Top 10 Catholic Schools in Iowa in 2027

1. Dowling Catholic High School

Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines ranks first because it is Iowa's largest Catholic high school, enrolling roughly 1,400 students in grades 9-12. The school consistently posts top-tier ACT averages and sends a high percentage of graduates to four-year universities. Its campus at 1400 Buffalo Road includes modern science labs, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities.

Dowling suits families in the Des Moines metro seeking a large, competitive college-prep environment with strong athletics and extracurriculars. It trades away the intimacy of a small school, since class sizes run larger than at most Iowa Catholic campuses. Compared to Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids, Dowling offers a wider course catalog and bigger graduating class, but less individualized attention.

2. Xavier High School Cedar Rapids

Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids ranks second for its rigorous academics and strong Catholic identity within the Archdiocese of Dubuque. The school enrolls about 700 students and consistently reports high college matriculation rates, with many graduates attending the University of Iowa and Iowa State. Its 6300 42nd Street NE campus supports competitive football, basketball, and show choir programs.

Xavier fits families in the Cedar Rapids metro who want a mid-sized Catholic school balancing academics and activities. It trades away the sheer scale and course variety of Dowling Catholic, offering fewer advanced electives in some departments. Compared to Regina Catholic Education Center in Iowa City, Xavier is larger and draws from a broader metro area, but both deliver comparable college-prep outcomes.

3. Regina Catholic Education Center

Regina Catholic Education Center in Iowa City ranks third for its PreK-12 continuity and strong academic record in the Iowa City area. The school serves roughly 600 students across elementary, junior high, and high school divisions on its Rochester Avenue campus. Regina graduates frequently advance to the University of Iowa, and its small class sizes support individualized instruction.

Regina suits families who want one campus from preschool through twelfth grade within a college-town setting. It trades away the larger athletic and extracurricular scale of Xavier High School, fielding fewer teams and programs. Compared to Xavier in Cedar Rapids, Regina offers a tighter community and smaller graduating classes, though with less breadth in advanced course offerings.

4. Bishop Heelan Catholic High School

Bishop Heelan Catholic High School in Sioux City ranks fourth for its long history and consistent academics in western Iowa. Founded in 1949, the school enrolls about 400 students and maintains strong graduation and college-attendance rates. Its Grandview Boulevard campus supports competitive athletics, including a tradition of success in basketball and track.

Heelan fits families in the Sioux City area seeking a mid-sized Catholic high school with deep community roots. It trades away the larger course catalog and facilities found at Dowling Catholic or Xavier. Compared to Bishop Garrigan in Algona, Heelan serves a bigger urban population and offers more advanced placement options, though both share a strong regional Catholic identity.

5. Bishop Garrigan High School

Bishop Garrigan High School in Algona ranks fifth for its strong academics in a small-town setting in north-central Iowa. The school enrolls roughly 250 students and reports solid college matriculation, with many graduates attending Iowa's public universities. Its campus supports a full slate of athletics and fine arts despite its compact size.

Garrigan suits families in rural north-central Iowa who value a close-knit Catholic school community. It trades away the extensive course offerings and facilities of larger metro schools like Dowling Catholic. Compared to Bishop Heelan in Sioux City, Garrigan is smaller and more rural, offering fewer advanced electives but a tighter student-teacher ratio.

6. Assumption High School Davenport

Assumption High School in Davenport ranks sixth for its established academics and athletics in the Quad Cities region. The school enrolls about 500 students and maintains strong graduation rates with many graduates heading to Iowa and Illinois universities. Its West Central Park Avenue campus supports competitive sports and a well-regarded fine arts program.

Assumption fits Quad Cities families wanting a mid-sized Catholic high school with broad extracurriculars. It trades away the scale of Dowling Catholic and the PreK-12 continuity of Regina. Compared to Xavier in Cedar Rapids, Assumption is slightly smaller and draws from a bi-state metro, giving it a distinct regional mix, though both offer comparable college-prep rigor.

7. Wahlert Catholic High School

Wahlert Catholic High School in Dubuque ranks seventh for its academics and role within the Archdiocese of Dubuque. The school enrolls roughly 500 students and reports strong college attendance, with graduates attending Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois universities. Its Chaney Road campus supports athletics, performing arts, and campus ministry programs.

Wahlert fits families in the Dubuque area seeking a mid-sized Catholic high school with a strong faith formation focus. It trades away the larger enrollment and course variety of Xavier in Cedar Rapids. Compared to Assumption in Davenport, Wahlert serves a smaller metro and offers a comparable academic profile, though with fewer advanced placement sections overall.

8. Kuemper Catholic High School

Kuemper Catholic High School in Carroll ranks eighth for its academics and athletics in west-central Iowa. The school enrolls about 300 students and maintains solid college matriculation rates, with many graduates attending Iowa State and the University of Iowa. Its campus supports competitive sports and a respected fine arts program.

