Accreditation

The Diocese of Davenport Catholic schools welcomes you to our website. We invite you to explore our site, as well as visit our schools to witness the difference a Catholic school can make.

Click here for a map all of the schools.
Click here for a list of all of the schools (PS-12)

Our Mission Statement

The Mission of the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Davenport is to build learning communities, based on the Gospel message of Jesus Christ and rich in Catholic values and tradition.  The schools have a commitment and responsibility to teach the “whole child” in mind, body and spirit.  In developing the gifts, talents, and uniqueness of their students, the schools seek to prepare leaders and Christian stewards for our communities and for the future of the Church.

About Catholic Schools

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Davenport welcome students of all faiths, ethnic groups, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The Office of Catholic Schools personally invites you to consider one of our Catholic schools for the education of your child. Our principals and teachers enjoy the unique opportunity to positively and powerfully influence the lives of our Catholic school students.

Please consider becoming part of something big that’s small! Our 13 elementary schools, 17 preschools and 5 high schools  are small enough to get to know the needs of your students and big enough to provide your children awesome opportunities to learn. They will learn as a result of challenging classes, innovative instruction, and a curriculum grounded in the Gospel values.

Our Communities:

The Diocese of Davenport encompasses the 22 counties in Southeastern Iowa.
Our Catholic schools are located in the ten (10) communities listed here: 

Bettendorf                    Burlington                 Clinton               Davenport

DeWitt                         Ft. Madison                Iowa City           Keokuk

Muscatine                     Ottumwa                   Washington

Our schools are all located in towns that by Iowa standards are either rural cities or cities.   Our school locations follow the beautiful Mississippi River beginning at Clinton following down to Keokuk in the tip of southeast Iowa.  Our schools extend westward to Iowa City. 
While eastern Iowa is well suited for farming, all of our school communities have plenty of recreational opportunities: including state parks, boating, cycling, running and jogging paths etc.  Many beautiful Catholic Churches dot the rural country-side and the urban areas of the Diocese of Davenport.

Please check the above websites for our communities, schools and parishes.

Diocesan School Stats

PS-12 Enrollment in 2020-2021

• There are 13 eleme-tary schools

• There are 5 junior senior high schools

• Enrollment in the 13 elementary schools is: 

• Enrollment in the 5 junior senior high schools is: 

• Total enrollment:   in the Catholic schools

• There are   full time and  part time teachers

• All elementary schools have Pre-Kindergarten programs

• All schools are fully accredited by the State of Iowa

• All teachers are licensed by the Board of Educational Examiners of the State of Iowa

FAQ's

How many schools are in the Diocese of Davenport?

• 13 elementary schools

• 5 junior senior high schools

Where are the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Davenport located?

• Schools are located in most of the 22 counties in Southeast Iowa

• List of Catholic Schools

• Map of Catholic Schools

Where can I get information about the closest Catholic school?

There are several ways to get this information, for example,

• click on the map of schools

• click on the list of schools

• call the school office

• arrange to visit the school

• ask the pastor

• talk with parents of currently enrolled schools

Note: Schools are closed during the month of July.

Are the schools accredited?

Yes, all Catholic schools in the Diocese of Davenport 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 Examiners of the State of Iowa.

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 School Tuition Organization of Southeast Iowa (STO),Embracing the Future and Mississippi Valley STO. Please contact your local Catholic school for more information and application forms.

What is the School Tuition Organization of Southeast Iowa STO?

The STO of Southeast Iowa is a 501(c)3 organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Iowa.  The School Tuition Organization of Southeast Iowa serves nine school systems within the Davenport Diocese, representing more than 2,500 students in grades K-12.\
 
The STO is a charitable organization representing two or more accredited nonpublic schools that receives voluntary cash contributions from Iowa taxpayers and allocates those funds in tuition grants to Iowa school children.  In turn, STO grants allow families who otherwise are unable to afford an accredited, nonpublic K-12 school, to choose a school they feel best suits the needs to their children.  Donors give the gift of school choice and receive a 65% State of Iowa tax credit.
 
At least 90% of the money received by a STO must be awarded in tuition grants each year, and no more than 10% may be used by the STO for administrative costs.  Donors may either give on an unrestricted basis or may restrict to one or more schools in the STO of Southeast Iowa.
 
For more information please contact your local Catholic school or visit the STO 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 met in Catholic schools. Through the services of the local Area Education Agency (AEA), 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 permeates all aspects of school life.  We welcome all Catholics and families of all faith traditions who share the Gospel values.  Because Catholic school education is a mission of the Catholic Church all students must study the Catholic faith at every grade level.  Presently the non-Catholic student populations in our schools ranges from 7% to 49%.

How can parents get invovlved in their children's school experience?

We believe 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 school 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.
 
We require all our volunteers who are working around and with children to go through our Safe Environment Program which consists of educational training with a online video and a background check. This is required to ensure the safety of our children.

Do all schools follow the same school calendar?

While all schools have 180 days in their school year in accordance with the state accreditation guidelines, each school creates a unique school calendar to work with the public schools transportation. Please check with your local school for a school calendar and events.

Are extra curriculuar activities offered?

The high schools in our diocese offer vast opportunities for students to participate in numerous academic, fine arts, leadership, service, and athletic extra curricular activities. Students in other grades also participate in a variety of opportunities. Contact your local school for more information.

What curriculum is used in the Diocese of Davenport schools?

Presently all students grades 3-11 are required to take the Iowa Assessments annually.  Accredited non-public schools must also utilize a second assessment as a snap shot of how well students are achieving. Schools may choose the attached Diocesan second assessments or choose from any assessment listed on the Department of Education website for the state of Iowa.