Duchesne High School is a Catholic, coed, college preparatory high school of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis. We draw students from a broad geographical area. They have a wide variety of interests, backgrounds and abilities. DHS provides each student a solid education that will prepare him or her for success – not just in college, but in life. Here are some frequently asked questions about our students and our school:
Where is Duchesne High School located?
Duchesne is located at the corner of North Duchesne and Elm Streets in the city of St. Charles, Missouri. View a map.
What is enrollment at Duchesne?
The enrollment for the 2009-10 school year is 550 students.
Are all students Catholic?
Most of the students at Duchesne are Catholic, but we welcome students of all religious denominations. All students are expected to participate in worship, prayer, retreats and the study of theology. As a Catholic school, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is at the core of our school culture and provides a foundation for developing spirituality, compassion, and strong moral values in every student.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio?
The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1. Our teachers are approachable, always willing to help and committed to our mission of educating the whole student – mind, body and spirit as one.
What is the average class size?
The average class size is 27. Small size and a family atmosphere are important to the school.
What type of schedule does Duchesne offer?
Our students follow a rotating schedule. If a class meets first period today, it meets second period tomorrow, and third period the next day. The rotating schedule allows a student to experience a particular class at various times of the day. Our students say they like the 45 minute periods and the fact that the schedule rotates.
Are students required to do community service?
DHS students are well-known for their high level of community service – and it is service that comes from the heart. We encourage students to perform at least 25 hours of service each school year – 100 hours before graduation. We hope that the experience of giving freely and selflessly to those in need will provide great satisfaction and a desire to serve others throughout life.
Are students required to wear uniforms?
Yes, polo-style shirts with a Duchesne logo accompany navy or khaki slacks or a plaid skirt for girls. Uniform shirts can be ordered through the Pioneer Trading Post. Uniform skirts can be purchased at Fischers. Duchesne sweatshirts can be worn any time of the year.
How can I visit Duchesne?
Shadow visits provide a valuable opportunity for grade school students to spend a school day as a Duchesne Pioneer. Eighth graders are invited to shadow a Duchesne student in the fall semester; seventh graders may visit in the spring. Open House gives families of sixth, seventh and eighth graders a chance to tour the school and learn more about academics and student life. Open House Sunday is the first Sunday of November.
What is the tuition at DHS?
Tuition for the 2010-2011 school year is: $7,645.
A non-refundable registration fee helps to defray the cost of registration, textbooks and lab expenses: $250.
An additional $500 fee applies to non-Catholic students.
Does Duchesne offer scholarships?
Many academic scholarships are awarded each year; for the 2009-2010 school year the total value is $124,000. No athletic scholarships are offered. Click here for more information on scholarships.
Does Duchesne offer financial aid?
Many families receive financial assistance; last year’s total in tuition aid and work-study grants is $89,000. Tuition assistance and work-study grants are based on financial need only. Requests for aid are made after acceptance.
How many sports and clubs are available for students?
We offer 20 interscholastic sports teams. Ice Hockey and Hockey Cheerleading are club sports. The DHS Pioneers compete in the Gateway Athletic Conference against many larger schools, and yet, have a long history of success. DHS offers many co-curricular organizations, which provide a wide range of opportunities for self-discovery, healthy recreation and personal development.
What colleges and universities do DHS graduates attend?
Institutions that accepted students from the class of 2009:
Art Institute of California-Hollywood, Aurora University, Bellarmine University, Beloit University, Benedictine College, Bradley University, Canisus College, Central Methodist University, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Chestnut Hill College, Coastal Carolina University, College Conservatory of Music at University of Cincinnati, Creighton University, DePaul University, DePauw University, Drake University, Illinois Wesleyan University, Kansas State University, Knox College, Lake Forest College, Lindenwood University, Loras College, Loyola University-Chicago, Marquette University, Marymount Manhattan College, Minneapolis College of Art & Design, Missouri Baptist University, Missouri State University, Missouri University of Science & Technology, Murray State University, Newman University, Ohio State University, Olivet Nazarene University, Quincy University, Regis University, Rockhurst University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Saint Louis College of Pharmacy, Saint Louis Community College at Meramec, Saint Louis Community College at Forest Park, Saint Louis Community College at Florissant Valley, Saint Louis University, St. Xavier University, Southeast Missouri State University, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Spring Hill College, Texas A & M, The King's College, Trinity Christian College, Truman State University, US Military Academy West Point, University of Central Missouri, University of Chicago, University of Cincinnati, University of Dayton, University of Kansas, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Missouri-St. Louis, University of St. Francis, University of St. Mary, University of Tulsa, Webster University, and Westminster College