program is to ensure that students are seeking to serve the community, the world at large, and to see Christ in all people.

CHRISTMAS BASKETS

Led by the senior class, the Christmas Baskets program is Dowling Catholic’s largest, school-wide service project. Students, faculty and staff organize, coordinate and seek donations for the annual program. Food and gifts are given to families in need throughout the Des Moines community. Each year more than 500 people are helped by the program. Last year the program helped 118 families.

ST. JOSEPH FALL PROJECT

Dowling Catholic students and faculty participate in the Fall Service Project each year. The project varies from year-to-year and has included service to a variety of religious and non-profit organizations throughout the Des Moines Metro.

STUDENT LIFE & ACTIVITIES

Dowling Catholic provides all students an opportunity to become involved in many extracurricular activities. Leadership, performance, service and leisure activities, combined with athletics and academics, educate the whole student and foster Christ-like values that are integral to developing responsible citizens.

ARTS

The fine arts are an essential part of the school curriculum at Dowling Catholic High School and an important component in the education of every student. The fine arts enhance and enrich learning, nourish the soul, inspire spirit, and encourage creativity. Dowling Catholic offers many opportunities for students to participate in the fine arts, including band, choir, visual arts and theater.

ATHLETICS

We have numerous opportunities for students to participate in sports. We emphasize participation in physical education with a focus on supporting all students in being healthy, whether for athletes with aspirations of playing at the college level or for those who simply enjoy the camaraderie. Dowling Catholic teams have achieved success at national levels, and many student athletes have gone on to compete at colleges and universities.

ACADEMICS

Academic Decathlon FFA History Bowl Knowledge Bowl Mock Trial National Honor Society Odyssey of the Mind Pre-Law Club Robotics Club Science Bowl Speech & Debate

ATHLETICS

Baseball Basketball Bowling Cheerleading Cross Country Dance Team Football Golf

Soccer Softball Swimming Tennis Track Volleyball Wrestling

GOVERNMENT & LEADERSHIP

Class Officers Maroon Council Student Ambassadors Student Philanthropy Council (SPC)

INTRAMURALS

Basketball Bowling Flag Football Volleyball

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Art Club Bee Club Chess Club Creative Writing Club Cycling Club DCHS Climb Club Dungeons & Dragons Club Fashion Club International Club Japanese Anime Knitting Club Maroon Crew Photo Club Pickleball Club Ping Pong Club Political Club Robotics Club Rollerblading Club Trap Shooting Club Video Game Club

PERFORMANCE

A Cappella Choir Colorguard Concert Band Concert Choir Dimensions Show Choir Dowling Catholic Singers Drama Jazz Band Jazz Choir Marching Band Musical and Seasonal Plays

PUBLICATIONS

Newspaper Yearbook

SPIRITUAL & SERVICE

Angel for a Day Best Buddies Big Brothers & Big Sisters Bishop Drumm Care Center Cards for a Cause Christmas Baskets Community Outreach C.O.R.E. (Community of Racial Equity) DCHS Outreach Eco-Club

Empowering Young Women Association Habitat for Humanity Lectors/Eucharistic Ministers One Dowling Family Peer Tutors

People-to-People Retreats

Service of Solidarity Special Olympics St. Joseph Fall Project Students For Life Super Cool Service Club Terra Livre Ut Fidem

OPPORTUNITIES

CAREER EXPLORATION

Dowling Catholic students have a variety of opportunities to participate in authentic, real-world educational experiences. Through Naviance Student, an individualized online guidance program, students have the opportunity to learn about their individual strengths, interests and career possibilities. Students are required to complete a job shadow experience and have access to college and career planning tools. Additionally, the following opportunities are available to DCHS students to experience and learn about career opportunities:

CAREER PATHWAYS PROGRAM

Our Career Pathways program bridges the academic, employability, and technical skills that prepare our students for leadership roles in the working world. Students interested in continuing their career exploration in a specific DMACC Career Academy may be eligible to apply and attend DMACC as a senior.

DMACC CAREER ADVANTAGE PROGRAM

The DMACC Career Advantage Program affords Dowling Catholic students the option to receive college credit for certain DCHS high school courses.

FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION PROGRAM

This dual credit year-long course is designed to allow students to explore careers in the field of education. Students spend time learning the foundations of education along with observing classes and assisting teachers in both elementary and secondary classes. There is an opportunity for extended field experience in the second year of the program.

PRE-NURSING PROGRAM

This dual credit year-long course is designed to give students a basic understanding of pre-nursing principles in preparation for an entry-level position. Students participate in classroom and hands-on experiences that will help them discern a future career in the field of nursing.

ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY 1818 ACC PROGRAM

The St. Louis University 1818 Advanced College Credit Program affords qualified Dowling Catholic students the option to receive college credit for certain DCHS high school courses.

