Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aerial view of Dowling Catholic High School
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Dowling Catholic High School

  • LocationWest Des Moines, IA
  • Type and sizeDiocesan school · Grades 9–12 · 1,354 students
  • SponsorDiocese of Des Moines

Dowling Catholic High School is a coeducational Catholic high school in West Des Moines listed among the educational institutions of the Diocese of Des Moines. Mass is offered each weekday morning and during PRIME Time in St. Joseph Chapel, adoration is available most school days, confession is offered most days, and a diocesan priest serves as chaplain. Students take theology every semester, complete 80 hours of Christian service, and have retreats offered in every grade.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 2

  • Monday–Friday7:15 AMSt. Joseph Chapel · School days.
  • Monday–Friday2:42 PM–3:15 PMSt. Joseph Chapel · PRIME Time Mass. PRIME Time runs 2:42-3:15 PM on regular school days (2026-27 handbook).

Confession 2

  • Monday–Friday2:42 PM–3:15 PMFather Acrea Sacristy in the Narthex · Most school days during PRIME Time (2:42-3:15 PM per the handbook) and immediately after school.
  • Thursday6:00 PMDowling Catholic High School · Revive: one Thursday a month; dates announced by Campus Ministry.

Adoration 2

  • Monday–Friday8:00 AM–2:30 PMSt. Joseph Chapel · Most days when school is in session.
  • Thursday6:00 PMDowling Catholic High School · Revive: one Thursday a month; dates announced by Campus Ministry.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 8, 2026.

Sources for these times (2)
  1. Faith | Dowling Catholic High Schooldowlingcatholic.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Daily Mass in St. Joseph Chapel Monday - Friday 7:15 am, Primetime”
    Daily Mass is offered Monday-Friday at 7:15 AM and during PRIME Time in St. Joseph Chapel.
    “Reconciliation is available most days during Prime Time and immediately after school in the Father Acrea Sacristy in the Narthex. Thank you to our DCHS priests and area retired priests for offering this sacrament for our students!”
    Confession is available most school days during PRIME Time and right after school.
    “Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is available in the St. Joseph chapel from 8 am to 2:30 pm most days when school is in session at DCHS. Students may stop in between classes and during lunch to say hello to Jesus!”
    Eucharistic adoration is available in St. Joseph Chapel from 8 AM to 2:30 PM most school days.
    “A night of witness, praise, Eucharistic adoration, and confession held one Thursday a month at 6 pm.”
    Revive, with adoration and confession, is held one Thursday each month at 6 PM.
    “A night of witness, praise, Eucharistic adoration, and confession held one Thursday a month at 6 pm.”
    Revive, with adoration and confession, is held one Thursday each month at 6 PM.
  2. 2026-2027 Student/Family Handbook | Dowling Catholic High Schooldocs.google.com/document/d/1fVV8M11N1j9dCtmCHOd-ZhFz0w4gvIV8fvGzIb9ZtT0/export?format=txt · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “they may request to attend PRIME Time Mass in the Chapel or be seen for Reconciliation.”
    Students may attend PRIME Time Mass in the chapel or go to Reconciliation during PRIME Time.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Dowling Catholic High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSacred Heart Church: 1.2 mi1Saint Theresa's Catholic Church: 1.3 mi2Saint Pius X Church: 2.4 mi3Saint Augustin Catholic Church: 2.7 mi4Formation & Ministry and St. Joseph Chapel, Dowling Catholic High School: 0.1 miDowling Catholic High School (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Sacred Heart Church — 1.2 mi · 1627 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines
  2. Saint Theresa's Catholic Church — 1.3 mi · 1230 Merle Hay Road
  3. Saint Pius X Church — 2.4 mi · 3663 66th Street
  4. Saint Augustin Catholic Church — 2.7 mi · 545 42nd Street, Des Moines

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.

