Discover the Difference: Now Enrolling for the 2021-2022 School Year

by Diocese of Des Moines | March 1, 2021

Schools across the Diocese of Des Moines are enrolling students now for the 2021-2022 school year. The Diocese of Des Moines offers 16 Catholic schools across three regions — the Des Moines metro, rural communities (Perry, Creston and Harlan) and Council Bluffs. These three regions collaborate to ensure best practices in education, the long-term viability of our schools, and academic excellence for all students.  

At Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools, we believe Catholic education should be rooted in faith, focused on excellence and supported by a caring community while also providing the best value to our families. Our schools deliver more for each and every student because we believe you should expect more from your child’s education. 

"Choosing our school is by far the best investment we have made in our children’s future. The small class sizes ensure individual attention and lifelong friendships with classmates. St. Patrick is not only a school, it is a family, and you feel that as soon as you walk in the door," according to St. Patrick School parents. 

All of our schools provide an educational setting where faith is incorporated into the curriculum and daily routine to provide a foundation for success. In addition to faith-based learning, our students experience diocesan curriculum that meets or exceeds state requirements. Our schools challenge students to aim higher academically, spiritually and personally. Our students grow in their faith, discover servant leadership, experience top-tier academics and build lifelong friendships — all in a safe and nurturing environment.

Steps to Enroll:

1.     School Tour

We recommend all new families tour the school(s) of interest as soon as possible. Submit your contact information below to schedule a visit with your local Catholic school. 

2.     Application

After your school tour, you will receive enrollment application instructions from the school administrator. Most applications are completed online. All new families must contact the school office before applying for admission to ensure class availability.

3.     Admissions

Upon admission notification from the school of your choice, pay the registration fee and select a tuition payment plan. Before the start of the new school year, complete any registration information for each of your students. Parents will be notified via email when registration is available.

4.     Involvement

We invite you to attend school events/activities to get to know the school community. Your school may also partner you with a parent ambassador or buddy family to welcome you and help answer any questions you may have.

"When friends and others ask us why we send our kids to Catholic schools, why pay the money, etc. it’s sometimes difficult to put into words.  And suddenly, it’s never been easier to answer that question. You and the rest of the faculty and staff at Sacred Heart showed our school community and central Iowa what makes our Catholic schools so special," Sacred Heart Parents.

Important Enrollment Dates:

• January —Enrollment and application process begins. Schedule and complete your school tour.
• February — Catholic Tuition Organization (CTO) application process beings. CTO tuition assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Early application is encouraged.
• First Friday in April — Application deadline for tuition assistance from the  CTO. Don't miss your opportunity to apply for tuition assistance!

Expect more. Explore Catholic education. Schedule your visit today at dmdiocese.org/visit.