Dowling High School for boys was established in 1918 with an enrollment of 90 students on an eight-acre site purchased by Bishop Dowling from the Des Moines College Corporation. Dowling was known as Des Moines Catholic College until 1935 when it was renamed for its late founder.

In 1884, St. Joseph Academy was founded by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Housed in a renovated building called “Villa Maria,” few students were able to attend this "country school" located three miles west of downtown Des Moines due to limited public transportation.