BSacramental life: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

80 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearA few times a year (The 2026-27 handbook lists all-school Masses 'throughout the year' for feast days and one Mass per class each semester. No page gives the number of all-school Masses; a monthly or weekly pattern is not established.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Student/Family Handbook | Dowling Catholic High Schooldocs.google.com/document/d/1fVV8M11N1j9dCtmCHOd-ZhFz0w4gvIV8fvGzIb9ZtT0/export?format=txt · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “With the assistance of a chaplain, the spirituality of students at Dowling Catholic is nurtured in many ways, including: * All-school prayer at the beginning and end of each school day * Morning prayer in the chapel on various days throughout the week * Daily Mass offered in the chapel * All-school Masses throughout the year * All-class Masses (1 per class per semester)”
      The 2026-27 handbook lists all-school prayer at the start and end of each day, daily Mass, all-school Masses during the year and one Mass per class each semester.
      “Students can participate through prayer daily at the beginning of the day, start of every class, and at the conclusion of the school day. Liturgy plays a role in the development of servant leadership through daily Masses offered before school and during PRIME Time. The entire school gathers for liturgy to celebrate various feast days during the school year.”
      Prayer opens the day and every class and closes the day; daily Masses are offered before school and during PRIME Time; the whole school gathers for feast-day liturgies.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusYes (Mass Monday-Friday at 7:15 AM and during PRIME Time (2:42-3:15 PM) in St. Joseph Chapel.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Faith | Dowling Catholic High Schooldowlingcatholic.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Daily Mass in St. Joseph Chapel Monday - Friday 7:15 am, Primetime”
      Daily Mass is offered Monday-Friday at 7:15 AM and during PRIME Time in St. Joseph Chapel.
    2. 2026-2027 Student/Family Handbook | Dowling Catholic High Schooldocs.google.com/document/d/1fVV8M11N1j9dCtmCHOd-ZhFz0w4gvIV8fvGzIb9ZtT0/export?format=txt · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Students can participate through prayer daily at the beginning of the day, start of every class, and at the conclusion of the school day. Liturgy plays a role in the development of servant leadership through daily Masses offered before school and during PRIME Time. The entire school gathers for liturgy to celebrate various feast days during the school year.”
      Prayer opens the day and every class and closes the day; daily Masses are offered before school and during PRIME Time; the whole school gathers for feast-day liturgies.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearMonthly or more often (Confession is available most school days during PRIME Time and immediately after school. Revive includes confession one Thursday a month. Lenten reconciliation services are also held.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Faith | Dowling Catholic High Schooldowlingcatholic.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Reconciliation is available most days during Prime Time and immediately after school in the Father Acrea Sacristy in the Narthex. Thank you to our DCHS priests and area retired priests for offering this sacrament for our students!”
      Confession is available most school days during PRIME Time and right after school.
      “A night of witness, praise, Eucharistic adoration, and confession held one Thursday a month at 6 pm.”
      Revive, with adoration and confession, is held one Thursday each month at 6 PM.
    2. 2026-2027 Student/Family Handbook | Dowling Catholic High Schooldocs.google.com/document/d/1fVV8M11N1j9dCtmCHOd-ZhFz0w4gvIV8fvGzIb9ZtT0/export?format=txt · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “they may request to attend PRIME Time Mass in the Chapel or be seen for Reconciliation.”
      Students may attend PRIME Time Mass in the chapel or go to Reconciliation during PRIME Time.
      “* Reconciliation services during Lent * Weekly Rosary after school * Retreat opportunities: Suscipe for seniors; Kairos for juniors; Quest for sophomores, Metanoia for freshmen and a Retreat for all freshmen at Dowling Catholic.”
      The handbook lists Lenten reconciliation services, a weekly Rosary, and retreats for every grade.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredRegularly (monthly or more) (Adoration in St. Joseph Chapel from 8 AM to 2:30 PM most school days, plus Revive with Eucharistic adoration one Thursday a month.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith | Dowling Catholic High Schooldowlingcatholic.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is available in the St. Joseph chapel from 8 am to 2:30 pm most days when school is in session at DCHS. Students may stop in between classes and during lunch to say hello to Jesus!”
      Eucharistic adoration is available in St. Joseph Chapel from 8 AM to 2:30 PM most school days.
      “A night of witness, praise, Eucharistic adoration, and confession held one Thursday a month at 6 pm.”
      Revive, with adoration and confession, is held one Thursday each month at 6 PM.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolYes (Reed Flood is listed as Chaplain on the school's faith page, and the Diocese of Des Moines directory lists Rev. Reed Flood as Chaplain, Dowling Catholic High School.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Faith | Dowling Catholic High Schooldowlingcatholic.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “List of 6 members. Stephanie Parks Director of Campus Ministry Reed Flood Chaplain Terry Clark Theology Department Chair Christy Sheaff Retreats & Liturgy Drew Croegaert Peyton Jameson”
      The faith page lists six team members, including Stephanie Parks (Director of Campus Ministry), Reed Flood (Chaplain) and Christy Sheaff (Retreats & Liturgy).
    2. 2026-27 Priests | Diocese of Des Moinesdmdiocese.org/filesimages/Communicatons/Diocesan%20Directory/2026-27%20Priests.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Rev. Reed Flood Vicar General Chaplain Moderator of the Diocesan Dowling Catholic High School”
      The diocesan directory of priests lists Rev. Reed Flood as Chaplain, Dowling Catholic High School (the PDF is set in two columns; 'Vicar General' and 'Moderator of the Diocesan' belong to the adjacent entry).
    3. 2026-2027 Student/Family Handbook | Dowling Catholic High Schooldocs.google.com/document/d/1fVV8M11N1j9dCtmCHOd-ZhFz0w4gvIV8fvGzIb9ZtT0/export?format=txt · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “With the assistance of a chaplain, the spirituality of students at Dowling Catholic is nurtured in many ways, including: * All-school prayer at the beginning and end of each school day * Morning prayer in the chapel on various days throughout the week * Daily Mass offered in the chapel * All-school Masses throughout the year * All-class Masses (1 per class per semester)”
      The 2026-27 handbook lists all-school prayer at the start and end of each day, daily Mass, all-school Masses during the year and one Mass per class each semester.
ATheology and curriculum: 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.

