2020-2021
PRESIDENT’S LETTER Thank you for your interest in Dowling Catholic High School. We know that choosing a high school is an important decision as those four years are key building blocks in development that 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. The school’s beautiful 65-acre campus is centrally located in suburban West Des Moines, Iowa. As part of the We Believe Capital Campaign, more than 27 million dollars has been donated by parents, alumni and the community to provide students with a modern campus and updated facilities. Dowling Catholic’s reputation is strong in academics, athletics, service and the arts. Our dedicated boards provide leadership and support for constant improvement. Outstanding support of the Annual Appeal makes it possible for us to provide a quality education at a tuition rate significantly lower than the per-student cost, helping to remove 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. As part of this initiative, we have raised our expectations when it comes to how we measure success, looking beyond high school to college preparation and college graduation rates. New this year, we will provide one ACT exam for every junior to be taken on campus during the school day in the spring. Sophomore and freshman students will take a pre-ACT test the same day. The programming changes are part of an ongoing initiative to provide every student with the opportunity to be successful beyond high school. We invite you to contact our admissions team with questions or to learn more about Dowling Catholic High School. We look forward to working with you.
PRINCIPAL Matt Meendering ASST. PRINCIPAL Dr. Erica Arnold DEAN OF STUDENTS Grant Bousum ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Tom Wilson ADVANCEMENT DIRECTOR Julie Bell BUSINESS MANAGER Brenda Wheeler MAINTENANCE MANAGER Josh Kirkpatrick
ADMISSIONS Tatia Eischeid Kelly Lentsch
ART DIRECTOR Colin Gargano
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Earl Hulst Colin Gargano
Dr. Dan Ryan President The 2020-2021 DCHS Experience was printed October 2020 with statistics from the 2019-2020 school year.
FAST FACTS
$48,500+
RAISED & DONATED BY STUDENT ACTIVITIES
92% CATHOLIC 8% NON-CATHOLIC
TEACHERS
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).
SCORE OF 23.3
38%
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.
Total credits = 29.50 for the Class of 2021, 30 for the Clas of 2024. Physical Education** is required each semester, u process. *Beginning with the class of 2024, 3.5 units of cre
ss of 2022, 31 for the Class of 2023, 32 for the Class unless a student is excused following the PE Excusal edit in Social Studies will be required for graduation.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) COURSES Students who successfully complete AP courses may receive post-secondary credit. The AP program at DCHS includes Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Environmental Science, European History, Government, Language & Composition, Literature & Composition, Microeconomics, Physics I & II, Psychology, Spanish, Statistics and U.S. History. Online courses are also available. DUAL ENROLLMENT Students have the option to dual enroll and take advanced college classes through St. Louis University, a prestigious Jesuit institution, and Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). PROJECT LEAD THE WAY Dowling Catholic has been certified as a Project Lead the Way school, allowing students to earn college credit through Iowa State University. 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 five engineering courses. 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 CHOICE
COLLEGE CHOICES OF 2017-2020 GRADUATES Agnes Scott College Arizona State University Augsburg University Augustana College Augustana University Ave Maria University Aveda Institute of Des Moines Belmont University Benedictine College Berklee College of Music Black Hawk College Bocconi University--Italy Boston College Boston University Bradley University Briar Cliff University Brown University Buena Vista University Butler University Catholic University Central College Central Piedmont Community College Century College Chapman University Coe College Colgate University College of Saint Benedict Colorado Mountain College Colorado School of Mines Colorado State University Cornell College Cornell University (NY) Creighton University DePaul University Des Moines Area Community College Drake University Ellsworth Community College Elmhurst College Elon University Emory University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida Institute of Technology Florida State University Folsom Lake College & Sierra College Fordham University Georgetown University Gonzaga University Graceland University Grand Canyon University Grand View University Grinnell College Gustavus Adolphus College Hamline University Hawkeye Community College Heartland Community College Highland Community College Indian Hills Community College Iowa Central Community College Iowa State University
