The Dowling Catholic Experience 2018-2019

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 Leaders for Life, Centered on Christ.

Dowling Catholic High School 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 a technology rich, 21st century facility.

Dowling Catholic’s reputation is strong in academics, athletics, community service, and the arts. Our boards provide leadership and support for constant improvement. A dedicated Advancement team and Foundation Board secure revenues to provide for short and long-term benefits. Outstanding support of the Annual Appeal helps provide students with a faith-integrated curriculum led by quality teachers at a tuition rate significantly lower than the per-student cost - a true value when compared to similar Catholic high schools.

New this year we have launched Insight, a pilot program which partners teachers with local businesses to bring real-world experiences to the classroom. Additionally, goals and initiatives have been established to provide a personalized educational experience for every Dowling Catholic student, with measurable outcomes for students’ faith, academic and life preparation in place. Our goal is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to participate in the full Dowling Catholic experience regardless of background, thus preparing them for a successful adult life.

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.

Dr. Dan Ryan President

FAST FACTS //

92% CATHOLIC 8% NON-CATHOLIC

98

TEACHERS

17.1 11.71

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.

Theology Technology English Fine Arts

4 credits .5 credit 4 credits .5 credit

Mathematics

3 credits

Science

3 credits

Social Studies

3 credits

Guidance

1 credit

General Electives

4 credits

Physical Education

4 credits

Christian Service

2 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, Environmental Science, European History, Government, Language & Composition, Literature & Composition, Microeconomics, Physics I & II, Psychology, Spanish 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 & 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.

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.

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 52,000 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.

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 // 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 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 Competition Theatre Debate Engineering Club FFA History Bowl Hyperstream Knowledge Bowl Maroons in Health Sciences Mock Trial National Honor Society Odyssey of the Mind Robotics Engineering Club Science Bowl Speech and Debate ATHLETICS Baseball Basketball Bowling Cheerleading Cross Country Dance Team Football Golf

Soccer Softball Swimming Tennis Track Volleyball Wrestling

GOVERNMENT & LEADERSHIP Class Officers Student Ambassadors Student Council INTRAMURALS Basketball Bowling Flag Football Volleyball LEISURE ACTIVITIES Art Club Book Club Chess Club Chinese GO Climbing Club Creative Writing Club Fortnite Club International Club Japanese Anime Jump Roping Club Knitting Club Maroon Crew Philosophy Club

Photography Club Rugby (Boys & Girls) Snake 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 Speech Drama 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) Eco-Club Empowering Young Women Association Habitat for Humanity Handmaids Of The Lord Helping the Des Moines Community 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 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 pilot 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 studentwide participation to encourage leadership among all students.

STUDENT AMBASSADORS Student Ambassadors are selected 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 Christ-centered 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

Kelly Lentsch

Admissions Director 515-222-1025 teischeid@dowlingcatholic.org

Admissions Assistant 515-222-1047 klentsch@dowlingcatholic.org

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. All families in need are encouraged to apply.

For students with a demonstrated financial need, tuition assistance covers a portion of tuition with awards ranging from $250 to $6,200 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 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 from school with the great teachers, administration, friends and values.

-Anonymous and Grateful Parent

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.

TUITION Tuition for the 2018-2019 school year is $7,986 plus fees for parish-participating families and $11,176 plus fees for nonparticipating families. International student tuition for the 2018-2019 school year is $12,076 plus fees.

We are committed to making a Dowling Catholic education affordable to all students regardless of financial circumstances.

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. COMMUNITY EVENTS Annual Auction MVP Night of Style Golden Jubilee Golf Outing Homecoming Tailgate

President’s Council Dinner Grandparents’ Mass Pancake Breakfast Christmas Luncheon Young Alumni Luncheon

For volunteer information or to learn more about our upcoming events please visit: www.dowlingcatholic.org/events

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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 BELOW.

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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