Theology and curriculum

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (Students earn 0.5 theology credit every semester of attendance; with eight classes per semester, a full-year course is 1 credit; eight semesters equal four full-year equivalents. Theology is taken in every grade. The graduation requirements page also lists 4 theology credits.)
    Sources (2)
    1. 2026-2027 Student/Family Handbook | Dowling Catholic High Schooldocs.google.com/document/d/1fVV8M11N1j9dCtmCHOd-ZhFz0w4gvIV8fvGzIb9ZtT0/export?format=txt · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “To receive a diploma from Dowling Catholic, a student must earn 32 units of credit, which would include .5 credits in Theology each semester of attendance.”
      Students earn 0.5 theology credit every semester they attend.
    2. Graduation Requirements | Dowling Catholic High Schooldowlingcatholic.org/academics/graduation-requirements · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “To receive a diploma from Dowling Catholic, students must earn 32 units of credit and complete 80 hours of Christian service. Each student is enrolled in eight classes per semester. Students receive 8.75 units of credit each year.”
      Students take eight classes per semester and must complete 80 hours of Christian service to graduate.
  • Not enough information: 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.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Yes (The handbook says the curriculum is infused with faith, and the welcome page says faith and values are incorporated into the curriculum and daily routine.)
    Sources (2)
    1. 2026-2027 Student/Family Handbook | Dowling Catholic High Schooldocs.google.com/document/d/1fVV8M11N1j9dCtmCHOd-ZhFz0w4gvIV8fvGzIb9ZtT0/export?format=txt · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The curriculum at Dowling Catholic is infused with faith to create an environment of faith and academic excellence daily.”
      The school states that its curriculum is infused with faith.
    2. Welcome to DCHS | Dowling Catholic High Schooldowlingcatholic.org/about-dchs/welcome-to-dchs · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “As a Catholic school, our focus is to provide your student with an educational setting where faith and values are incorporated into the curriculum and daily routine to provide a foundation for success.”
      The school says faith and values are incorporated into the curriculum.
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: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (A required day-long retreat for all freshmen, plus Metanoia (grade 9), Quest (grade 10), Kairos (grade 11) and a senior retreat (Suscipe in the handbook. Encounter: Drink, See, Rise! on the faith page) and a spring Senior Day of Reflection. Retreats after freshman year are offered as opportunities.)
    Sources (2)
    1. 2026-2027 Student/Family Handbook | Dowling Catholic High Schooldocs.google.com/document/d/1fVV8M11N1j9dCtmCHOd-ZhFz0w4gvIV8fvGzIb9ZtT0/export?format=txt · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “* Reconciliation services during Lent * Weekly Rosary after school * Retreat opportunities: Suscipe for seniors; Kairos for juniors; Quest for sophomores, Metanoia for freshmen and a Retreat for all freshmen at Dowling Catholic.”
      The handbook lists Lenten reconciliation services, a weekly Rosary, and retreats for every grade.
    2. Faith | Dowling Catholic High Schooldowlingcatholic.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “All freshmen attend a day-long retreat in the fall led by nationally renowned Catholic speakers, DCHS faculty and a group of DCHS seniors.”
      All freshmen attend a day-long fall retreat.
      “Quest is a 24-hour retreat opportunity for sophomores. The retreat takes place at the St. Thomas More Center in Panora, IA, and runs from Sunday noon through Monday afternoon.”
      Quest is a 24-hour sophomore retreat.
      “Kairos is a four-day retreat available to juniors.”
      Kairos is a four-day retreat available to juniors.
      “Encounter: Drink, See, Rise! is a Catholic High School Senior retreat centered on three transformative Gospel encounters with Jesus”
      The faith page lists a senior retreat, Encounter: Drink, See, Rise!
