K-12 Academic Planning

Columbus Catholic High School Curriculum

• Columbus Catholic High School provides a learning environment built upon faith, knowledge, discipline, and service. Our students have the opportunity to enroll in both standard and advanced courses. A variety of college credit courses are provided through Hawkeye Community College, St. Louis University, and Mount Mercy– as well as CHS teachers. With high academic and behavioral expectations, students learn in an environment that fosters academic excellence.
• Columbus Catholic High School Course Guide

Blessed Maria Assunta Pallotta Middle School Curriculum

• Blessed Maria Assunta Pallotta Middle School provides students the opportunity to become the best version of themselves as they develop in faith, knowledge, discipline and service. Our school is founded on the belief that every student is a leader and has gifts and talents that can be used for God’s kingdom. Through our Standard Based grading model, we stand firmly behind our vision that every student can learn, grow, and set goals for themselves. We seek to create students who are prepared for high school and to become Christian leaders in the modern world.
• Blessed Maria Assunta Pallotta MS Course Guide

Saint Edward Elementary School

• Saint Edward Elementary School provides a friendly and supportive learning environment for our students to grow. We support the efforts of people to strengthen their personal relationship with God in a faith community. We strive to be Christ-centered for all. Our school climate works to influence the development of positive attitudes and Catholic Christian values.

Saint Edward Elementary School Title I/III Handbook

Cedar Valley Catholic Schools Preschool Program provides academic programming for both 3-year olds and 4-year olds. Our youngest students spend their days learning socialization, as well as age appropriate concepts and lessons that prepare them for success in Kindergarten based on the Iowa Early Learning Standards. As with all levels within the Cedar Valley Catholic School System, the Catholic faith is central to the instruction and to their interaction with each other. Scheduled prayer services and service opportunities help our littlest learners develop a relationship with God and a path toward helping others.

Cedar Valley Catholic School students will take different types of assessments throughout the year to monitor their progress in learning.  Below explains the different assessments students may engage with throughout the year. 

Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP)

• Grades 3-11 (Math & English Language Arts)
• Grades 5, 8, and 10 participate in Science

Formative Assessment System for Teachers (FAST)

• Grades K-8

English Language Proficiency Assessment for the 21st Century (ELPA21)

Assessment Window: Fall & Spring

Technology

We believe the integration of technology in the classroom increases student engagement, accommodates multiple learning styles, encourages collaboration and communication, and prepares students for the future with Catholic morality at the core of technological use.  At all class levels, technology is a key component. By providing a ratio of 1:1 technology throughout our K-12 system, we are ensuring that students understand that technology enhances the teaching of the core curriculum. Additionally, students have many opportunities to engage with other technologies to enhance their understanding of STEM and 21st century skills. 

English Language Learners

The CVCS provides English Language Learners (ELL) services to all students who are eligible and whose parents have been informed of their program placement. Students receive instruction with a highly qualified ESL teacher to work on skills such as reading, speaking, listening and writing.  The Cedar Valley Catholic Schools currently has a graduation rate of 100% for our students who are ELL.  
CVCS Lau Plan for 2025-26

Special Education

Cedar Valley Catholic Schools strives to provide an exceptional Catholic education for ALL students. At the elementary level, students with IEPs are served within our school buildings through a collaborative partnership with the Waterloo Community School District, supported by our 28E agreement. We are proud to have an Instructional Strategist on staff who provides specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of our students. At the secondary level, students are dual-enrolled with WCSD and receive services either virtually or at their home boundary school. Across all grade levels, we are committed to ensuring high-quality instruction in core content areas while also providing the specialized support each student requires to thrive.

Cedar Valley Catholic Schools is accredited by the Iowa Department of Education and the Archdiocese of Dubuque.