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Aerial view of Bosco Catholic School System
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Bosco Catholic School System

  • LocationGilbertville, IA
  • Type and sizeParish school · Grades PK–12 · 299 students
Official website

Don Bosco High School in Gilbertville, Iowa, is part of the Bosco Catholic School System, a preschool through grade 12 Catholic school system. Students enjoy daily prayer and weekly Mass, a priest serves as system chaplain, and high school students take a class retreat every year.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Bosco Catholic School System, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.25 miImmaculate Conception Catholic Church: 0.1 mi1Campus Ministry, Don Bosco High School: 0.1 miBosco Catholic School System (campus)N0.1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church — 0.1 mi

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

N/ASacramental life: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Sacramental life

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearWeekly (Weekly Mass is described as part of the students' school experience.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith | Bosco Catholic School Systemboscocatholic.org/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students receive an education guided by the word of God and enjoy daily prayer and weekly Mass.”
      Students enjoy daily prayer and weekly Mass as part of their school experience.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolYes (A priest is listed as the system's chaplain on the staff directory.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Our Faculty & Staff | Bosco Catholic School Systemboscocatholic.org/staff · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Fr. Jeffrey Frieden Chaplain”
      Fr. Jeffrey Frieden is listed as the chaplain.
N/ATheology and curriculum: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Theology and curriculum

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Years of theology or religion requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (The 12th-grade course Why am I Catholic? and the 11th-grade course Sacraments & Morality are apologetics and morality courses within theology.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Religion Curriculum | Bosco Catholic School Systemboscocatholic.org/curriculum-1 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Our high school theology curriculum includes 9TH GRADE: Jesus Christ: The Revelation of the Father & His Mission 10TH GRADE: Salvation & Sacred Scripture 11TH GRADE: Sacraments & Morality 12TH GRADE: Why am I Catholic? & Catholic Social Teaching”
      The high school theology curriculum has one course per grade, including Sacraments & Morality and Why am I Catholic? & Catholic Social Teaching in grades 11 and 12.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
ACampus culture: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (High school students take part in a class retreat every year, which covers grades 9 through 12.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Bosco Catholic School Systemboscocatholic.org/campus-ministry-1 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Class Retreats: High school students participate in a class retreat every year.”
      High school students take a class retreat every year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Two ministry staff are listed: a campus minister and a chaplain (a priest).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Our Faculty & Staff | Bosco Catholic School Systemboscocatholic.org/staff · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Fr. Jeffrey Frieden Chaplain”
      Fr. Jeffrey Frieden is listed as the chaplain.
      “Sharon Mayer Campus Minister”
      Sharon Mayer is listed as the campus minister.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (A youth group for grades 8-12 and a Lenten group for high school girls are listed. A weekly Coffee and Catholicism gathering is also listed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Bosco Catholic School Systemboscocatholic.org/campus-ministry-1 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Youth Group: A few Wednesdays a month, this group meets from 6:15-7:45. Students in 8th-12th grade have the opportunity to join the youth group.”
      A youth group for grades 8-12 meets a few Wednesdays a month.
      “Women's Lenten Group: During Lent, high school girls have the opportunity to join a Lenten small group during their Advisory time.”
      A Lenten small group for high school girls meets during Lent.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith | Bosco Catholic School Systemboscocatholic.org/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students receive an education guided by the word of God and enjoy daily prayer and weekly Mass.”
      Students enjoy daily prayer and weekly Mass as part of their school experience.
N/AService and Catholic social teaching: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Service and Catholic social teaching

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Required service hoursNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (The 12th-grade theology course is titled Catholic Social Teaching.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Religion Curriculum | Bosco Catholic School Systemboscocatholic.org/curriculum-1 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Our high school theology curriculum includes 9TH GRADE: Jesus Christ: The Revelation of the Father & His Mission 10TH GRADE: Salvation & Sacred Scripture 11TH GRADE: Sacraments & Morality 12TH GRADE: Why am I Catholic? & Catholic Social Teaching”
      The high school theology curriculum has one course per grade, including Sacraments & Morality and Why am I Catholic? & Catholic Social Teaching in grades 11 and 12.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Service learning projects are chosen by students and tied to social justice; a food packing event was held at the high school.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Service Learning | Bosco Catholic School Systemboscocatholic.org/service-learning-1 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Using the Leader in Me 8 Habits and principals of social justice, students are prioritizing tasks”
      Service learning projects are tied to social justice principles.
      “Middle & High School students bring Then Feed Just One mobile food packing event to Don Bosco High School.”
      A food packing service event was held at Don Bosco High School.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Students enjoy daily prayer and weekly Mass, and a priest is listed as the system's chaplain.
    Sources (2)
    1. Faith | Bosco Catholic School Systemboscocatholic.org/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students receive an education guided by the word of God and enjoy daily prayer and weekly Mass.”
      Students enjoy daily prayer and weekly Mass as part of their school experience.
    2. Our Faculty & Staff | Bosco Catholic School Systemboscocatholic.org/staff · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Fr. Jeffrey Frieden Chaplain”
      Fr. Jeffrey Frieden is listed as the chaplain.
  • High school students take a class retreat every year, and the 12th-grade theology course is Catholic Social Teaching.
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Bosco Catholic School Systemboscocatholic.org/campus-ministry-1 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Class Retreats: High school students participate in a class retreat every year.”
      High school students take a class retreat every year.
    2. Religion Curriculum | Bosco Catholic School Systemboscocatholic.org/curriculum-1 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Our high school theology curriculum includes 9TH GRADE: Jesus Christ: The Revelation of the Father & His Mission 10TH GRADE: Salvation & Sacred Scripture 11TH GRADE: Sacraments & Morality 12TH GRADE: Why am I Catholic? & Catholic Social Teaching”
      The high school theology curriculum has one course per grade, including Sacraments & Morality and Why am I Catholic? & Catholic Social Teaching in grades 11 and 12.
  • Several faith-based student groups are listed, including a youth group for grades 8-12.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Bosco Catholic School Systemboscocatholic.org/campus-ministry-1 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Youth Group: A few Wednesdays a month, this group meets from 6:15-7:45. Students in 8th-12th grade have the opportunity to join the youth group.”
      A youth group for grades 8-12 meets a few Wednesdays a month.
      “Women's Lenten Group: During Lent, high school girls have the opportunity to join a Lenten small group during their Advisory time.”
      A Lenten small group for high school girls meets during Lent.