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (6 people listed on the faith page team: Director of Campus Ministry, Chaplain, Theology Department Chair, Retreats & Liturgy, and two people with no listed role. At least three hold ministry roles.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith | Dowling Catholic High Schooldowlingcatholic.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “List of 6 members. Stephanie Parks Director of Campus Ministry Reed Flood Chaplain Terry Clark Theology Department Chair Christy Sheaff Retreats & Liturgy Drew Croegaert Peyton Jameson”
      The faith page lists six team members, including Stephanie Parks (Director of Campus Ministry), Reed Flood (Chaplain) and Christy Sheaff (Retreats & Liturgy).
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Ut Fidem (Serva Fidem) small groups, Students for Life Club, Men's Sacred Chorus and Huddle, plus a weekly Rosary after school.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Faith | Dowling Catholic High Schooldowlingcatholic.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Serva Fidem supports students in forming deep, personal relationships with Christ through small group ministry and faith mentoring.”
      Serva Fidem (Ut Fidem) offers small-group ministry and faith mentoring.
      “Through weekly meetings, educational activities, and fundraisers the Dowling Catholic Students for Life Club seeks to promote and reflect the Catholic Church’s consistent ethic of life which respects all human life from conception until natural death.”
      A Students for Life Club meets weekly.
      “The Men’s Sacred Chorus is a group of singers who wish to lift up their voices for the glory of God. We sing various kinds of Gregorian and Eastern chants in addition to Sacred Polyphony for daily Mass.”
      The Men's Sacred Chorus sings chant and polyphony for daily Mass.
    2. Ut Fidem | Dowling Catholic High Schooldowlingcatholic.org/ut-fidem · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Ut Fidem supports students in forming deep, personal relationships with Jesus Christ through weekly small groups of 5-6 and are actively discipled by an adult faith mentor.”
      Ut Fidem groups of five or six students meet weekly with an adult mentor.
    3. Activities | Dowling Catholic High Schooldowlingcatholic.org/student-life/activities · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Huddle is a group that seeks to connect student-athletes on campus and provide a space where they can support and encourage one another in both their faith and athletics.”
      Huddle is a faith group for student-athletes.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (Prayer at the start of the day, the start of every class and the end of the day, and daily Masses before school and during PRIME Time.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Student/Family Handbook | Dowling Catholic High Schooldocs.google.com/document/d/1fVV8M11N1j9dCtmCHOd-ZhFz0w4gvIV8fvGzIb9ZtT0/export?format=txt · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Students can participate through prayer daily at the beginning of the day, start of every class, and at the conclusion of the school day. Liturgy plays a role in the development of servant leadership through daily Masses offered before school and during PRIME Time. The entire school gathers for liturgy to celebrate various feast days during the school year.”
      Prayer opens the day and every class and closes the day; daily Masses are offered before school and during PRIME Time; the whole school gathers for feast-day liturgies.
      “With the assistance of a chaplain, the spirituality of students at Dowling Catholic is nurtured in many ways, including: * All-school prayer at the beginning and end of each school day * Morning prayer in the chapel on various days throughout the week * Daily Mass offered in the chapel * All-school Masses throughout the year * All-class Masses (1 per class per semester)”
      The 2026-27 handbook lists all-school prayer at the start and end of each day, daily Mass, all-school Masses during the year and one Mass per class each semester.
AService and Catholic social teaching: 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.