Iowa Wesleyan University Iowa Western Community College John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD Kansas City Art Institute Kansas State University Kirkwood Community College La’James Beauty Academy Lebanon Valley College Lewis University Liberty University Loras College Louisiana State University--Baton Rouge Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Chicago Luther College Marquette University Mercy College of Health Sciences Miami University (OH) Michigan State University Middlebury College Minnesota State University--Mankato Missouri Valley College Missouri Western State University Morningside College Mount Mercy University Mount Saint Mary’s Nebraska Wesleyan University New York University New York University--Shanghai North Central College Northern State University Northwest Missouri State University Northwestern College Northwestern University Purdue University Regis University Rochester Institute of Technology Rockhurst University Rutgers University - New Brunswick Saddleback College Saint Ambrose University Saint Louis University Saint Michael’s College Scottsdale Community College Simpson College Smith College South Dakota School of Mines & Technology South Dakota State University Southeast Louisiana University Southeastern University Southern Methodist University Southwest Minnesota State St. Ambrose University St. Cloud State University St. John’s University (MN) St. Mary’s College St. Olaf College Stephen F. Austin State University Temple University
Texas Christian University The Florida Institute of Technology The George Washington University The School of Visual Arts in New York Truman State University United States Merchant Marine Academy United States Naval Academy University College--Ireland University of Alabama University of Arizona University of Arkansas University of Californa University of Central Florida University of Chicago University of Cincinnati University of Colorado University of Dallas University of Denver University of Dubuque University of Illinois University of Indiana University of Iowa University of Kansas University of Kentucky University of Maryland University of Massachusetts University of Minnesota University of Missouri University of Nebraska University of Northern Iowa University of Notre Dame University of Oregon University of Portland University of South Dakota University of Southern California University of Southern Mississippi University of St. Thomas University of Tampa University of Tennessee University of Utah University of Virginia University of Washington University of Wisconsin University of Wyoming Upper Iowa University Valparaiso University Villanova University Wabash College Wake Forest Wartburg College Waseda University--Japan Washington University in St. Louis Wayne State University Webster University Western Illinois University William Jewell College Yale University
STUDENT QUOTES Dowling Catholic is preparing me for college by having challenging/advanced classes available for me to choose from and has taught me good study habits to succeed in my classes. DCHS gives students the opportunity to choose electives that align with their interests. Lauren Havlik ‘21
I love Dowling because it feels like you’re part of something bigger then just a high school. It feels like you’re in a community where students, teachers, and staff support one another and want the best for each other! Lilly Sullivan ‘20
To me, a Dowling Catholic education is a commitment to the whole person. We try to meet their needs academically, socially, and spiritually. We try to make sure that every student who graduates from Dowling Catholic is able to think for themselves, communicate clearly, and serve others; and I think we do an exceptional job. Jeff Ferguson - Social Studies Teacher and Activities Director
Dowling Catholic has helped me become a caring person by providing a safe and encouraging environment to help me grow personally and academically. Kylie Walker ‘20
FAITH 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 at 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 Advanced Apologetics, Biblical Encounters, 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 faithlife 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.
90+ 500+
SENIORS HELPED LEAD A RETREAT
STUDENTS ATTENDED A RETREAT
36
UT FIDEM “FAITH GROUPS�
SERVICE Dowling Catholic provides students with an educational setting where faith and service are incorporated into the curriculum and daily routine. 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 51,000 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.
31,934
HOURS OF SERVICE DONATED IN 2019-2020
$48,500+
32
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.
90 320
STUDENT LIFE ACADEMICS ENGAGE. EXPLORE. LEARN. Dowling Catholic High School is committed to academic excellence and is one of the top secondary schools in Iowa. We believe that educational excellence is achieved through the offering of a comprehensive and challenging curriculum designed to prepare students for college and beyond. Teachers are devoted not only to their students, but also to student-engaged, innovative instruction.
ARTS INSPIRE. CREATE. SHARE. 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 FOCUS. PRACTICE. ACHIEVE. 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.
FAITH FOLLOW. PRAY. TRUST. Dowling Catholic High School is a community of
67%
faith where learning, leadership and sportsmanship are Christ-centered. The mission at Dowling Catholic is to inspire a love of learning and a respect for fellow human beings in an environment that fosters excellence in academics and spiritual development. The culture at Dowling Catholic is one of caring and support which embraces diversity and students of all faith.
