Dowling Catholic High School

Both of my children have attended Dowling and I could not be happier with the results. The academics are outstanding, there is a true sense of community, and the athletic and extracurricular programs are top notch. I say this not only as a parent, but as teacher who has worked in both public and Catholic schools. Dowling not only prepares students for life in college and beyond with academic rigor, but they (the staff) also help students to develop a sense of personal responsibility that is often lacking in public schools. The tuition at Dowling is quite reasonable when compared to schools of this quality elsewhere in the country, and is a great value when considered in the context of test scores, college placement, and career path of graduates. My wife and I actually moved to Iowa from New England so our children could attend better schools. After performing extensive research, Dowling was our first choice.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is great for the college bound, high achievers, or for anyone who is gifted in athletics, academics, or the arts. Otherwise, I'm afraid to say that an "average" kid sometimes feels lost, left-out and not as happy to be there. Many students have social or academic problems and transfer to a high school where they can be themselves, dress how they want and not have to try as hard to "fit-in". Many of the students only attend there because their parents did and are really unhappy. There is just as much if not more drugs and sexual activities that goes on due to kids who have everything. Also, only a small percentage of kids get to participate in sports so even if you have always been an excellent athelete the chances of playing at Dowling is very slim because there is always someone better than you. I'm glad my child is struggeling to make it through Dowling with most of the tution being paid for by doners - I want my child to have the best education and opportunities available - one of us went to Dowling and the other to one of the public high schools and hands down Dowling is best in every aspect but making the kids feel accepted and making new friends.
--Submitted by a parent

Dowling has had one of the most dominant athletic programs in central Iowa for the last 40 years. In addition, they instill a strong work ethic, and can-do, positive attitude in their students. Academically, 30% of my high school class went on to be doctors and lawyers. The school instills sportmanship; and school spirit is evident in its whole student body. I graduated 29 years ago, and still get excited about their football games. Frequently alums from decades ago, show up as spectators at the games. It is not uncommon for an alum in the NBA or NFL to show up at games as well. Its' facilities are top-notch. Baseball and softball fields like putting greens. Great swimming pool, gymnasium, and weight room. The marching band is top notch, and the campus is picture-esque, with large maple and oak trees. And the tuition is a fraction of the cost.

Academically the school is very good. The teachers are sometimes OVER qualified for the positions they are in and ACT, SAT and other standardized test scores prove this. Extra-curricular activities and sports are good too. The drama program is easily one of the best in the state the football, basketball, golf, track, and especially cross-country teams consistently do well. Service clubs provide help to the community and academic clubs like speech and debate and mock trial perform high consistently. And the faith-based education does NOT make us full of ourselves it allows us to love our neighbors and drives us to participate in service activities in Uganda, Brazil, Venezuela, and in the Des Moines area. I can't see myself at any other school and I root everyday for Maroons in every activity.
--Submitted by a student

All of four children have attended this school. We believe the teaching is excellent and that our children are prepared well for their college studies.
--Submitted by a parent

My children went to Dowling and were very prepared for college. I liked the closeness of the community also
--Submitted by a parent

Nice school. No real sense of geographical community.
--Submitted by a student

This is a great school. For who ever said that this school should be ashamed to call itself cathoic should be ashamed to say something like that. It is not your place to judge someone elses faith. I learned that at Dowling.
--Submitted by a student

Sports teams and other extra circular programs are only average. There are other schools that perform the same acidemcially but much better in the music and sports arenas
--Submitted by a student

This school should be ashamed to call itself Catholic. Many of the staff, faculty, alumni and students are so full of themselves they have little time for others. On the academic side, they are more concerned with quantity than they are with quality.
--Submitted by a parent