Service and Catholic social teaching

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required service hours40 or more hours over four years (80 hours of Christian service over four years (ten hours and a reflection paper each semester).)
    Sources (2)
    1. 2026-2027 Student/Family Handbook | Dowling Catholic High Schooldocs.google.com/document/d/1fVV8M11N1j9dCtmCHOd-ZhFz0w4gvIV8fvGzIb9ZtT0/export?format=txt · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Students are required to earn 2.0 units of Service Hours credit prior to graduation by completing 80 hours of Christian service over four years.”
      Graduation requires 80 hours of Christian service over four years.
    2. Graduation Requirements | Dowling Catholic High Schooldowlingcatholic.org/academics/graduation-requirements · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “To receive a diploma from Dowling Catholic, students must earn 32 units of credit and complete 80 hours of Christian service. Each student is enrolled in eight classes per semester. Students receive 8.75 units of credit each year.”
      Students take eight classes per semester and must complete 80 hours of Christian service to graduate.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Yes (Students for Life Club with weekly meetings.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith | Dowling Catholic High Schooldowlingcatholic.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Through weekly meetings, educational activities, and fundraisers the Dowling Catholic Students for Life Club seeks to promote and reflect the Catholic Church’s consistent ethic of life which respects all human life from conception until natural death.”
      A Students for Life Club meets weekly.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Service of Solidarity, the Terra Livre Club (solidarity with Goiania, Brazil, with some spring-break trips) and Habitat for Humanity.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Activities | Dowling Catholic High Schooldowlingcatholic.org/student-life/activities · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Service Of Solidarity (SOS) An organization that helps the children of families who attend an ELL (English Language Learner) class at Trinity United Methodist Church in Des Moines, IA.”
      Service of Solidarity serves children of families in an English-language-learner class.
      “Assisting the work of Terra Livre in Goiania, Brazil. Students work to understand the poverty of Brazil and in solidarity attempt to eliminate poverty here at home. Some years a trip to Goiania is planned for Spring Break.”
      The Terra Livre Club supports work in Goiania, Brazil, with an occasional spring-break trip.
      “Habitat For Humanity Work in partnership with God and volunteers to eliminate poverty housing.”
      A Habitat for Humanity club is listed.

