Bishop Heelan Catholic High School

Bishop Heelan is the best school in Iowa! If you are a resident of Sioux City, you know that Heelan has an outstanding athletic program, but the Heelan community is much more than just sports. They provide the ideal environment socially and academically, too. I started Heelan as a sophomore and felt welcome from the moment I walked in the door. Cliques and distinct social circles are not as prevalent at Heelan as they are at public schools. Heelan's community is more of a family. It is pretty much impossible to be bored with so many activities to pick from. To name a few: Miracle Makers raises money for kids with cancer, drama puts on amazing plays, improv excels at speech competitions, and student council helps out everywhere. Their sports teams are also a blast to be on. Sure, it is hard to make varsity teams, but there are many opportunities to work your way up. Personally, I'm not an athlete, but I stuck with tennis this year and really improved. The academics at Heelan are also outstanding! They offer honors and AP classes in almost every subject and really prepare you for college and life. Proof of the rigorous academics is in the ACT scores. I am very thankful for Heelan!
--Submitted by a student

There is a misconception out there that Heelan is better than the local public schools. Not true. As a teacher who has taught students who went to school in both environments, I can tell you that academically the schools are equal. And, there are just as many negative influences at the Catholic school; they are just not as well known. Finally, Heelen recruits for sports, so the average athlete has little chance to play high school sports, whereas in the public schools he or she actually has a chance to play.

I am a Junior at Bishop Heelan High School and it is a great school to be at. Everyone is friendly with everyone. No one is left out of anything!Going to school here is very rewarding with the teacher support and friendly students. It seems everyone in the school has a place that they belong to. Miracle Makers, A.W.A.R.E., Student Council, all the athletics and other extra-curricular activities really make you feel like you belong.
--Submitted by a student

everthing including sports is all politics.... it all has to do with what your last name is and what kind of car you drive.
--Submitted by a parent

I am so impressed with the quality principals, teachers, staff and academics at all the Bishop Heelan Catholic pre-K, elementary, middle and high schools!!
--Submitted by a parent

A great school to send your kids to!
--Submitted by a parent

I am a 1970 graduate of Heelan, and have had 3 of my children graduate from this school so far. It is a school that encourages students to take college prep classes but its students would benefit with the availability of strong vocational/technical courses too. Heelan has a very strong sports program with much parent backing. It would be wonderful to be able to say that about the fine arts program, however, the teachers in that area are wonderful. The school's focus seems to have moved from that of a strictly Catholic education system to one which embraces those of all faiths.
--Submitted by Kay, a parent

Bishop Heelan has very a sound academic program, offering numerous honors programs across its curriculum. It has a great combination of large school offerings, with a small school size and atmostphere. With a 9-12 enrollment of approximately 520 students, Bishop Heelan offers outstanding class sizes and a very accomodating teacher/student ratio. It's extra-curricular programs are annually near the top of the state in wide range of activities. Bishop Heelan has a very involved parent population who meet on a regular basis with Administration to improve communication throughout the system. Bishop Heelan offers the Siouxland area a top notch faith-based, educational opportunity that I would strongly recommend to anyone wanting an outstanding educational experience for their children.
--Submitted by a parent