Thank you for considering the Catholic Diocesan Schools of Iowa. We're grounded in tradition and faith, but intent on innovation, powered by school spirit - all in an environment that's casual and comfortable, cosmopolitian and creative.

Why Iowa:

We deliver energy and opportunity of leading catholic schools, but remain small and most affordable catholic education among other schools.

International Student Enrollment

We have hosted  several countries in our K-12 schools: Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ghana, Iceland, India, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Venezuela and Vietnam.

Most of our students after graduation transfer to universities and colleges across the United States such as: Unverisity of Iowa, Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, St. Ambrose University, Loras College and Kirkwood College. Of course there are many more but these are just a few of the higher education unversitites/colleges we can transfer your I-20 too.

Iowa Cities where we have our schools:

Housing:

Our schools do not arrange for housing or host parents. This is the responsibility of the natural parents or agency the student is linked too. Student can not live alone or with other students, they have to live with a family within the school area of where they are attending.

Arrangements to Complete Before You Travel:

• Check to see if the USA borders are open

• Arrival Checklist: Tips to help you prepare for your trip.

• Keep in your carry on bag: I-20, Passport, Visa, Face Mask, Gloves, School Acceptance Letter and Financial Statement

• Important Dates for Semesters

• Visa and Immigration Information: How to apply for your student visa

• U.S. Customs & Border Protection Regulations: What you need to know before you travel

• Review Iowa's Immunization Requirements: New international students are required to provide a medical history form and verification of several immunizations.

Items to Carry with You on the Plane:

• Your I-20 or DS-2019 for the Diocese of Davenport

• A valid passport

• A U.S. visa for the Diocese of Davenport

• Your admission letter from the school your attending

• Your financial support documentation

• Your airplane ticket(s)

• Cash, traveler's checks, or any international bank card (ATM or debit card); $800-$1,000 in U.S. currency for travel emergencies and settling-in expenses. (Problems with flight connections could make it necessary for you to spend the night in a hotel, which could cost $100 or more. Try to prepare for all unexpected expenses associated with international travel.)

• Phone numbers and e-mail addresses of emergency contacts at home and in the United States

• Phone numbers and e-mail addresses of relatives, friends, your agency coordinator

• Documentation of treatment you have received for chronic medical problems

• An English translation of your medical history and documents

• Prescriptions for medications you take and a fresh supply of prescription medicines

• Medical records (including vaccination records)

• Facial Mask

• Gloves (optional)

Other Items to Pack:

• Getting Students Ready to Enter the US outline by SEVP

• Your academic transcript

• Clothing appropriate for the season of your arrival in Iowa (summer is hot and humid with average high temperatures around 85°F/30°C; winter is cold and dry with average low temperatures around 15°F/-10°C and significant amounts of snow)

• Adapters for electrical appliances (U.S. standard outlets use 110 volts)

• Favorite recipes and items for sharing your culture with others; music, video tapes, postcards, photographs, or traditional dress (if you have room)

Arriving in the United States (Port of Entry)

• At the Port of Entry

• Review all documents for validity

• Query for record in nonimmigrant data systems

• Evey inspection at a U.S. port of entry is unique

• Secondary inspection

• More time and systems to review all available records

• If correctible issues arise. CBP issues a Form I-515A

• Tips to share 

• Hand carry important documents (I-20, passport, visa, finnances, acceptance letter)

Upon Arrival to Iowa:

• Check in with Host Family/Agency Local Coordinator/Family Members

• Oritentation for International Students: Some of our schools/agencies offer an orientation to our students and host families.

• Register for school: you and your host family should make appoitment to meet with teh school to schedule your classes, take a tour of the school, etc. You should also bring the following: your passport, your I-20 you brought into the country, you F1 visa, copy of your I-94 (have to get online).

Meeting other students:

We have a facebook account that we like to use for students to communicate or get the latest information.