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

Strengths

  • Mass is offered twice each school day in St. Joseph Chapel, before school and during PRIME Time.
    Sources (2)
    1. Faith | Dowling Catholic High Schooldowlingcatholic.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Daily Mass in St. Joseph Chapel Monday - Friday 7:15 am, Primetime”
      Daily Mass is offered Monday-Friday at 7:15 AM and during PRIME Time in St. Joseph Chapel.
    2. 2026-2027 Student/Family Handbook | Dowling Catholic High Schooldocs.google.com/document/d/1fVV8M11N1j9dCtmCHOd-ZhFz0w4gvIV8fvGzIb9ZtT0/export?format=txt · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “they may request to attend PRIME Time Mass in the Chapel or be seen for Reconciliation.”
      Students may attend PRIME Time Mass in the chapel or go to Reconciliation during PRIME Time.
      “Students can participate through prayer daily at the beginning of the day, start of every class, and at the conclusion of the school day. Liturgy plays a role in the development of servant leadership through daily Masses offered before school and during PRIME Time. The entire school gathers for liturgy to celebrate various feast days during the school year.”
      Prayer opens the day and every class and closes the day; daily Masses are offered before school and during PRIME Time; the whole school gathers for feast-day liturgies.
  • Eucharistic adoration is available most school days from 8 AM to 2:30 PM, and confession is available most school days.
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith | Dowling Catholic High Schooldowlingcatholic.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is available in the St. Joseph chapel from 8 am to 2:30 pm most days when school is in session at DCHS. Students may stop in between classes and during lunch to say hello to Jesus!”
      Eucharistic adoration is available in St. Joseph Chapel from 8 AM to 2:30 PM most school days.
      “Reconciliation is available most days during Prime Time and immediately after school in the Father Acrea Sacristy in the Narthex. Thank you to our DCHS priests and area retired priests for offering this sacrament for our students!”
      Confession is available most school days during PRIME Time and right after school.
  • A diocesan priest, Rev. Reed Flood, is listed as school chaplain.
    Sources (2)
    1. Faith | Dowling Catholic High Schooldowlingcatholic.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “List of 6 members. Stephanie Parks Director of Campus Ministry Reed Flood Chaplain Terry Clark Theology Department Chair Christy Sheaff Retreats & Liturgy Drew Croegaert Peyton Jameson”
      The faith page lists six team members, including Stephanie Parks (Director of Campus Ministry), Reed Flood (Chaplain) and Christy Sheaff (Retreats & Liturgy).
    2. 2026-27 Priests | Diocese of Des Moinesdmdiocese.org/filesimages/Communicatons/Diocesan%20Directory/2026-27%20Priests.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Rev. Reed Flood Vicar General Chaplain Moderator of the Diocesan Dowling Catholic High School”
      The diocesan directory of priests lists Rev. Reed Flood as Chaplain, Dowling Catholic High School (the PDF is set in two columns; 'Vicar General' and 'Moderator of the Diocesan' belong to the adjacent entry).
  • Students take theology every semester and complete 80 hours of Christian service.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Student/Family Handbook | Dowling Catholic High Schooldocs.google.com/document/d/1fVV8M11N1j9dCtmCHOd-ZhFz0w4gvIV8fvGzIb9ZtT0/export?format=txt · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “To receive a diploma from Dowling Catholic, a student must earn 32 units of credit, which would include .5 credits in Theology each semester of attendance.”
      Students earn 0.5 theology credit every semester they attend.
      “Students are required to earn 2.0 units of Service Hours credit prior to graduation by completing 80 hours of Christian service over four years.”
      Graduation requires 80 hours of Christian service over four years.