ACTIVITIES Dowling Catholic provides all students an opportunity to become involved in many extra-curricular 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 of the world. ACADEMICS Academic Decathlon Alternative Energy Club Debate FFA History Bowl Hyperstream Knowledge Bowl Maroons in Health Sciences Mock Trial National Honor Society Odyssey of the Mind Robotics Engineering Club Science Bowl 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 INTRAMURALS Basketball Bowling Flag Football Volleyball LEISURE ACTIVITIES Art Club Book Club Chess Club Creative Writing Club CSI/Forensics Club Dowling Fishing Club Dungeons & Dragons Club International Club Japanese Anime Knitting Club Maroon Crew Math Club Ping Pong Club
Political Club Rugby (Boys & Girls) 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 Speech 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) Eco-Club Empowering Young Women Association Habitat for Humanity Handmaids Of The Lord Lectors/Eucharistic Ministers Legion of Our Lady Maroons for Veterans One Dowling Family Peer Helpers People-to-People Retreats SOS: 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: INSIGHT Insight is a program offered at Dowling Catholic which utilizes business partnerships to bring real world experience to the classroom. Through project based learning, students are provided with authentic learning opportunities designed to develop career readiness and awareness. MAROONS IN HEALTH SCIENCES AND STEM CAREERS Dowling Catholic has partnered with Mercy College of Health Sciences, Mercy Medical Center, Kemin Industries and Rock Valley Physical Therapy to provide students with the unique opportunity to explore career opportunities in the fields of STEM and health sciences. Those admitted to the program work closely with experienced professionals in medical and science facilities.
LEADERSHIP
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Students at Dowling Catholic are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities to enrich their high school experience and to positively contribute to the school culture. Student leadership exists in many forms at Dowling Catholic, with activities designed to encourage and maximize each student’s personal growth. Dowling Catholic strives to develop Leaders for Life, Centered on Christ, preparing students for leadership roles in high school and beyond. CLASS OFFICERS Each class elects four officers to plan activities for their respective class. Activities vary, but have included designing t-shirts, planning service projects, planning Mass, school dances and decorating for Homecoming week. STUDENT COUNCIL Elected students from each class (grades 9-12) serve to represent their class. They promote Christian community through the development of activities that encourage school spirit and unity, and that allow for student-wide participation to encourage leadership among all students. STUDENT AMBASSADORS Student Ambassadors go through an application process and serve in a highly visible position as representatives of DCHS. These students assist the Admissions Office in working with prospective and new students. LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS Each summer students are nominated by coaches, moderators, teachers and administrators to participate in a two-day workshop at Dowling Catholic. The workshop is focused on helping students become Christcentered leaders.
ADMISSIONS Each year, Dowling Catholic High School welcomes a new class of students with diverse backgrounds, experiences and talents. We offer multiple opportunities for prospective students and their families to visit our campus and learn more about Dowling Catholic. Attending our Open House helps prospective families better understand the mission, rich traditions and excellent programming that define our school.
It’s the best decision we could have ever made, to send our kids to Dowling Catholic. Every time we set foot on campus, we feel the value of a Dowling Catholic education. -Cathy Moellenbeck INCOMING FRESHMEN Parents of students interested in enrolling at Dowling Catholic should contact the Admissions Office during their eighth grade year. Students will be considered for enrollment once application materials have been received. All eighth grade students are required to take the Incoming Freshman Placement Test. The test is used to identify the level of classes that will allow the student to be most successful in high school. TRANSFER STUDENTS Students interested in transferring to Dowling Catholic from another high school should contact the Admissions Office prior to the semester in which they wish to enroll. The student and parent/ guardian are required to meet with the Admissions Office to begin the transfer process. Students will be considered for enrollment once a copy of the student’s grades, discipline record and official transcripts are received.
CONTACT INFORMATION Tatia Eischeid Admissions Director 515-222-1025 teischeid@dowlingcatholic.org
Kelly Lentsch Admissions Assistant 515-222-1047 klentsch@dowlingcatholic.org
NEARLY
35%
TUITION Dowling Catholic High School is committed to serving the Greater Des Moines community and making a Catholic education affordable to all, regardless of financial circumstances. Currently, more than 460 Dowling Catholic students receive some form of tuition assistance. There are two need-based tuition assistance programs available to Dowling Catholic families. The Catholic Tuition Organization (CTO) provides tuition assistance based on household financial need using income guidelines and family size. This is the same program available at parochial schools. The DCHS tuition assistance program also provides assistance to families with a demonstrated financial need. The same application is used for both the CTO and DCHS tuition assistance programs, however, the income guidelines may differ. For students with a demonstrated financial need, tuition assistance covers a portion of tuition with awards ranging from $250 to $6,500 annually. We strongly encourage families to apply. The application process begins mid-February.
