Average
#131 of 157 private schools in IA
Dowling Catholic High School
High School
1400 BUFFALO RD, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on 13 schools in West Des Moines. Learn more
Enrollment
1,389
Student-Teacher
15.4:1
Score
5.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,389
Student-Teacher
15.4:1
Score
5.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2021-22
Updated 2021-22
How this school compares
In West Des Moines
#2 of 3
public schools
Iowa high schools
#13 of 14
About Dowling Catholic High School
Dowling Catholic High School serves grades 9–12 in West Des Moines, Iowa, with an enrollment of 1,389 students. The school has 90 full-time equivalent teachers, creating a student-teacher ratio of 15.4:1. As a regular public high school, it draws from the small city setting of West Des Moines and serves the 50265 area.
The school currently holds a MySchoolScout Rating of 3.6 out of 10 and ranks #140 out of 157 high schools statewide, placing it in Iowa's bottom percentile for academic performance. This indicates the school has significant room for academic growth and improvement across its programs. Without detailed test score data available, prospective families may want to reach out directly to the school to discuss current academic initiatives, support services, and opportunities for student success.
Dowling Catholic High School's location in West Des Moines provides students with access to a growing suburban community with various resources and opportunities typical of the greater Des Moines area.
What Parents Should Know
As a private school, Dowling Catholic High School operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.
Compare to Public Schools
BetaHow Dowling Catholic High School compares to the 14 public schools in West Des Moines, IA
Student Demographics
All Schools in West Des Moines
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Dowling Catholic High School (this school) | 5.2 |
| Walnut Creek Campus | 5.3 |
| Fairmeadows Elementary School | 4.7 |
| Hillside Elementary School | 5.5 |
| Stilwell Junior High School | 5.5 |
| Valley High School | 5.6 |
| Western Hills Elementary School | 5.3 |
| Crossroads Park Elementary School | 6.7 |
| Learning Resource Center | — |
| Valley Southwoods | 6.3 |
| Jordan Creek Elementary School | 6.3 |
| Westridge Elementary | 5.1 |
| Brookview Elementary School | 6.0 |
| Maple Grove Elementary School | 6.4 |
| Woodland Hills Elementary School | 6.6 |
Demographics sourced from NCES Private School Survey (PSS) and Common Core of Data (CCD). Comparisons are based on enrollment-weighted averages.
Score Breakdown
What This Rating Measures
This rating reflects classroom size, instructional time, student diversity, community resources, and school characteristics. Private schools are ranked against other private schools in IA.
Data Unavailable
View data sources
Score basis: Private school model
Data coverage: 80% of scoring components had data
Components scored: 4 of 5
Ranking pool: Private schools in IA
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 7 test records from IA state assessments. About our data
Student Demographics NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
Source: NCES Private School Survey (PSS)
Location
1400 BUFFALO RD, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Dowling Catholic High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Valley High School (rated 5.6/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Walnut Creek Campus (rated 5.3/10, 0.8 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in West Des Moines, see our West Des Moines schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Clive Learning Academy Des Moines | 0.9 mi | 7.6 |
| Walnut Creek Campus West Des Moines | 0.8 mi | 5.3 |
| SACRED HEART SCHOOL West Des Moines | 1.1 mi | 5.2 |
| AIRAZI ACADEMY West Des Moines | 1.0 mi | — |
| Stilwell Junior High School West Des Moines | 1.3 mi | 5.5 |
| Crestview School of Inquiry Clive | 1.2 mi | 5.0 |
| Fairmeadows Elementary School West Des Moines | 1.2 mi | 4.7 |
| Hillside Elementary School West Des Moines | 1.3 mi | 5.5 |
| Cowles Elementary School Des Moines | 1.2 mi | 6.0 |
| Windsor Elementary Des Moines | 1.3 mi | 6.2 |
| ST THERESA CATHOLIC SCHOOL Des Moines | 1.3 mi | 6.7 |
| Indian Hills Junior High School Clive | 1.4 mi | 8.1 |
| Karen Acres Elementary School Urbandale | 2.1 mi | 7.5 |
| Valley High School West Des Moines | 1.7 mi | 5.6 |
| MT OLIVE LUTHERAN SCHOOL Des Moines | 1.8 mi | 8.5 |
| Hanawalt Elementary Des Moines | 1.9 mi | 6.7 |
| MONTESSORI CHILDREN'S HOUSE West Des Moines | 1.8 mi | — |
| SHEPHERDS FLOCK EARLY LEARNING CENTER Wdm | 1.9 mi | — |
| Hillis Elementary School Des Moines | 2.1 mi | 5.5 |
| Merrill Middle School Des Moines | 1.9 mi | 6.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50265 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$84,588
Median Home Value
$267,600
Median Rent
$1,065/mo
Population
33,061
College Educated
48.5%
Homeownership
66%
Avg Commute
18.2 min
Poverty Rate
7.4%
Median Age
38.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding Dowling Catholic High School has a median household income of $84,588. It is a well-educated community where 49% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $267,600, with a median rent of $1,065/month. The local poverty rate of 7.4% is relatively low. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 18 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Abraham Lincoln High School Council Bluffs, IA | 5.3 |
| North High School Des Moines, IA | 5.3 |
| Dallas Center-Grimes High School Grimes, IA | 5.4 |
| Central High School Davenport, IA | 5.5 |
| East High School Sioux City, IA | 4.9 |
| North High School Davenport, IA | 5.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Dowling Catholic High School
What grades does Dowling Catholic High School serve?
Dowling Catholic High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Dowling Catholic High School?
Dowling Catholic High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,389 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Dowling Catholic High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Dowling Catholic High School is 15.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 11:1 for private schools.
How does Dowling Catholic High School rank in IA?
Dowling Catholic High School is ranked #131 out of 157 private schools in IA.
What is Dowling Catholic High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Dowling Catholic High School has a composite rating of 5.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Dowling Catholic High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Dowling Catholic High School has 85.6% math proficiency and 90.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Dowling Catholic High School a private school?
Yes, Dowling Catholic High School is a private coeducational school with a Roman Catholic affiliation. Private schools are not required to participate in state standardized testing, so academic performance data may be limited compared to public schools.
Is Dowling Catholic High School a religious school?
Dowling Catholic High School has a Roman Catholic religious affiliation.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (West Des Moines). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,389
- Gender Split
- 52% M / 48% F
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 90
- Type
- private
- Coed Status
- coed
- Affiliation
- Roman Catholic
- School Day
- 7 hours
- Days Per Year
- 180 days
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- POLK
- Phone
- (515) 222-1015
- Data Year
- 2022–2023
Resources & Links
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.