From the President
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 Christcentered 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.
Dr. Dan Ryan President
The 2023-2024 DCHS Experience was printed Fall 2023 with statistics from the 2022-2023 school year.
#1
Best Catholic High School in Iowa -Niche 2023
1,350 Students
33
Des Moines Area Communities
46
Zip Codes Represented
92% Catholic
8%
Non-Catholic
31%
Ethnic Diversity
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 on their faith journey. Theology Classes Theology classes support and develop the faith and values students have learned at home and in church. Students are required to 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, Bioethics, Catholic Art, Imagination, and Storytelling, Comparative Christianities, Covenant and The Old Testament, Ecclesiology, Faith and the New Testament, Morality, Peer Ministry, Philosophy, 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 to Community 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. Each student is required to complete ten service hours, along with a reflection paper during each semester. Through numerous programs, activities and projects, Dowling Catholic students give more than 60,000 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.
80
Hours of Christian Service Required for Graduation
61,108
Hours of Service Donated in 2022-2023
700+
Students Attended a Retreat
28
Spiritual & Service Clubs Available
58
Ut Fidem Faith Groups
Dowling Catholic offers many places that you can see God in everyday life. I have many good faith examples in my life that have been found through DCHS. I am encouraged every day to grow in my relationship with God and I find it easy and desirable to do so in this community. Anna C. ‘25
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.
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
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, Computer Science, English Language & Composition, English Literature & Composition, Environmental Science, European History, Government, Microeconomics, Physics I & II, Pre-Calculus, Psychology, Spanish Language & Culture, Spanish Literature & Culture, Statistics and U.S. History. Online courses are also available.
14:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
21
Typical Class Size
100% Graduation Rate
$10.3M in College Scholarships Earned by the Class of 2023
100% of DCHS Students Take the ACT
I would recommend Dowling Catholic because it provides so many opportunities to grow academically, in one’s faith, and enables everyone who walks within its doors to walk back out having had the chance to grow into the amazing individual they could be. Alex G. ‘25
Academic Opportunities
Career Exploration Dowling Catholic students have a variety of opportunities to participate in authentic, real-world educational experiences. Through MaiaLearning, an individualized online guidance program, students have the opportunity to learn about their personal 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: Dowling Catholic Career Academies Through the fields of Health Sciences and Engineering/ Technology, we strive to inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders and innovators. Students will embark on a transformative journey that couples a comprehensive curriculum with the real-world application of learning. 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. Medical Terminology/CNA These classes are designed to give students a basic understanding of medical terminology and the skills and training needed to work in various healthcare settings. Project Lead the Way PLTW is a non-profit organization focused on introducing and preparing students for engineering and technical careers of the future. A four-year path of engineering is offered. 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.
“Dowling Catholic students have many options to earn college credit while in high school. Our math department offers AP PreCalculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, and AP Statistics as courses where students can earn college credit. College credit classes at Dowling Catholic not only enable students to learn advanced material, but they also teach students how to handle the rigor of college-level studies. I enjoy having the small class sizes where students can learn high-level mathematics in a personal and faith-filled environment! It is fulfilling to see the work that students do and to observe their confidence grow as they develop a deeper understanding of mathematics throughout the year. We are lucky to have such great programs in our high school!” Mrs. Wiskus
105
College Dual Credits Available
20
College Dual Credit Classes Available
500+
Students Enrolled in at Least One College Class
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 posthigh 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 postsecondary options during an annual college fair hosted on campus. College Choices of Recent Graduates • Arizona State University
• Rice University
• Boston University
• San Diego State University
• Colorado State University
• Southern Methodist University
• Cornell University
• St. Louis University
• Creighton University
• University of Texas at Austin
• DMACC
• University of Denver
• Drake University
• UC-Davis
• Duke University
• UC-Santa Barbara
• Georgetown University
• University of Iowa
• Grand Canyon University
• University of Kansas
• Grand View University
• University of Missouri
• Iowa State University
• University of Northern Iowa
• Kirkwood CC
• University of Notre Dame
• Loras College
• University of St. Thomas
• Loyola University Chicago
• UW-Madison
• Marquette University
• Villanova University
• Princeton University
• Washington University in St. Louis
• Purdue University
• Xavier University
*Bold indicates top 10 attended schools by the Class of ‘23
Colleen Koppes College and Career Coordinator ckoppes@dowlingcatholic.org
I am extremely grateful for all the academic, leadership and faith opportunities I had at Dowling Catholic. These experiences made my transition to Creighton University go very smoothly. Dowling Catholic prepared me for the rigor of college classes as well as how to be a leader in and outside of the classroom. There is no doubt in my mind that DCHS set me up for success in college! Liv C. ‘23, current Creighton University student
84
Different Institutions in 30 States Attended by the Class of 2023
97%
Attend Post-Secondary Education
60%
Attend a Public 4-Year College
25%
Attend a Private 4-Year College
12%
Attend a 2-Year College
3% Join the Workforce or Military
Student Life
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. Activities Dowling Catholic High School students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities to enrich their high school experience and to positively contribute to the school culture. Extracurricular activities promote learning, development and student engagement by offering students opportunities to develop leadership skills, cultivate new interests, and foster personal growth. 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 athletics 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.