What I cherish the most about Dowling Catholic is the community and its positive impact on me. Everyone around me is supportive, appreciative, and dedicated to making me reach my goals and become a better student.

Jacob S. ‘25

Dowling Catholic has prepared me for life after high school by teaching me skills like leadership and communication that will very much help me pursue the business career that I plan on studying in the future.

Blanche N. ‘23

My favorite aspect about Dowling Catholic is the unifying faith. I love having a community that shares my beliefs and where I am open and encouraged to discuss it. I visit the chapel so often and love having to opportunity to attend daily mass or reconciliation.

Nicole P. ‘23

Dowling Catholic’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for their post-secondary plans. The faculty at Dowling Catholic is committed to student growth and success. Teachers are always willing to dedicate time and energy to their students. Our goal is to foster a community where every student feels like they have an adult that cares about them. I believe that our teachers take this role seriously and work hard to build connections so that students feel supported at school.

What sets Dowling Catholic apart is its mission to nurture and develop the whole person: intellectual, emotional, and spiritual. There is simply a different tone within a school where faith guides all we do. In an increasingly fast-paced and chaotic world, it’s a gift to be in a place that takes time each day to pause, to slow down and contemplate. Catholic or nonCatholic: all benefit from learning in a safe place where they may explore the deepness of life and find their voice.

Dowling Catholic is preparing me for life after high school by teaching morals and values such as hard work, determination, and kindness to others that will lead us to live a successful life in our community.

Matthew D. ‘24

Meghan Osborn, counselor and alumna

Quinn Tipping, teacher and alumnus

The goal of Dowling Catholic’s tuition assistance program is to make a Catholic education attainable for all who wish to attend. Through our tuition assistance program, we are able to help cover a portion of the cost of tuition for families who show a demonstrated financial need.

Last year approximately 37% of DCHS families received some form of tuition assistance totaling nearly $2.5 million in awards. This year we anticipate up to 15% more families

qualify based on expanded guidelines and additional funding from the Catholic Tuition Organization (CTO), the diocesan Ignite Campaign and other sources. New guidelines will be available late January.

ADMISSIONS

Each year, Dowling Catholic High School welcomes a new class of talented students with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our goal is to create a personalized experience for each student to thrive and reach their full potential so they can grow into Christ-centered leaders.

OPEN HOUSE

Attending our Open House helps prospective families better understand the mission, rich traditions and excellent programming that define our school.

FRESHMAN REGISTRATION

All incoming freshmen will register for their classes during Freshman Registration in February.

ENROLLMENT PROCESS

This process begins during your student’s eighth grade year.

BUILD YOUR DOWLING FAMILY

An opportunity will be offered during the summer for incoming freshmen and their families to have their questions answered by the admissions team and current students.

INQUIRE ABOUT YOUR TRANSFER

Reach out to the admissions team to inquire about transferring to Dowling Catholic prior to the semester in which you wish to enroll.

HIGH SCHOOL RECORDS

Submit a copy of the students’ high school records to be considered for transfer enrollment.

PLACEMENT TEST

All eighth grade students are required to take the Incoming Freshman Placement Test. This test is used to identify the level of classes that will allow the student to be most successful in high school.

FRESHMAN ORIENTATION

All registered freshmen will explore their class schedule and meet other new students during Freshman Orientation.

CAMPUS TOURS/VISITS

Dowling Catholic offers campus tours and shadow opportunities for prospective students and families. To learn more about these opportunities please contact the admissions office.

DOWLING CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

1400 Buffalo Rd | West Des Moines, IA 50265 | 515-225-3000 | www.dowlingcatholic.org

AREA CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Christ the King Catholic School Phone: 515-285-3349 cksdesmoines.com

Sacred Heart Catholic School Phone: 515-223-1284 sacredheartschoolwdm.org

Holy Family Catholic School Phone: 515-262-8025 hfcsdm.org

Saint Anthony Catholic School Phone: 515-243-1874 school.stanthonydsm.org

Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic School Phone: 515-457-7167 sfawdm.org

Saint Patrick Catholic School Phone: 515-465-4186 stpatricks-perry-ia.org

Saint Joseph Catholic School Phone: 515-266-3433 stjosephcatholicdsm.org/school

Saint Pius X Catholic School Phone: 515-276-1061 stpiusxschool.org

Holy Trinity Catholic School Phone: 515-255-3162 holytrinitydm.org/school

Saint Augustin Catholic School Phone: 515-279-5947 staugustinschool.org

Saint Luke the Evangelist Catholic School Phone: 515-985-7074 saintluketheevangelistschool.org

Saint Theresa Catholic School Phone: 515-277-0178 sainttheresaiowa.org/school