Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools
Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools is a unified non-profit PK-12 Catholic school system in Sioux City, Iowa, serving approximately 1,700 students across five schools and nine buildings under the Diocese of Sioux City, with annual tuition, Iowa ESA funding, and parish-driven fundraising as primary revenue sources.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersSioux City, United States
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools does
Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools is a unified non-profit PK-12 Catholic school system headquartered in Sioux City, Iowa, operating under the Diocese of Sioux City. The system serves approximately 1,700 students across five schools and nine buildings: one high school (Bishop Heelan Catholic High School, grades 9-12) and four elementary schools (Cathedral Dual Language Academy PK-5, Holy Cross School PK-8, Mater Dei School PK-8, Sacred Heart School PK-8). The system is anchored by four supporting parishes — Cathedral of the Epiphany, Holy Cross, Mater Dei, and Sacred Heart — with an additional parish in South Sioux City, Nebraska. Reported outcomes include a 90%+ college-going rate and student test scores consistently above local, state, and national averages.
The system's core academic differentiator is the Cathedral Dual Language Academy, a bilingual English/Spanish program built on four pillars (Catholic values, sociocultural competence, bilingualism and biliteracy, and academic excellence). Underlying technology infrastructure consists of commodity K-12 SaaS: Infinite Campus for student information and the parent portal, Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Classroom) plus a 1:1 Chromebook program for instructional delivery, Finalsite for the public website, TADS for financial-aid assessments, Odyssey for Iowa Education Savings Accounts (ESA) administration, and Blackbaud for fundraising. Enrollment is handled through an online registration process with a $100 non-refundable fee.
The business model is a non-profit tuition-and-donation hybrid. Primary revenue comes from annual tuition (with schedules segmented by Iowa vs. Nebraska/South Dakota residency and grade level), supplemented by Iowa ESA funding (approximately $7,988 per eligible student for 2025-26), Diocesan and merit-based scholarships administered via TADS, the Annual Fund and Gold Club giving programs, the Annual Heelan Auction, planned giving/endowments, and parish support. GTM is relationship-driven: a dedicated Director of Enrollment conducts personalized campus tours and shadow days, while parish partnerships and word-of-mouth drive top-of-funnel demand. Leadership includes President Dr. John Flanery, five campus principals, and a development office led by Director of Major Gifts Tom Betz (since 1999).
Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools
- Legal name
- Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools
- Website
- https://bishopheelan.org
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools is a unified non-profit PK-12 Catholic school system in Sioux City, Iowa, serving approximately 1,700 students across five schools and nine buildings under the Diocese of Sioux City, with annual tuition, Iowa ESA funding, and parish-driven fundraising as primary revenue sources.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Private K-12 Catholic Education
- NAICS
- Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Faith-Based (Religious) K–12 Schools (EDAJABAC)
Keywords
Where Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Sioux City
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices9 records
Markets served
Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Tuition: Primary revenue stream from tuition payments supporting strong academics, vibrant faith formation, dedicated educators, and nurturing environment. Tuition rates vary by residency status (Iowa vs Nebraska/South Dakota) and grade level.
- Iowa Education Savings Accounts (ESA): State-funded education savings accounts providing approximately $7,988 per eligible student (2025-26 school year) for Iowa residents attending accredited nonpublic schools, administered through Odyssey.
- Financial Assistance and Scholarships: Diocesan scholarships including Monsignor Lafferty Tuition Foundation (MLTF), local merit-based scholarships for high school students, and Our Lady of Guadalupe scholarships for Hispanic students. Administered through TADS financial aid assessment service.
- Annual Fund and Donations: The Annual Fund supports operational expenses including staff salaries, classroom improvements, technology, and student programs. Gold Club supports athletics and music programs specifically.
- Special Events and Auctions: Annual Heelan Auction is the largest fundraising event of the year, bringing together alumni, parents, and supporters for fellowship, entertainment, and auction bidding.
- Planned Giving and Endowments: Heritage Society recognizes individuals who include Bishop Heelan in estate plans through wills, trusts, retirement accounts, or other planned gifts. Endowments support teacher salaries and Campus Ministry.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Iowa Resident Tuition - Annual rates for 2026-2027 |
| Subscription | Annual | Nebraska & South Dakota Resident Tuition - Annual rates for 2026-2027 |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | $100 Registration Fee |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | TADS Financial Aid Application Fee |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools operates a unified PK-12 Catholic school system in Siouxland serving approximately 1,700 students across one high school (grades 9-12) and four elementary schools (PK-8) in nine buildings. The system delivers Christ-centered education combining rigorous academics, faith formation, competitive athletics, fine arts, and service opportunities, with a unique dual language English-Spanish program at Cathedral Dual Language Academy. Tuition, Iowa Education Savings Accounts, scholarships, and annual fundraising sustain the operation under the Diocese of Sioux City.