Highlights ACTIVITIES Student activities raised and donated more than $60,000. ATHLETICS State Qualifiers: Girls Basketball, Boys Swimming, Girls Tennis, Boys Track & Field, Boys/Girls Soccer, Baseball, Girls Cross Country, Boys Golf, Football State 3rd Place: Girls Track & Field State Runner-Up: Dance Team (Pom & Jazz), Volleyball, Girls Swimming State Champions: Boys Cross Country ARTS All-State Choir/Band: 18 Selected Participants Speech/Debate: 2023 State Champions Vanguard (Marching Band): 1st place at the 2023 Waukee Marching Invitational as well as caption awards for Best Drumline, Best Winds, Best Marching, and Best Colorguard.
“Dowling Catholic is a special
place. I was surrounded by friends, teachers and teammates who wanted to help me grow in my academics, sports and faith. Dowling Catholic is an important part of who I am today.” Caitlin Clark ‘20
90+
Extracurricular Activities & Clubs
87%
of Students Participate in an Extracurricular Activity
50%
of Students Participate in Fine Arts
63% of Students Participate in Athletics
Tuition Assistance
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. What Assistance is Available? Catholic Tuition Organization (CTO) Tuition Assistance – (www.CTOIowa.org) provides tuition assistance based on household financial need using income guidelines and family size. This is the same program available at the parochial grade schools. DCHS Tuition Assistance – Dowling Catholic High School provides tuition assistance to families with a demonstrated household financial need. DCHS uses the same application as CTO but different guidelines. Families who qualify for CTO assistance may also qualify for DCHS and DTA assistance. Diocesan Tuition Assistance (DTA) - Established through the Ignite Campaign. This program has expanded income guidelines. You will complete one application per household through CTO to apply for all three assistance programs listed above.
Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) The three-year rollout for the ESA program began in the 23-24 school year. For the 2024-2025 school year, new students transferring to DCHS from a public school and current families who meet income guidelines will qualify. For the 2025-2026 school year, all current and new DCHS families will benefit. We encourage all families to visit the Iowa Department of Education website for the most up-to-date information.
My family received tuition assistance and free and reduced lunch. Getting these accommodations was helpful for my family because it made Dowling Catholic affordable for us. Tuition assistance helped me get a better education, an education that helped prepare me for college and get the scholarships that I needed. It also helped me get the Dowling Catholic experience which is like none other. Yalitza L. ‘23
Principal Matt Meendering
Asst. Principal Academics Dr. Erica Arnold
Asst. Principal Student Life Tyler Miklo
Athletic Director Tom Wilson
Advancement Director Julie Bell
Business Manager Brenda Wheeler
Maintenance Manager Josh Kirkpatrick
Director of Enrollment Management Alicia Hilligas
Admissions Kelly Lentsch Haley Schwarz
Art Director Colin Gargano
Contributing Photographers Earl Hulst Colin Gargano
Dowling Catholic High School 1400 Buffalo Rd | West Des Moines, IA 50265 | 515.225.3000 | www.dowlingcatholic.org
AR E A C ATHO L IC E LEMENTARY & MI DDLE SCHOOLS Christ the King Catholic School Phone: 515-285-3349 cksdesmoines.com
Holy Family Catholic School Phone: 515-262-8025 hfcsdm.org
Holy Trinity Catholic School Phone: 515-255-3162 holytrinitydm.org/school
Sacred Heart Catholic School Phone: 515-223-1284 sacredheartschoolwdm.org
Saint Anthony Catholic School Phone: 515-243-1874 school.stanthonydsm.org
Saint Augustin Catholic School Phone: 515-279-5947 staugustinschool.org
Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic School Phone: 515-457-7167 sfawdm.org
Saint Joseph Catholic School Phone: 515-266-3433 stjosephcatholicdsm.org/school
Saint Luke the Evangelist Catholic School Phone: 515-985-7074 saintluketheevangelistschool.org
Saint Patrick Catholic School Phone: 515-465-4186 stpatricks-perry-ia.org
Saint Pius X Catholic School Phone: 515-276-1061 stpiusxschool.org
Saint Theresa Catholic School Phone: 515-277-0178 sainttheresaiowa.org/school
The Des Moines Region Catholic School Corporation’s (the “Region”), Catholic schools, under the aegis of the Bishop, state that all of the Region’s Catholic schools admit students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the schools. These schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, disability, color, and national or ethnic origin in the administration of their educational policies, employment practices, scholarship and loan programs, athletic or other school-administered programs. The employment relationship between the Region and its employees is governed by canon law as well as civil law. As religious institutions, nothing in the Iowa Code and this policy shall be construed as prohibiting the Region’s Catholic schools from imposing qualifications based on religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity when such qualifications are related to a bona fide religious purpose. In addition, schools shall comply with the anti-bullying/anti-harassment laws of the state of Iowa, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act as such may apply to the Region’s Catholic schools.