Concerns

  • Published pages describe all-school Masses 'throughout the year' and one Mass per class each semester.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Student/Family Handbook | Dowling Catholic High Schooldocs.google.com/document/d/1fVV8M11N1j9dCtmCHOd-ZhFz0w4gvIV8fvGzIb9ZtT0/export?format=txt · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “With the assistance of a chaplain, the spirituality of students at Dowling Catholic is nurtured in many ways, including: * All-school prayer at the beginning and end of each school day * Morning prayer in the chapel on various days throughout the week * Daily Mass offered in the chapel * All-school Masses throughout the year * All-class Masses (1 per class per semester)”
      The 2026-27 handbook lists all-school prayer at the start and end of each day, daily Mass, all-school Masses during the year and one Mass per class each semester.
      “Students can participate through prayer daily at the beginning of the day, start of every class, and at the conclusion of the school day. Liturgy plays a role in the development of servant leadership through daily Masses offered before school and during PRIME Time. The entire school gathers for liturgy to celebrate various feast days during the school year.”
      Prayer opens the day and every class and closes the day; daily Masses are offered before school and during PRIME Time; the whole school gathers for feast-day liturgies.
  • Only the freshman day retreat is described as attended by all students. Quest, Kairos and the senior retreat are offered as opportunities, and the senior retreat has a $190 fee.
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith | Dowling Catholic High Schooldowlingcatholic.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “All freshmen attend a day-long retreat in the fall led by nationally renowned Catholic speakers, DCHS faculty and a group of DCHS seniors.”
      All freshmen attend a day-long fall retreat.
      “Quest is a 24-hour retreat opportunity for sophomores. The retreat takes place at the St. Thomas More Center in Panora, IA, and runs from Sunday noon through Monday afternoon.”
      Quest is a 24-hour sophomore retreat.
      “Kairos is a four-day retreat available to juniors.”
      Kairos is a four-day retreat available to juniors.
      “Encounter: Drink, See, Rise! is a Catholic High School Senior retreat centered on three transformative Gospel encounters with Jesus”
      The faith page lists a senior retreat, Encounter: Drink, See, Rise!

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Formation & Ministry and St. Joseph Chapel, Dowling Catholic High School

  • Address: 1400 Buffalo Rd., West Des Moines, IA 50265
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel, sacristy for confession

View on map ↗

Source: dowlingcatholic.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, dowlingcatholic.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, dowlingcatholic.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, dowlingcatholic.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026, dowlingcatholic.org, verified Oct. 8, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

19 groups and regular activities · 11 on campus, 8 off campus

Retreats 6

  • MetanoiaOff campus
    Feb. 28-Mar. 1 and Apr. 11-12, 2027
    Overnight freshman retreat led by seniors at St. Thomas More Center in Panora, Iowa, with talks, small groups, prayer and Mass.
  • QuestOff campus
    Nov. 15-16, 2026 and Jan. 24-25, 2027
    24-hour sophomore retreat at St. Thomas More Center in Panora, Iowa, led by seniors and faculty.
  • KairosOff campus
    Seven sessions, Oct. 2026-May 2027
    Four-day junior retreat at the Creighton Retreat Center near Griswold, Iowa, led by students and faculty.
  • Encounter: Drink, See, Rise! senior retreatOff campus
    January 15-17
    Senior retreat at St. Thomas More Center in Panora, Iowa, facilitated by Father P.J. McManus; cost $190 with scholarships available.
  • Freshman Retreat (Get Your Heart in the Game)On campus
    Fall
    Day-long retreat for all freshmen led by Catholic speakers, faculty and seniors, part of the Freshman Month of Welcome.
  • Senior Day of ReflectionOn campus
    Spring
    Spring day of reflection for seniors on their time at the school.

Service 6

  • Christian Service Hours programOff campus
    80 hours of Christian service over four years, ten hours and a reflection paper each semester; a service cord for 210 or more hours.
  • Service of Solidarity (SOS)Off campus
    Serves children of families in an English-language-learner class at Trinity United Methodist Church in Des Moines.
  • Habitat for HumanityOff campus
    Club working with Habitat for Humanity to eliminate poverty housing.
  • St. Joseph Fall ProjectOff campus
    Annually, usually a Sunday in the fall
    Annual all-school project to raise money for or serve a cause, coordinated by the senior Leadership Team.
  • Terra Livre ClubOn campus
    Supports the work of Terra Livre in Goiania, Brazil, and works against poverty locally; some years include a spring-break trip to Goiania.
  • Christmas BasketsOn campus
    Christmas season
    All-school project led by the senior class to assist families in need at Christmas.

Faith formation 1

  • Ut Fidem (Serva Fidem) small groupsOn campus
    Weekly
    Weekly small groups of five or six students with an adult faith mentor, focused on prayer, the sacraments and Church teaching.

