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

Catholic high school

Gehlen Catholic School

  • LocationLe Mars, IA
  • Type and sizeDiocesan school · Grades PK–12 · 496 students
Official website

Its campus ministry director, a faith formation director, a Christian Leadership Team, a Students for Life club and service programs such as Then Feed Just One and a Mission Honduras program are listed on its own pages.

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.

DSacramental life: Limited (grade D): 40 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

46 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • 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 (Student-led Masses are listed among what all students and staff take part in during the year or dates stated.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith, Values, Service - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/faith-values · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Student-led Masses”
      Student-led Masses are part of the school year for all students and staff.
      “Throughout the year, all students & staff will take part in the following:”
      The school lists the faith activities that all students and staff take part in during the year, without stating how often each is held.
  • 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.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearSeasonally (Advent, Lent) or a few times a year (Penance services are listed as part of the year or dates stated.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith, Values, Service - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/faith-values · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Penance services”
      Penance services are part of the school year for all students and staff.
      “Throughout the year, all students & staff will take part in the following:”
      The school lists the faith activities that all students and staff take part in during the year, without stating how often each is held.
  • 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.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (Student-led Masses are listed. The staff directory lists Fr. Doug Klein as pastor, without a chaplain role. Recorded at parttime.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Staff Directory - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/staff-directory · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Fr. Doug Klein Pastor”
      The staff directory lists Fr. Doug Klein as pastor.
    2. Faith, Values, Service - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/faith-values · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Student-led Masses”
      Student-led Masses are part of the school year for all students and staff.
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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    RetreatsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Two professional ministry roles are listed: the Director of Campus Ministry and the Director of Religious Education and Faith Formation (a deacon).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Staff Directory - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/staff-directory · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Director of Campus Ministry, CLT 712-546-4181 ext. 247”
      Alissa Schipper is the Director of Campus Ministry; the school phone extension is 712-546-4181 ext. 247.
      “Deacon Dan Goebel Director of Religious Education and Faith Formation”
      Deacon Dan Goebel is the Director of Religious Education and Faith Formation.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Students for Life and the Christian Leadership Team are listed as student organizations.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Student Organizations - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/student-organizations · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students for Life is an organization on campus that seeks to uphold the dignity of all human life from conception to natural death.”
      Students for Life is a student organization on campus that upholds the dignity of human life from conception to natural death.
      “Christian Leadership Team”
      The Christian Leadership Team is listed among the school's student organizations.
    2. Christian Leadership Team (CLT) - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/christian-leadership-team · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “CLT members lead small groups (Houses) in discipleship formation, organize and facilitate retreats, plan liturgies (including Mass and prayer services), plan various service projects, and expose students to social justice issues.”
      The Christian Leadership Team leads discipleship groups, retreats, liturgies including Mass, service projects and social justice awareness.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (Daily prayer and religion classes are listed for all students, and the school says students take part in daily prayer and liturgies.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Faith, Values, Service - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/faith-values · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Daily prayer and religion classes”
      Daily prayer and religion classes are part of the school year for all students and staff.
    2. Why Choose Gehlen? - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/why-choose-gehlen · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students participate in daily prayer, liturgies and service projects.”
      Students take part in daily prayer, liturgies and service projects.
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.
  • 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: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Yes (Students for Life is a student club on campus that advocates for the dignity of human life from conception to natural death.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Organizations - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/student-organizations · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students for Life is an organization on campus that seeks to uphold the dignity of all human life from conception to natural death.”
      Students for Life is a student organization on campus that upholds the dignity of human life from conception to natural death.
      “Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, we advocate strongly for the life and dignity of the human person”
      Students for Life advocates for the life and dignity of the human person, rooted in Catholic social teaching.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Then Feed Just One packs meals for hungry people, and the school's service page lists a Mission Honduras program.)
    Sources (2)
    1. How We Serve - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/service · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Then Feed Just One packing event”
      The school's service program includes a Then Feed Just One packing event.
      “Mission Honduras”
      The school's service program includes a Mission Honduras program.
    2. Then Feed Just One (TFJO) - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/then-feed-just-one · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “pays for everything involved in packing and shipping meals to the hungry”
      Then Feed Just One packs and ships meals for hungry people, with students and staff taking part.