The Tuition Assistance Program through DCHS has made the impossible possible. It has always been very important to our family that our children receive a Catholic school education. We had unexpected life events occur that left us in a financial hardship. We were
Those who do not meet the income eligibility guidelines listed on the tuition assistance application at your current grade school may still be eligible for Dowling Catholic High School tuition assistance as our guidelines are different. For more information please visit dowlingcatholic.org/tuitionassistance or call 515.222.1025.
thankful when we found out that we could receive tuition assistance and didn’t have to sacrifice the value of Catholic school education and remove our kids
TUITION Tuition for the 2020-2021 school year is $8,498 plus fees for parish-participating families and $11,892 plus fees for nonparticipating families. International student tuition for the 2020-2021 school year is $13,000 plus fees.
from school with the great teachers, administration, friends and values.
-Anonymous and Grateful Parent
We are committed to making a Dowling Catholic education affordable to all students regardless of financial circumstances.
A DVA NC I NG OUR M ISS ION Through community engagement, special events and donor support, we advance the mission of the school and work towards ensuring access for all. The Advancement team is focused on raising funds and other resources to support our students and the needs of our school. The Annual Appeal benefits every aspect of the DCHS experience, including faith and academic programming, student activities, athletics and arts. Contributions also help cover the gap between tuition and the cost to educate each student, minimizing tuition increases and helping to remove barriers. None of this would be possible without the support of our caring donors and volunteers. Together, we are strengthening our institution and preparing students to become Christcentered leaders for life.
I’m proud that I am a part of such a loving community. I feel that at DCHS the way students interact with each other is so much different than at other schools. I also love how hardworking everyone is. Teachers, faculty, and students alike are always working toward a goal.
Dowling Catholic has made me a better person by encouraging me to be at my best, whether that be encouragement from my teachers or even from my own classmates.
EVENTS For over 40 years golfers have gathered at Echo Valley Country Club for a day of sport and support for Dowling Catholic. Funds raised provide tuition assistance through the Coppola Financial Aid Endowment.
Our school welcomes hundreds of grandparents who join their grandchildren and families for prayer during a special Mass in their honor. Before and after the service, people gather for fellowship while enjoying morning refreshments.
A decades-old tradition brings thousands of community members to the Iowa State Fairgrounds for pancakes and sausages, musical performances by our bands and choirs and conversations with students representing their programs and clubs. During the breakfast there are opportunities to shop in the mobile Campus Store and Maroon Market.
Curious about becoming a Maroon? DCHS opens up for tours with our student ambassadors. Faculty and staff are available to answer prospective and incoming parents’ questions related to the Dowling Catholic experience.
Leap into the holiday spirit at our Christmas Luncheon. Our students’ musical talents are showcased by the DCHS band and choir. During lunch students share stories relating to their meaningful school experiences.
We continue the tradition begun by our St. Joseph Academy alumni in support of local families. Students engage our entire community including family, friends and alumni in this enormous effort that provides presents, meals and other support to almost 100 families annually.
This event provides an opportunity for our younger alumni to engage with business leaders and human resource professionals to help with their career searches and dreams. This event includes unique networking opportunities, a panel discussion and open Q&A.
Join us to celebrate Bishop Dowling, founder of our school, and the history and traditions established more than a century ago.
Enjoy a special evening of fashion and fun with your friends. A fashion show featuring local favorites modeled by our students and special friends is the evenings highlight. P.S. There will be a special artistic surprise!
Buffalo Road’s biggest party of the year takes place when the DCHS community celebrates together on campus with a dinner, auction, raffle drawing, prizes and musical entertainment. Join us for an evening of festivities and fun while helping raise funds to keep tuition affordable for our students.
DCHS COMMUNITY ALUMNI COMMUNITY As an alum of Dowling Catholic you are always a valued member of the 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 each DCHS alumni - faithful, caring and dedicated. All alumni form one family - the Maroons. We invite our alumni to stay connected to the school and to one another, ensuring the experience they enjoyed at DCHS is honored, preserved and carried on for generations to come. Whether attending or volunteering at community events, going to a reunion, or getting married in the Coppola Family St. Joseph Chapel, there are many ways for alumni to stay connected and to continue to make a difference at DCHS.
OUR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR ALUMNI TO ACHIEVE CAREER SUCCESS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE ALUMNI LIVING IN ALL 50 STATES AS REPRESENTED IN THE MAP.
CONTACT US Dowling Catholic High School 1400 Buffalo Rd West Des Moines, IA 50265 Phone: 515-225-3000 OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS 515-222-1025 teischeid@dowlingcatholic.org dowlingcatholic.org/admissions