Dowling Catholic High School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026-27)

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

Top Ranked IA School
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 1,389 students
Average class size: 23 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Dowling Catholic High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Iowa for:

School Facts

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)

Religious Affiliation

Catholic

Grades Offered

Grades 9-12

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Dowling Catholic High School
9	353
10	342
11	335
12	359

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Year Founded

1918

Colors

Maroon, White

Summer School Offered

Yes

Awards

Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 2003

Student Body

Total Students

1,389 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

27%

State avg.: 16%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

90 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

15:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

57%

Average Class Size

23 students

Number of AP Courses

15 courses

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Advanced Courses

Advanced Placement Courses: Biologyan

CalculusChemistry

Computer ScienceEnglish and Language Composition

English Literature and CompostitionEnvironmental Science

European HistoryGovernment

MicroeconomicsPhysics 1 & 2

PyschologySpanish

Average ACT score

(Out of 36)

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

View Matriculation Data

Classroom Dress Code

Formal

khaki, navy or black slacks with a DCHS polo

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Tuition Notes

We have participating and non-participating tuition. www.dowlingcatholic.org

% on Financial Aid

40%

Admissions Director

Tatia Eischeid

Admissions Associate

Kelly Lentsch

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Total Sports Offered

20 sports

Sports

TennisTrack and Field

VolleyballWeightlifting

Winter TrackWrestling

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School Notes

Dowling Catholic High School is committed to serving the Greater Des Moines Catholic community and embracing learners of all faiths. Dowling will inspire a Christ-centered love of learning and a respect for fellow human beings through the application of moral principles, a commitment to service, and excellence in academics, athletics, the arts, and extra-curricular activities.

School Motto: Leaders for Life, Centered on Christ.
School Mascot: Maroons

Dowling Catholic High School is committed to serving the Greater Des Moines Catholic community and embracing learners of all faiths. In an environment that is faithful, caring and dedicated, Dowling Catholic forms each student to become a Christ-centered leader.

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Shallee Keenan, Class of 2003 - notable for her contributions post-graduation. -

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who are famous alumni from Dowling Catholic High School?

Dowling Catholic High School famous alumni include: Shallee Keenan, Class of 2003 - notable for her contributions post-graduation..

What sports does Dowling Catholic High School offer?

Dowling Catholic High School offers 20 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Football, Golf, Polo, Rugby, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Weightlifting, Winter Track and Wrestling. Dowling Catholic High School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Iowa for most sports offered.

What is Dowling Catholic High School's ranking?

Dowling Catholic High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Iowa for: Highest percentage of students of color, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered and Most sports offered.

When is the application deadline for Dowling Catholic High School?

The application deadline for Dowling Catholic High School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Calendar

View the Dowling Catholic High School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:

Event

Date

No School: Thanksgiving Break

November 25, 2026 (Wednesday)

Spring Break

March 15, 2027 (Monday)

Last Day for Seniors!

May 21, 2027 (Friday)

School Reviews

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Polk County, IA is $7,965 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Polk County, IA is 85% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).