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

Strengths

  • Daily prayer and religion classes are listed for all students and staff.
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith, Values, Service - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/faith-values · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Daily prayer and religion classes”
      Daily prayer and religion classes are part of the school year for all students and staff.
  • Two campus ministry leaders are listed, and there are at least two faith-based student groups.
    Sources (3)
    1. Staff Directory - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/staff-directory · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Director of Campus Ministry, CLT 712-546-4181 ext. 247”
      Alissa Schipper is the Director of Campus Ministry; the school phone extension is 712-546-4181 ext. 247.
    2. Student Organizations - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/student-organizations · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students for Life is an organization on campus that seeks to uphold the dignity of all human life from conception to natural death.”
      Students for Life is a student organization on campus that upholds the dignity of human life from conception to natural death.
    3. Christian Leadership Team (CLT) - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/christian-leadership-team · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “CLT members lead small groups (Houses) in discipleship formation, organize and facilitate retreats, plan liturgies (including Mass and prayer services), plan various service projects, and expose students to social justice issues.”
      The Christian Leadership Team leads discipleship groups, retreats, liturgies including Mass, service projects and social justice awareness.
  • Service programs include Then Feed Just One and a Mission Honduras program, and a pro-life club is active.
    Sources (3)
    1. Then Feed Just One (TFJO) - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/then-feed-just-one · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “pays for everything involved in packing and shipping meals to the hungry”
      Then Feed Just One packs and ships meals for hungry people, with students and staff taking part.
    2. How We Serve - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/service · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Mission Honduras”
      The school's service program includes a Mission Honduras program.
    3. Student Organizations - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/student-organizations · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students for Life is an organization on campus that seeks to uphold the dignity of all human life from conception to natural death.”
      Students for Life is a student organization on campus that upholds the dignity of human life from conception to natural death.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Gehlen Catholic Campus Ministry

  • Address: 709 Plymouth Street NE, Le Mars, IA 51031

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

Catholic clubs and student life

6 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 1 off campus, 5 location not published

Service 2

  • Mission HondurasOff campus
    A mission program with Honduras, listed on the school's service page.
    gehlencatholic.org
  • Then Feed Just One
    A school-wide meal-packing event. Students are encouraged to save $30 during the year, which pays for packing and shipping meals to people who are hungry.
    gehlencatholic.org, gehlencatholic.org

Faith formation 2

  • Christian Leadership Team
    A student leadership team and course that leads small discipleship groups, organizes retreats, plans liturgies including Mass and prayer services, plans service projects and covers social justice issues. Students are selected by application for one academic year.
    gehlencatholic.org, gehlencatholic.org
  • Veterans Day Prayer Service
    A prayer service held for Veterans Day, listed among the school's service programs. It is not a Mass.
    gehlencatholic.org

Clubs and groups 1

  • Students for Life
    A student organization on campus that advocates for the dignity of human life from conception to natural death, rooted in Catholic social teaching.
    gehlencatholic.org, gehlencatholic.org

Liturgy and prayer 1

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 (5)
  1. Staff Directory - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/staff-directory · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Director of Campus Ministry, CLT 712-546-4181 ext. 247”
    Alissa Schipper is the Director of Campus Ministry; the school phone extension is 712-546-4181 ext. 247.
    “Director of Campus Ministry, CLT 712-546-4181 ext. 247”
    Alissa Schipper is the Director of Campus Ministry; the school phone extension is 712-546-4181 ext. 247.
  2. How We Serve - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/service · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Then Feed Just One packing event”
    The school's service program includes a Then Feed Just One packing event.
  3. Student Organizations - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/student-organizations · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Students for Life is an organization on campus that seeks to uphold the dignity of all human life from conception to natural death.”
    Students for Life is a student organization on campus that upholds the dignity of human life from conception to natural death.
  4. Christian Leadership Team (CLT) - Gehlen Catholic Schoolgehlencatholic.org/christian-leadership-team · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “CLT members lead small groups (Houses) in discipleship formation, organize and facilitate retreats, plan liturgies (including Mass and prayer services), plan various service projects, and expose students to social justice issues.”
    The Christian Leadership Team leads discipleship groups, retreats, liturgies including Mass, service projects and social justice awareness.
  5. Gehlen Catholic School - Le Mars, IAgehlencatholic.org · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “709 Plymouth Street NE, Le Mars IA 51031”
    The school's address is 709 Plymouth Street NE, Le Mars, Iowa 51031.

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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.
82 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.95%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.12.4 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 Sioux City, IA
GradesPK–12
Students (all grades)496
Students in grades 9–12138
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio12.4 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges95%
SettingTown

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 Sioux City

The Most Reverend John E. Keehner Jr., Bishop of Sioux City

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Gehlen Catholic School a Catholic high school?
Yes. Gehlen Catholic School is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Sioux City.

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