St. Joseph Academy (SJA) was an Catholic all-girls high school in West Des Moines, Iowa. It merged with Dowling Catholic High School in 1972.
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History
The Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary from Mt. Carmel in Dubuque, Iowa founded St. Joseph Academy on March 19, 1885. Initially, the Sisters of Charity taught just sixteen girls. Because of poor transportation options, only a few students were able to get to this school, which was located outside of Des Moines proper. The very first graduating class consisted of just one girl. Over the years, additions to this school were constructed, including a library, a hall, classrooms, a chapel, a music hall and an auditorium. As the city of Des Moines began to grow toward SJA, enrollment began to increase. By the 1960s, due to increasing enrollment extensive additions were made to St. Joseph's. The SJA preschool was in operation by 1950 and remained open until 1971.
The Stepperettes drill team was a well-known part of St. Joseph Academy. This team consisting of 24 girls originated in 1958. Their first performance was during half-time of a Dowling High School basketball game in February 1959. In 1966 membership was opened to Des Moines girls who did not attend SJA. Over the years, the Stepperettes appeared in front of various audiences throughout the United States. In 1973 they participated in the Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington DC. Over the years the Stepperettes won many awards.
Closing
In 1971, SJA merged with Dowling High School, the boys' Catholic high school in Des Moines. The Academy was purchased by the College of Osteopathic Medicine (now the Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center).