APPLICATION PROCESS FOR INCOMING FRESHMAN
Each year we welcome a talented group of incoming 9th graders to our school and community. We look forward to working with you and your student during this exciting time. The main steps are listed below. Please reach out to the Admissions Team at any time during this process. We are here to help!
Step 1: Optional Campus Tours/Visits
We are happy to show you around our Campus and answer your questions. Please contact the Admissions Office to set up a time to visit.admissions@dowlingcatholic.org
515-222-1046
515-222-1047
Step 2: Application Process
The application process for the 2026 - 2027 school year opens on October 1st, 2025. All applicants that are in our system will be sent communication prior to October 1st.Please email admissions@dowlingcatholic.org if you would like to be added to our list.
Step 3: Incoming Freshman Placement Test
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January 10th, 2026
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January 17th, 2026
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Christ the King
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St. Francis
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Holy Family
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St. Joseph
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Holy Trinity
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St. Luke
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Sacred Heart
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St. Pius X
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St. Anthony
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St. Theresa
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St. Augustin
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All other schools
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All accepted 8th graders take the DCHS Placement Test from 8:30 am to 12:15 pm AT Dowling Catholic on their designated date.
Step 4: Freshman Registration
February 7, 2026 –
Accepted 8th graders and at least one parent will attend Freshman Registration in the morning.
Step 5: ESA's and Tuition Assistance
Every student is eligible to apply for ESA funds. Tuition assistance is available for families with a demonstrated household financial need. For more information click here.
Do More!
You are encouraged to attend any number of activities including sporting events, theater performances, concerts and more. Come see the Maroon spirit in action! View our calendar of events here.
The Des Moines Region Catholic School Corporation’s (the “Region”), Catholic schools, under the aegis of the Bishop, state that all of the Region’s Catholic schools admit students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the schools. These schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, disability, color, and national or ethnic origin in the administration of their educational policies, employment practices, scholarship and loan programs, athletic or other school-administered programs. The employment relationship between the Region and its employees is governed by canon law as well as civil law. As religious institutions, nothing in the Iowa Code and this policy shall be construed as prohibiting the Region’s Catholic schools from imposing qualifications based on religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity when such qualifications are related to a bona fide religious purpose. In addition, schools shall comply with the anti-bullying/anti-harassment laws of the state of Iowa, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act as such may apply to the Region’s Catholic schools.