Product overview
Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools operates as a unified PK-12 Catholic school system with five distinct educational programs: one high school (Bishop Heelan Catholic High School for grades 9-12) and four elementary schools serving preschool through eighth grade (Cathedral Dual Language Academy offering English-Spanish bilingual education, Holy Cross School with dual campus structure, Mater Dei School with dual campus structure, and Sacred Heart School as a single-campus school). The system is supported by supplementary programs including Iowa Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) administered through Odyssey for tuition funding, tuition assistance and scholarship programs (including MLTF and merit scholarships), and annual giving programs (Annual Fund and Gold Club) that fund operational needs, athletics, and music programs. All schools share the four pillars of Faith, Family, Knowledge, and Service, providing consistent Catholic identity and academic expectations across the system.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Bishop Heelan Catholic High School Faith-filled Catholic high school serving students in grades 9-12, dedicated to forming students academically, spiritually, and personally through strong academics, competitive athletics, fine arts, leadership opportunities, and college, career, and life preparation.
- Cathedral Dual Language Academy Faith-centered Catholic school serving students from preschool through fifth grade with a unique bilingual education experience in both English and Spanish, built on four pillars: Catholic values, sociocultural competence, bilingualism and biliteracy, and academic excellence.
- Holy Cross School Faith-centered Catholic education for students from preschool through eighth grade, operating across two locations: St. Michael's (PK-2nd grade) and Blessed Sacrament (3rd-8th grade), with a nurturing environment rooted in academic excellence and Catholic values.
- Mater Dei School Catholic education for students from preschool through eighth grade, operating across two campuses: Immaculate Conception (PK-4th grade) and Nativity (5th-8th grade), with a focus on academic excellence, character development, and spiritual growth.
- Sacred Heart School Nurturing, faith-centered Catholic education for students from preschool through eighth grade at a single campus, providing strong academics, spiritual formation, and a close-knit community with consistent relationships from early childhood through middle school.
- Tuition Assistance Programs Financial assistance offerings including Monsignor Lafferty Tuition Foundation (MLTF) scholarships, Our Lady of Guadalupe Fund for Hispanic students, merit-based scholarships for high school students, and parish support partnerships, administered through TADS financial aid assessment.
- Annual Fund and Gold Club Annual giving programs supporting operational expenses including staff salaries, classroom improvements, technology, and student programs, with Gold Club specifically funding athletics and music programs including travel, uniforms, equipment, and coaching development.
- Scholarships Merit-based scholarship funds and tuition assistance established by alumni, parents, and friends to honor loved ones and help students attend Bishop Heelan High School, including the Monsignor Lafferty Tuition Foundation for tuition assistance.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 90% of graduates attend college, most to four-year institutions
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
Feature1 record
Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Odyssey (ESA Program Administrator)coreState-contracted administrator for Iowa Education Savings Accounts (ESA) program, handling applications, financial transactions, compliance, fraud prevention, and customer service for families receiving ESA funding.
- Cathedral of the Epiphany ParishcorePrimary supporting parish with Fr. David Esquillano Diaz as Pastor. Includes Cathedral Church (1000 Douglas St.), St. Boniface Church (703 West 5th St.), and St. Joseph Church (1112 8th St.). Carla Kramper serves as Director of Operations.
- Holy Cross ParishcoreSupporting parish with Fr. Randy Schon as Pastor. Operates St. Michael's location (PK-2nd grade) and Blessed Sacrament location (3rd-8th grade). Patty Kime serves as Business Director.
- Mater Dei ParishcoreSupporting parish with Fr. Brad Pelzel as Pastor. Operates Immaculate Conception location (PK-4th grade) and Nativity location (5th-8th grade) with offices at 1212 Morningside Ave. and 4242 Natalia Way.
- Sacred Heart ParishcoreSupporting parish with Fr. Tim Friedrichsen as Pastor. Located at 5000 Military Road. Jessica Taylor serves as Business Manager.
- St. Michael's Parish (South Sioux City, NE)minorSupporting parish in South Sioux City, Nebraska with Fr. Matt Niggemeyer as Pastor. Located at 1414 3rd Ave.