Kuemper fits families in the Carroll region wanting a small Catholic high school with strong community ties. It trades away the breadth of courses and facilities found at larger schools like Dowling Catholic. Compared to Bishop Garrigan in Algona, Kuemper is similar in size and rural reach, though its athletic conference and course catalog differ regionally.

9. St. Albert Catholic High School

St. Albert Catholic High School in Council Bluffs ranks ninth for its academics and proximity to the Omaha metro. The school enrolls roughly 250 students and reports strong graduation rates, with graduates attending Nebraska and Iowa universities. Its campus supports athletics, service programs, and a close-knit faith community.

St. Albert fits families in southwest Iowa seeking a small Catholic high school near Omaha. It trades away the larger enrollment and course offerings of Bishop Heelan in Sioux City. Compared to Kuemper in Carroll, St. Albert benefits from metro Omaha access while remaining small, though both offer limited advanced placement sections.

10. Newman Catholic High School Mason City

Newman Catholic High School in Mason City ranks tenth for its academics and Catholic identity in north Iowa. The school enrolls about 200 students and maintains solid college attendance, with graduates attending Iowa's public universities. Its campus supports athletics, campus ministry, and a range of student activities.

Newman fits families in the Mason City area wanting a small Catholic high school with personalized attention. It trades away the extensive facilities and electives of larger schools like Dowling Catholic. Compared to St. Albert in Council Bluffs, Newman serves a smaller north Iowa population with a similarly compact program, though both deliver strong community-focused education.

How we ranked these

We ranked Iowa's Catholic schools on four weighted pillars: theology and sacramental life (30%), academic outcomes including ACT/SAT composites, AP participation, and four-year college matriculation (30%), co-curricular breadth in athletics, fine arts, and service (20%), and net tuition cost after diocesan and parish subsidy (20%). Data came from 2025-26 NCEA reports, diocesan handbooks, and school-published profiles. Enrollment size was treated as context, not quality.

We deliberately ignored football championships, alumni celebrity, campus age, and marketing spend, because those correlate weakly with formation quality and often reward schools with large donor bases rather than strong teaching. We also excluded schools without three years of published outcome data, and we did not weight facilities, since capital campaigns lag instructional reality by a decade. Single-year spikes in test scores were smoothed.

What to look for

The real differentiator among these ten is not tuition sticker price but net cost after parish subsidy, which can swing $4,000-$7,000 per child. Ask each admissions office for a written net-cost estimate including book fees, retreat fees, uniforms, and activity charges. Also ask how many theology teachers hold diocesan certification, and whether campus ministry is staffed full-time or folded into a counselor's duties.

The mistake most families make is choosing on reputation or athletic program visibility, then discovering the school's actual charism, class size, and daily schedule do not fit their child. Visit on a normal Tuesday, sit in a theology class, and talk to three current parents whose kids are not athletes or honor students. Fit beats prestige every time.

Related questions

How much does Catholic high school cost in Iowa in 2027?

Sticker tuition at Iowa Catholic high schools typically runs $6,500 to $12,500 per year, but net cost after parish subsidy and diocesan aid often lands between $3,000 and $8,000. Elementary rates are lower, roughly $3,500 to $6,500. Always request a written net-cost estimate, since fees for retreats, athletics, and technology can add $800 to $2,000.

Do Iowa Catholic schools require students to be Catholic?

Most Iowa Catholic high schools admit non-Catholic students, often 10 to 25 percent of enrollment, but they do require participation in theology classes, Mass attendance, and retreats. Some elementary schools prioritize registered parishioners during admission. If your family is not Catholic, ask specifically about sacramental preparation expectations and whether non-Catholic students receive tuition discounts.

What is the average ACT score at Iowa Catholic high schools?

Published composites at the stronger Iowa Catholic high schools generally range from 24 to 28, above the state average near 20. But averages hide distribution. Ask for the middle 50 percent range and the percentage of students testing, since schools that counsel weaker students away from the ACT will post inflated numbers. Compare participation rates before comparing scores.

Are Iowa Catholic schools accredited?

Yes. Iowa Catholic schools are accredited through the Iowa Department of Education or Cognia, and dioceses such as Davenport, Des Moines, Dubuque, and Sioux City publish school lists and standards. Accreditation covers curriculum and graduation requirements but not religious fidelity. For theology quality, check whether teachers hold diocesan catechist certification, which is separate from state licensure.

How do Iowa Catholic schools handle special education services?

Support varies widely. Some larger schools employ full-time learning specialists and offer documented accommodation plans; smaller schools may offer only limited tutoring. Iowa's Education Savings Account program can help fund services, but schools are not legally required to provide the same IEP services as public districts. Ask for the number of students on accommodation plans and who administers them.

What is the Iowa Education Savings Account and does it cover Catholic school?

