Dowling Catholic High School

Dowling Catholic High School

Private High School | Grade 9-12
1400 Buffalo Rd,  West Des Moines, IA
4.2
4.8
1,391 Students
A
Niche Grade

School Details

Student Teacher Ratio
14:1
Average SAT Score
1310
Average ACT Score
27
Average GPA
3.72
Graduation Rate
100%
Annual Tuition
$9,132
Religious Affiliation
Catholic

Niche Grade

A
Academics
B+
Teachers
A
College Prep
A-
Resources/Facilities
A+
Clubs and Activities
A
Sports
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Average GPA
3.72
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
14:1
Teachers
104
Full Time Teachers
98
Part Time Teachers
6
College Prep
Average SAT
1310
Math
660
Verbal
650
Average ACT
27
Math
25
English
27
Reading
28
Science
26
Number of AP Courses
17
Four-Year Matriculation Rate
92%

GreatSchools Rating Details

Student Diversity

White
72.2%
Hispanic
13%
Asian or Pacific Islander
7%
Black
5.3%
Two or more races
2.3%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
<1%
Native American
<1%

School Rankings

#1 Best Catholic Schools in Iowa
#4 Best HS For Athletes in Iowa
Source: Niche

Specialty School Programs

AP Programs Offered
Athletics Program

Colleges Students are Considering

Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
University of Iowa 449 Students
Iowa State University 391 Students
Creighton University 152 Students
Drake University 147 Students
University of Northern Iowa 113 Students
Loyola University Chicago 77 Students
University of Notre Dame 75 Students
University of Missouri 72 Students
Saint Louis University 71 Students
Des Moines Area Community College 70 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Business 171 Students
Psychology 90 Students
Biology 83 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies 78 Students
Nursing 67 Students
Marketing 60 Students
Pre-Law Studies 57 Students
Finance 53 Students
Engineering 47 Students
Political Science and Government 45 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.2 234 Reviews
5.0 Senior
3/4/2025
Dowling Catholic´s facility is very nice on the outside. with over 100 different types of trees, baseball, and stadium around the school. The teachers are very helpful and educated in their curriculars. The food is one of the best i have tried at a high school especially for a private school. Administration is pretty okay and sometimes can be very strict. but in general, Dowling is a very good school.
5.0 Senior
4/15/2024
Prepared me very well for any type of college and broadened my educational capabilities within four years.
5.0 Senior
4/11/2024
My experience at Dowling Catholic has been nothing short of phenomenal. The student to teacher ratio is perfect with teachers always available for assistance. The culture at Dowling is lively with over 90% of students participating either in sports or extracurricular activity. I feel safe at this school. It helps that I know I'm getting the best education available.
GreatSchools Reviews
4.8 4 Reviews
5.0 parent
10/31/2022
Great School. Great parent and teacher involvement. Great Community
5.0 other
2/23/2014
I am a student at DCHS and I can honestly say I can recommend it to anyone in the area. Good grades will open up a wide range of opportunities, but average or less advanced students still find their way. DCHS offers a wide range of classes and activities to meet new people. Including many Advance &...
5.0 parent
7/13/2011
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 Cat...
4.0 parent
6/12/2011
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...

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Dowling Catholic High School is a private Catholic school for students in grades 9-12 located at 1400 Buffalo Rd in West Des Moines, in the West Des Moines neighborhood. Annual tuition is $9,132. The school has a total enrollment of 1,391 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 14:1. Dowling Catholic High School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of A. The average GPA is 3.72, the graduation rate is 100%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1310 and an ACT score of 27. The average home value in this area is $359,759. Discover additional schools in the area, like Valley High School, Roosevelt High School, Sacred Heart School, and more. Learn more about what West Des Moines has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Dowling Catholic High School.

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