- Diocese of Sioux CitycoreBishop Heelan Catholic Schools is a Catholic school system within the Diocese of Sioux City. The Diocese oversees Catholic education and provides support through policies, resources, and the Monsignor Lafferty Tuition Foundation.
- TADS (Financial Aid Assessment Service)coreThird-party vendor for confidential financial need assessments for families. Used for Monsignor Lafferty Tuition Foundation eligibility and general tuition assistance applications.
- Infinite CampuscoreStudent information system used for parent/student portals, online registration (OLR), and academic records management across all BHCS schools.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Providence Academy: Catholic, coed PK-12 school in Plymouth, MN operating under a similar model (academics + Catholic identity + partner-parish ecosystem); comparable tuition/financial-aid structure and outcome-based positioning.
- Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart: Faith-based Catholic PK-12 (girls) school in Omaha, NE; same faith-based education model, same regional Iowan/Nebraskan catchment, comparable mix of parish and independent enrollment.
- Seton Catholic Schools: Regional Catholic PK-12 system operating with parish-school model; comparable tuition, parish pipeline, and advancement/fundraising activities to BHCS.
- Roncalli Catholic High School: Catholic 9-12 high school (part of the Bishop O'Gorman system but often referenced independently) in Sioux Falls, SD; closest direct competitor for high school market within a ~100-mile radius of Sioux City.
- Marquette University High School: Catholic, college-prep Jesuit 9-12 high school in Milwaukee, WI; similarly benchmarks outcomes against local/state/national averages, has strong alumni fundraising, and competes in the same Upper Midwest Catholic-school market.
- Holy Family Catholic Schools: Unified Catholic PK-12 system in Bellingham, WA; same multi-campus, diocesan-style architecture with elementary feeders feeding a high school, comparable tuition/financial-aid model.
- Xavier High School: Catholic 9-12 college-prep high school in Cedar Rapids, IA; comparable Iowa-based Catholic secondary school competing for the same Iowa ESA-funded families and college-bound demographic.
- Bishop O'Gorman Catholic Schools: Unified diocesan Catholic PK-12 school system in Sioux Falls, SD - essentially the same model, same Upper Midwest market, same diocesan governance structure as Bishop Heelan. Most directly comparable peer.
Emerging players
- Chesterton Academy of the Sacred Heart / Chesterton Academy Network: Growing network of smaller Catholic classical PK-12 schools; competes for the same faith-seeking Siouxland families with a distinct classical curriculum, and represents a strategic threat/inspiration for BHCS's classical or dual-language offerings.
Others
- Trinity Schools Consortium (sample member: Trinity School at Meadow View): Consortium of independent, non-parochial Christian PK-12 schools; competes with BHCS for families seeking values-based private education, particularly non-Catholic Christians in Siouxland who want an alternative to public schools.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools social profiles
Digital presenceBishop Heelan Catholic Schools financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries5 records
Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools
What does Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools do?
Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools operates a unified PK-12 Catholic school system in Siouxland serving approximately 1,700 students across one high school (grades 9-12) and four elementary schools (PK-8) in nine buildings. The system delivers Christ-centered education combining rigorous academics, faith formation, competitive athletics, fine arts, and service opportunities, with a unique dual language English-Spanish program at Cathedral Dual Language Academy. Tuition, Iowa Education Savings Accounts, scholarships, and annual fundraising sustain the operation under the Diocese of Sioux City.
Is Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools a public or private company?
Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools founded?
Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools was founded in -1.
Where is Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools based?
Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools is headquartered in Sioux City, United States, in the North America region.
How does Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Tuition is the primary driver. The others are iowa Education Savings Accounts (ESA), financial Assistance and Scholarships, annual Fund and Donations, special Events and Auctions and planned Giving and Endowments.
Who are Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Providence Academy, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, Seton Catholic Schools, Roncalli Catholic High School, Marquette University High School, Holy Family Catholic Schools, Xavier High School and Bishop O'Gorman Catholic Schools. Chesterton Academy of the Sacred Heart / Chesterton Academy Network is listed as an emerging player. Trinity Schools Consortium (sample member: Trinity School at Meadow View) is listed as an others.
Does Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools have an API?
No public API is recorded for Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools.
What industry is Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools in?
Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools's product category is Private K-12 Catholic Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAJABAC, Faith-Based (Religious) K–12 Schools. Its NAICS code is 611110 and its SIC code is 8200.