Clubs and groups 2

  • Students for Life ClubOn campus
    Weekly
    Club with weekly meetings, educational activities and fundraisers promoting respect for human life from conception to natural death.
  • HuddleOn campus
    Group where student-athletes support one another in faith and athletics.

Liturgy and prayer 4

  • ReviveOn campus
    One Thursday a month, 6 PM
    Evening of witness, praise, Eucharistic adoration and confession.
  • Men's Sacred ChorusOn campus
    Singers who provide Gregorian and Eastern chant and sacred polyphony for daily Mass.
  • Weekly RosaryOn campus
    Weekly, after school
    Rosary prayed after school.
  • Morning prayer in the chapelOn campus
    Morning prayer in the chapel on various days of the week.

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. Faith | Dowling Catholic High Schooldowlingcatholic.org/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “List of 6 members. Stephanie Parks Director of Campus Ministry Reed Flood Chaplain Terry Clark Theology Department Chair Christy Sheaff Retreats & Liturgy Drew Croegaert Peyton Jameson”
    The faith page lists six team members, including Stephanie Parks (Director of Campus Ministry), Reed Flood (Chaplain) and Christy Sheaff (Retreats & Liturgy).
    “Daily Mass in St. Joseph Chapel Monday - Friday 7:15 am, Primetime”
    Daily Mass is offered Monday-Friday at 7:15 AM and during PRIME Time in St. Joseph Chapel.
    “Reconciliation is available most days during Prime Time and immediately after school in the Father Acrea Sacristy in the Narthex. Thank you to our DCHS priests and area retired priests for offering this sacrament for our students!”
    Confession is available most school days during PRIME Time and right after school.
    “Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is available in the St. Joseph chapel from 8 am to 2:30 pm most days when school is in session at DCHS. Students may stop in between classes and during lunch to say hello to Jesus!”
    Eucharistic adoration is available in St. Joseph Chapel from 8 AM to 2:30 PM most school days.
    “Dowling Catholic High School 1400 Buffalo Rd. West Des Moines, IA 50265 Main: 515-225-3000”
    The school is at 1400 Buffalo Rd., West Des Moines, IA 50265.
  2. Contact | Dowling Catholic High Schooldowlingcatholic.org/contact · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Formation & Ministry 515.222.1083”
    The Formation & Ministry office phone is 515-222-1083.
    “Formation & Ministry 515.222.1083”
    The Formation & Ministry office phone is 515-222-1083.
  3. Ut Fidem | Dowling Catholic High Schooldowlingcatholic.org/ut-fidem · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Ut Fidem supports students in forming deep, personal relationships with Jesus Christ through weekly small groups of 5-6 and are actively discipled by an adult faith mentor.”
    Ut Fidem groups of five or six students meet weekly with an adult mentor.

Reach out

Contact details for Rev. Reed Flood (Chaplain) and 5 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

Sign in Create a free account

We keep campus ministers’ emails behind sign-in to protect them from spam.

My rating and notes

Sign in or create a free account to rate this school privately, keep notes, and save it to your list.

Academic Excellence

BAcademic Excellence: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
81 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.97%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.14.6 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

TypeDiocesan school
DioceseDiocese of Des Moines, IA
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)1,354
Students in grades 9–121,354
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio14.6 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges97%
SettingCity

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

Diocese of Des Moines

The Most Reverend William M. Joensen, Bishop of Des Moines

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Dowling Catholic High School a Catholic high school?
Yes. Dowling Catholic High School is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Des Moines. Its sponsor is Diocese of Des Moines.
What is Dowling Catholic High School’s Compass Score?
91 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at Dowling Catholic High School?
Mass is listed at St. Joseph Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is Dowling Catholic High School Compass Recommended?
Yes. Dowling Catholic High School meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

Reviews

Personal experiences from signed-in readers. Reviews are moderated automatically and never change a school’s grades.

No reviews yet.

Sign in to write a review.

More in Iowa · Iowa rankings