Concerns

  • The published Mass is weekly.
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith | Bosco Catholic School Systemboscocatholic.org/faith · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students receive an education guided by the word of God and enjoy daily prayer and weekly Mass.”
      Students enjoy daily prayer and weekly Mass as part of their school experience.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry, Don Bosco High School

  • Address: 405 16th Ave., Gilbertville, IA 50634
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel

View on map ↗

Source: boscocatholic.org, verified Oct. 13, 2026, boscocatholic.org, verified Oct. 13, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

8 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 2 off campus, 5 location not published

Faith formation 3

  • National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC)Off campus
    Every other November
    Trip to the national conference in Indianapolis with speakers, Mass, adoration and team-building.
    boscocatholic.org
  • Women's Lenten Group
    Weekly during Lent
    A small group for high school girls that discusses a daily Lenten devotional, during Advisory time.
    boscocatholic.org
  • Faith Buddies
    Older students are paired with younger students for activities and service projects.
    boscocatholic.org

Retreats 1

  • Class retreatsOff campus
    Every year, during a school day
    Retreat for each high school class to pray and grow in friendships; held offsite since the 2024-2025 school year.
    boscocatholic.org, boscocatholic.org

Service 2

  • Then Feed Just One food packing eventOn campus
    Mobile food packing event brought to Don Bosco High School for middle and high school students.
    boscocatholic.org
  • Service learning projects (grades K-12)
    Students choose and complete a service learning project each year, such as a food pantry or Little Library.
    boscocatholic.org

Clubs and groups 2

  • Coffee and Catholicism
    Wednesdays during lunch
    Students meet for coffee and conversation, with a short faith sharing.
    boscocatholic.org
  • Youth Group (grades 8-12)
    A few Wednesdays a month, 6:15-7:45 pm
    Food, fellowship and an activity, with a scripture reading and discussion.
    boscocatholic.org

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (3)
  1. Campus Ministry | Bosco Catholic School Systemboscocatholic.org/campus-ministry-1 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Class Retreats: High school students participate in a class retreat every year.”
    High school students take a class retreat every year.
    “Youth Group: A few Wednesdays a month, this group meets from 6:15-7:45. Students in 8th-12th grade have the opportunity to join the youth group.”
    A youth group for grades 8-12 meets a few Wednesdays a month.
  2. Contact Us | Bosco Catholic School Systemboscocatholic.org/contact-us · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “405 16th Avenue P.O. Box 106 Gilbertville, IA 50634”
    The Bosco Catholic School System office is at 405 16th Avenue, Gilbertville, Iowa (the mailing address is a P.O. box).
  3. Religion Curriculum | Bosco Catholic School Systemboscocatholic.org/curriculum-1 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Our on-campus chapel provides a quiet place for reflection and prayer during the school day.”
    The school has an on-campus chapel for prayer during the school day.

Reach out

Contact details for Don Bosco 9-12 / BCSS office (Main office) and 2 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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Academic Excellence

FAcademic Excellence: Minimal (grade F): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
21 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduates going to four-year colleges 75% of scoreThis measure counts for 75% of the Academic Excellence score.46%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.9.9 to 1

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed. Federal data on private high schools is limited to these two measures.

Source: NCES Private School Survey (2023–24 school year)

School facts

TypeParish school
DioceseArchdiocese of Dubuque, IA
GradesPK–12
Students (all grades)299
Students in grades 9–12107
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio9.9 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges46%
SettingRural

Source: NCES Private School Survey 23-24 public-use file (school year 2023–24). The college-going rate and student–teacher ratio feed Academic Excellence; nothing here changes the faith grades.

Local Church

Archdiocese of Dubuque

The Most Reverend Thomas Zinkula, Archbishop of Dubuque

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: usccb.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Bosco Catholic School System a Catholic high school?
Yes. Bosco Catholic School System is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Dubuque.

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