Highschool

Welcome to Cascade, Iowa, a community with a rich history of both public and  Catholic education that has shaped the lives of generations. Catholic education has been an important goal here from the very beginning. In 1869, the Sisters of Charity, BVM, arrived and immediately began teaching the children of Cascade. The girls were taught in part of the original St. Martin Convent, while the boys attended school in the first brick church. The early years were marked by a deep commitment to education and faith.

As the community grew, so did the need for a larger, more permanent educational facility. A frame structure was built to house the boys' school, and by 1906, a large brick school building was constructed. By 1916, the school had expanded its curriculum to include high school courses, offering a full educational experience for the children of Cascade and surrounding areas. The importance of Catholic education to the people of Cascade in those years cannot be overstated; it was central to the town’s identity and growth.

In 1961, a significant change occurred when the new combined Catholic high school, Aquin High School, was opened. The 1906 building was repurposed as a grade school, and by 1968, it had become part of the Aquin Elementary School system. The original school building continued to serve the community until 2008 and, when a new, state-of-the-art building was constructed to serve students from grades 1-8. This new facility, Aquin Elementary continues the tradition of excellence in education, serving as the cornerstone of Catholic schooling in Cascade.

In 1968, the area Catholic grade schools formed the Aquin Elementary System. The 1970s saw more changes as the Aquin School Board voted in 1976 to close Aquin High School, and the building was sold to the Western Dubuque School District. This marked the end of one chapter but the beginning of another in the education of Cascade students.  Public elementary schools had existed at various sites and times in Cascade from early on.  One of those early public elementaries has been preserved at the Tri-County Historical Society Museum site.  In 1961, a new public elementary school was built and has had multiple additions and renovations.

As for the high school, Cascade Jr.-Sr. High School opened in 1976, becoming the smaller of two high schools operated by the Western Dubuque Community School District. The school has grown over the years, with multiple additions, including a vocational wing in 1976, the Webber Center in 1997, a  Library with classrooms  in 1994, an auditorium in 2004, the addition of track and football facilities in 1982 and renovation of  those facilities in 2006,  while lights were added to the softball field in 1993.  A new gym, music suite and office were added in 2014.

Cascade  High School is also proud of its long-standing extracurricular heritage. From sports to the fine arts, the school community has fostered a well-rounded student experience. The drama department, in particular, has been a notable part of Cascade’s cultural life for over 50 years. The students have performed classic plays like Chicago, Grease, and Fiddler on the Roof, and the theater program continues to be an important part of the local identity.

Perhaps one of the most legendary figures in Cascade’s athletic history is Coach Bob Davidshofer, who was synonymous with Cascade cross country for more than 50 years. Under his leadership, the boys’ team claimed six state titles (three at Aquin), and the girls’ team brought home nine championships. His legacy as a coach is one of dedication, hard work, and passion, and his influence has shaped the lives of countless athletes who had the privilege of competing for Cascade.  He also served as the Drama Coach for five decades.  FFA , Dance , Boys and Girls Basketball, Track, and Football are among the many successful athletic  and extracurricular programs at CHS

As you walk through Cascade, it’s clear that the community’s dedication to education, both Catholic and public, has created a lasting legacy. From the early days of St. Martin Convent to the modern Aquin Elementary School, Cascade Elementary School and Cascade Jr.-Sr. High, the people of Cascade have consistently worked to provide a quality education for their children. The school systems have adapted and evolved over the years, but one thing remains constant—the value placed on education, faith, and community.