Renovated Catholic school reopens in Dubuque, Iowa

The 69-year-old St. Columbkille Elementary received a $14 million update.

Sept. 15, 2025

Key Highlights

The renovation added 19,000 square feet, including new classrooms and a cafeteria.
Updated facilities include a new gymnasium, enhanced security measures, and full air conditioning.
Students attended classes at other campuses during construction.

St. Columbkille Elementary School Dubuque

St. Columbkille Elementary School in Dubuque, Iowa, has completed a $14 million renovation and expansion of its campus.

The Dubuque Telegraph Herald reports that the school has added 19,000 square feet, including a new cafeteria and more classrooms.

The school also has an updated gymnasium, enhanced security and air conditioning installed throughout the building.

During the yearlong renovation, St. Columbkille’s students attended classes at other campuses that are part of Dubuque's Holy Family Catholic Schools: Pre-kindergarten through first-grade students spent the year at St. Joseph the Worker Early Childhood Center, and second- through fifth-grade students were at Resurrection Elementary School.

St. Columbkille Elementary was built in 1956 and had never undergone a substantial renovation.

Holy Family Chief Administrator Phil Bormann says the renovation of St. Columbkille and other campuses will help ensure the future of Catholic education in the community.

About the Author

Mike Kennedy

Senior Editor

Mike Kennedy has been writing about education for American School & University since 1999. He also has reported on schools and other topics for The Chicago Tribune, The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Times and City News Bureau of Chicago. He is a graduate of Michigan State University.