Our portfolio includes more than 350 prestigious high schools, each carefully selected based on our experience with what international students value. We’ve been partnering with high schools in the USA and worldwide for 20 years. By collaborating with our schools throughout each student's lifecycle, we ensure that students are prepared and happy with their choices. While the schools focus on academic excellence, Educatius takes care of the rest.
Gehlen Catholic School: A Tradition of Excellence in Faith and Education
Nestled in the charming community of Le Mars, Iowa, Gehlen Catholic School has a proud legacy dating back over a century. Founded on the principles of faith, values, service, and academic excellence, the school offers a holistic education from preschool through 12th grade. Its academic curriculum is a balanced blend of core subjects and religious education, with specialized courses in areas like advanced math, science, technology, and fine arts. The school is fully accredited by both the State of Iowa and the Diocese of Sioux City, ensuring a rigorous academic experience that prepares students for college and beyond.
School Highlights
Gehlen Catholic’s student body is growing, with over 530 students, including a diverse population where 9% of students are from non-Catholic backgrounds. With small class sizes and a faculty of 46 experienced educators, students benefit from a personalized learning environment. The school encourages intellectual curiosity and personal growth through extracurricular activities like journalism, music, and honors classes.
Facilities
The school boasts a modern, single-campus facility equipped with state-of-the-art resources. Students have access to technology-integrated classrooms, a Success Center for individualized support, and a spacious gymnasium. In addition to academic excellence, the school offers a variety of support services such as counseling, a breakfast and lunch program, and health services coordinated with local educational agencies.
Sports & Arts
In athletics, Gehlen Catholic excels in multiple sports, including football, basketball, and volleyball, competing in the War Eagle Conference. The school fosters team spirit and sportsmanship, with its athletes frequently advancing to state championships. The arts are also a focal point, with vibrant programs in both instrumental and vocal music, as well as drama. Students have opportunities to participate in annual performances, school bands, and choir competitions, fostering creativity alongside academic success.
Special Programs
Gehlen Catholic is deeply committed to community service and global outreach. Students participate in programs such as “Then Feed Just One,” a humanitarian project focusing on hunger relief, and Mission Honduras, which sends aid and support to underprivileged communities. In addition, the school offers a talented and gifted program, providing advanced learning opportunities to high-achieving students, and dual enrollment options that allow students to earn college credits while still in high school.
Awards & Accomplishments
Gehlen Catholic consistently ranks among the top private schools in Iowa, with accolades for both its academic programs and extracurricular success. In 2024, the school was recognized for its exceptional performance in state-wide standardized testing and for maintaining high graduation rates. Its commitment to holistic education is evident in both academic achievements and the positive impact students make through service projects.
Community & Area Information
Le Mars, famously known as the “Ice Cream Capital of the World,” is a picturesque town with a population of around 10,000 people. Located in northwest Iowa, it offers a close-knit community feel while still being within driving distance of the larger city of Sioux City, about 30 miles away. The closest major airport is Sioux Gateway Airport (SUX). The area offers various attractions, from the annual Ice Cream Days Festival to outdoor recreational activities along the Floyd River. Notable alumni include professional athletes like baseball pitcher Greg Jenkins and community leaders who continue to contribute to the school’s legacy.
Why Choose Gehlen Catholic School?
Gehlen Catholic stands apart for its commitment to nurturing not only academic success but also spiritual growth and community responsibility. Parents and students are drawn to its supportive, family-like environment, where each student is valued as an individual. The school’s strong foundation in faith, coupled with an impressive academic program, offers students a well-rounded education that prepares them for life beyond the classroom. Whether it’s excelling in the arts, making strides in athletics, or giving back through service, Gehlen Catholic shapes students to be leaders in both their communities and the world at large.
Gehlen Catholic truly embodies the ideals of faith, excellence, and service, making it a standout choice for families seeking a nurturing and academically rigorous environment.
