Architecture, Construction, Engineering (ACE)

Xavier High School is excited to announce the launch of its own on-campus Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) program starting with the 2024-2025 school year. The Xavier ACE program will focus on workforce development and vocational awareness for high school students through a combination of on-campus, hands-on instruction in an ACE lab and classroom setting, and real-world experience off-campus with partnering businesses in the architecture, construction and engineering industries.  

The establishment of the Xavier ACE program is in keeping with the school’s mission of developing the total person in a Catholic environment and its goal of positioning graduates for success in any and all post-high school endeavors. The program offers enhanced opportunities for students in Grades 9-12 to be introduced to industry-specific, hands-on coursework and for students to discover and embrace their passion for architecture, construction, and/or engineering.  

The Xavier ACE program will serve as a key piece of the forthcoming ACE Career & Vocational Pathway which will feature expanded course offerings for students who may have a passion for this career path. 

Pathways are career-focused groupings of courses coupled with dual credit, and internship opportunities in the areas of Digital Arts & Communication, Business, Healthcare, Computer Science & Engineering, and Ministry. Students who identify a career or vocational interest will be able to use a Pathway to efficiently steer their journey and enrich their high school academic experience based on the pursuit of their own passion. 

A Pathway provides students with a guide, rather than a rigid course plan, which can evolve just as a student's career interest may evolve during their time at Xavier.      

Xavier is excited to welcome Mr. David Schubert as its first ever Industrial Tech Instructor starting with the 2024-2025 school year! Mr. Schubert will be teaching Xavier's new Introduction to ACE course and Project Lead the Way's Intro to Engineering Design course (both courses will be taught on site at Xavier High School).

Mr. Schubert has served as an Industrial Tech Instructor for the past 34 years at various school districts across Iowa. He comes to Xavier from the West Des Moines Community School District where his team was responsible for designing curriculum and teaching engineering, manufacturing, and construction/skilled trades. 

While in Des Moines, Mr. Schubert also implemented apprenticeship programs in Welding and Manufacturing with local businesses (including John Deere, Vermeer, Collins Aerospace, Quality Manufacturing, CemenTech, and NCS). Additionally, he helped implement pre-apprentice programs in construction and electrical trades while also serving as an adjunct instructor with Des Moines Area Community College for dual-credit Project Lead the Way classes. 

Prior to leaving Des Moines, Mr. Schubert helped design the district’s new 30,000 sq.ft. Career & Technical Education addition (featuring CNC, welding, and robotics).