2023 Best School Districts in Black Hawk County

• Cedar Falls, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.92 out of 5  52 reviews

Alum: The academic options are great here, especially compared to schools around the area. Not all of the teachers were great, but you can certainly find teachers that are very passionate about their work and want to build relationships with their students. The student body is generally not that great and there are a lot of unkind people and cliques, but if you are focused and dedicated to what you want/are interested in, it should be fine. Overall, the staff doesn’t go above and beyond to prepare you to go to any schools other than Iowa schools, but they are willing to try to help if you ask. There is a real problem with teachers accepting balance here and many teachers don’t think of what students have going on as a complete picture. However, the retake policy is very beneficial to busy students and while some teachers try to ignore it, students who care enough to advocate for themselves should succeed. There is a huge issue with different enforcement of rules among students.... Read 52 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 10

• Students 5,808

• Hudson, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Senior: I liked the journalism opportunities that this school and the small class sizes. I felt that the smaller classes made it easier for teachers to help students one on one if they needed it. It also allowed for teachers to get to know their students and be able to help through situations where they need guidance.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 2

• Students 767

• La Porte City, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.79 out of 5  14 reviews

Alum: I had a pretty good experience in the Union Community School District. I made great connections with the students and teachers! I learned a lot and I appreciated the opportunities they offer to get early college credit. That was able to set me ahead for my college future. Lastly, I thought the size of the district was very comfortable. They average about 100 students per graduating class. I found that amount to be just about perfect because you know everyone which is comforting but you still have people that you aren't as familiar with.... Read 14 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,027

• Dunkerton, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 3 out of 5  7 reviews

Alum: My experience at Dunkerton was excellent. The majority of students have had generations going to Dunkerton for many years. Since it is such a small community everyone knows everyone and you can be in any clubs or sports you want. You can tell that the teachers are really passionate and they care about each individual students and want them to succeed. The administration also cares about the students as well and care about the safety of the students.... Read 7 reviews

• grade C+

• Total schools 2

• Students 402

• Waterloo, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.59 out of 5  74 reviews

Senior: Waterloo community school district is welcoming to all and great at preparing students for their next step in life. There is now the Waterloo Career Center which has been very helpful as I make my way into the medical field. One thing I have always disliked about this district is the strict dress code. It took until my senior year to be able to wear a hoodie in class. I’m not against it, I just think it needed even that small adjustment years ago, and it seems it that the change only happened because wearing a mask was more important. Besides that the foods pretty alright most days, the teachers are very helpful, and all just want the students to succeed. I enjoyed my time in the Waterloo schools district and feel well prepared for my next step, college!... Read 74 reviews

• grade C

• Total schools 19

• Students 10,741