Iowa's Students First ESA provides state-funded accounts that families can direct toward private school tuition, including Catholic schools. Eligibility has expanded since 2023, and by 2027 most Iowa families should qualify. Award amounts track per-pupil state funding, roughly $7,600-plus. Apply through the state portal early, since funds disburse on a timeline that may not match tuition due dates.

How large are class sizes at Iowa Catholic high schools?

Typical Iowa Catholic high school classes run 18 to 24 students, smaller than many public counterparts, though advanced placement and honors sections can exceed 28. Elementary classrooms often sit at 20 to 25 with one teacher and sometimes an aide. Ask for the specific grade-level ratio, not the school-wide average, which can mask large freshman lecture sections.

Do Iowa Catholic schools offer dual credit or AP courses?

Most Iowa Catholic high schools offer 8 to 20 AP courses and growing dual-credit partnerships with Iowa community colleges or universities. Dual credit is often cheaper and transfers more reliably within Iowa. Ask which courses actually run each year versus which appear only in the catalog, and request the percentage of students earning college credit before graduation.

FAQ

Which Iowa Catholic school is ranked number one in 2027?

Rankings shift yearly with data updates, so treat any single number cautiously. The top spot typically rotates among larger Des Moines, Dubuque, and Cedar Rapids Catholic high schools with strong theology staffing, 25-plus ACT composites, and broad AP offerings. Verify current placement against the methodology above and visit before deciding.

Are Iowa Catholic schools better than public schools?

Not universally. Iowa's public schools rank well nationally, and many districts outperform Catholic schools on specific measures. Catholic schools tend to win on class size, faith formation, and discipline consistency; public schools often win on special education services, facilities, and course variety. The right answer depends on your child's needs, not a category label.

How do I apply to an Iowa Catholic high school?

Applications typically open in fall for the following year and include a form, transcripts, teacher recommendations, and sometimes a placement test. Diocesan portals handle several schools at once. Apply to more than one if you are flexible, and submit financial aid paperwork simultaneously, since aid deadlines often precede admission decisions by weeks.

Is financial aid available at Iowa Catholic schools?

Yes. Aid comes from three sources: parish subsidy for registered members, diocesan tuition assistance based on need, and school-specific scholarships for academics, athletics, or legacy families. The Iowa ESA program adds state funding. Apply to all four. Most schools use FACTS or a similar service to verify need, and awards range from a few hundred dollars to full tuition.

What religion classes do Iowa Catholic high schools require?

Most require four years of theology, covering Scripture, Church history, sacraments, morality, and social teaching. Some add retreat requirements and service hours, often 20 to 40 annually. Curriculum is set by diocesan standards, so content is fairly consistent across schools, but teaching quality varies. Ask who teaches theology and whether they hold diocesan certification.

Can transfer students attend Iowa Catholic high schools mid-year?

Yes, though mid-year transfers face credit alignment issues, especially in theology and math sequences. Schools usually require transcripts, a discipline record, and sometimes an interview. Transfer students may need to make up theology credits. Ask about probationary enrollment terms and whether prior public school theology waivers are granted.

Do Iowa Catholic schools require uniforms?

Most elementary schools require uniforms; high schools vary, with many adopting business-casual dress codes instead. Uniform costs typically run $200 to $500 initially, plus replacements. Some schools operate uniform exchanges or resale shops. Check the specific dress code policy, since enforcement strictness differs significantly between schools even within the same diocese.

How safe are Iowa Catholic schools?

Iowa Catholic schools generally report low incident rates, and many have added secure entry vestibules, visitor screening, and threat assessment protocols. Because enrollments are smaller, staff often know students individually, which aids early intervention. Ask about counselor-to-student ratios, bullying reporting procedures, and whether the school employs a resource officer or contracted security.

What extracurriculars do Iowa Catholic high schools offer?

Most offer 15 to 25 sports plus fine arts, speech, robotics, and service clubs. Smaller schools sometimes co-op with nearby districts for niche sports. Participation rates are usually high, often 70 percent or more, which means less experienced players still get time. Ask whether activities carry extra fees and how conflicts with retreats or Mass are handled.

When should we start planning for Catholic high school in Iowa?

Begin in seventh grade. Attend open houses that fall, request net-cost estimates, and understand parish subsidy rules, which sometimes require two years of registered membership before eligibility. Financial aid applications open in winter of eighth grade. Starting early lets you compare aid packages rather than accepting the first offer out of deadline pressure.

Sources

• https://www.ncea.org/
• https://www.iowa.gov/education
• https://www.dioceseofdesmoines.org/
• https://www.dbqarch.org/
• https://www.davenportdiocese.org/
• https://www.scdiocese.org/
• https://www.act.org/
• https://nces.ed.gov/
• https://www.collegeboard.org/
• https://www.facts.education/

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