FAQs
How many schools are in the Diocese of Des Moines?
The Diocese of Des Moines is comprised of 17 schools. There are 15 elementary schools (pre-kindergarten – 8th grade) and two high schools.
Where are Catholic schools in the Diocese of Des Moines located?
Schools are located in Council Bluffs, Creston, Des Moines, Granger, Harlan, Perry, Urbandale and West Des Moines.
Where can I get information about the closest Catholic school?
There are a variety of ways to get information, for example, click on the Find a School link, call the school office, arrange to visit the school, attend an open house, (most schools hold an open house on the last Sunday in January), ask the pastor, talk with parents of currently enrolled students.
Note: Schools are closed during the month of July but individuals may contact the Diocesan Schools Office at 515-237-5013 with questions.
Are the schools accredited?
Yes, all Catholic schools in the Des Moines diocese are fully accredited by the State of Iowa.
Are all teachers licensed and endorsed to teach in their assigned area?
Yes, all teachers are licensed by the Board of Educational Examiners of the State of Iowa.
What are the student demographics for the Diocese of Des Moines schools?
Enrolled students: 6,506
Faith Background
Catholic: 92%
Non Catholic: 8%
Ethnicity
Caucasian: 83%
Hispanic: 9%
African American: 3%
Asian: 3%
Other: 2%
Gender
Male: 51%
Female: 49%
Is Financial Assistance Available?
All of our schools provide opportunities for financial assistance. Thanks to the generous support of donors, we are able to offer financial assistance through the Catholic Tuition Organization (CTO) and Project HOPE/ Brady Trust funds. Please contact your local Catholic school for information and application forms.
What is the Catholic Tuition Organization (CTO)?
The CTO is non-profit organization that grants tuition awards to families who need financial assistance. During the 2009-2010 school year, more than 1,200 students were able to afford Catholic education through the help of CTO. For more information, please contact your local Catholic school or visit the CTO website.
What if my child has special learning needs?
The Catholic schools strive to meet the needs of all children. However, due to a lack of trained personnel and facility limitations, not all special needs may be able to be met in Catholic schools. Through the services of the local Area Education Agency, the schools will work with the parents and students to ascertain the individual needs in order to determine if an appropriate educational program can be offered to meet those needs.
Do I need to be Catholic?
The Catholic faith is integral to all aspects of school life, however, approximately 8% of students are not Catholic in our schools. We welcome families of all faith traditions.
How can parents be involved in their children’s school experience?
Des Moines Diocese Catholic schools believe that parents are the primary educators of their children and encourage parents to be actively involved in their children’s school experience. The schools hold parent teacher conferences twice a year and parents can meet with teachers as needed throughout the year.
There are many opportunities to volunteer within the schools and individual classrooms, as well as with special projects or field trips. Each school has a Home & School Association that supports the school and promotes communication between parents, administration, faculty, staff and students. Every school also has an active Board of Education.
Are students involved in service projects?
Yes, all schools participate in various service projects throughout the school year. Projects benefit a variety of Catholic charities, non-profit organizations and causes. Contact your local school to learn more about the specific service projects for which students are involved.
How is technology used in the classroom?
Des Moines Diocese Catholic schools are committed to research based teaching strategies and innovative applications of technology. Classroom computers, interactive whiteboards, software programs, extensive computer labs and other equipment are integrated into most of the schools.
How is the school year structured?
The school year at K-8 schools is divided into trimesters. High schools are based on semesters.
Are extra curricular activities offered?
The two high schools in the Des Moines diocese offer vast opportunities for students to participate in numerous academic, fine arts, leadership, service, leisure and athletic extra curricular activities. Students in younger grades can also participate in a variety of opportunities. Contact your local school for more information.
What curriculum is used in the Des Moines Diocese Catholic schools?
Standards and Benchmarks are used in each subject area to guide teachers’ instruction and student assessment. Students are assessed on these Standards and Benchmarks using a web-based Standards-Based Reporting System. Currently, the Diocese of Des Moines schools are working toward implementation of the Iowa Core Curriculum mandated by the State of Iowa. The essential concepts and skills must be integrated into our high school by 2012 and our K-8 schools by 2014.
How can I apply to become a teacher or substitute teacher in the Des Moines Diocese Catholic schools?
If you would like to apply for teacher or substitute teacher positions at multiple Catholic schools in the Diocese of Des Moines, please email the Schools Office or call 515-237-5013. If you would like to apply at a specific school within the diocese, please contact that individual school.
|
