2020 Best School Districts in Iowa

Best Districts

318 results

Pleasant Valley Community School District
School District
Bettendorf, IA
47 reviews
#1 Best School Districts in Iowa
Niche User: I attended PVHS from the second semester of my Freshman year to the end of my Junior year. I wouldn’t change anything from my experience in this district because I felt welcomed to the district since day one. When I started attending this school I did not speak English so I had to take an ESL class. I find it amazing that when I got to the school my English level was low, however, since year one my English knowledge increased. By the end of my Junior year, I was able to fluently speak English. My reading, writing, and listening English proficiency improved thanks to all the help and support I was provided by all the members of the PVHS district
Read 47 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
7 Total Schools
5,084 Students
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Gilbert Community School District
School District
Gilbert, IA
22 reviews
#2 Best School Districts in Iowa
Freshman: Overall, I have had a great experience attending the Gilbert School District. I have made many friends and participated in many extra circulars. I think the community does a great job on balancing the importance of school along with sports. They emphasize on both the fine arts and athletics and have a great booster club. Some of the people in the school district are judgmental, however you're going to find that with every school.
Read 22 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
4 Total Schools
1,574 Students
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Johnston Community School District
School District
Johnston, IA
75 reviews
#3 Best School Districts in Iowa
Senior: I have been studying at the Johnston Community School District since I moved here from Brazil ten years ago. During this time I have participated in concert band, marching band and musical. These activities were so much fun and members were very welcoming with everyone. The teachers and staff are supportive and create friendships with you. The encouragement from counselors and the work ethic I have learned from my teachers during my time at JHS have prepared me for college. The classes provided allowed me to gain a better understanding of where my interests lie. However, the Johnston Schools are not very diverse, although this is an underlying problem of the city itself.
Read 75 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
8 Total Schools
7,395 Students
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Ames Community School District
School District
Ames, IA
14 reviews
#4 Best School Districts in Iowa
Senior: The biggest difference that I see between this school and others is how much the teachers actually care about their students, and I think that strongly impacts how the education functions and succeeds. In addition, a majority of the education is more structured and powerful than other schools, and it truly feels like all the students are learning together.
Read 14 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
8 Total Schools
4,925 Students
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MOC Floyd Valley Community School District
School District
Orange City, IA
27 reviews
#5 Best School Districts in Iowa
Senior: I loved the community of our small school district. Every one knew each other and the teachers made it their priority to build a connection with every student. One thing that I would love to see change is our school rules on water bottles. Last year the school made it a rule that you must have a completely clear water bottle. This allowed for the staff and faculty to see the contents of it. Tinted yet transparent water bottles would be taken away. This was very frustrating because some students could not find completely clear bottles. Hydration has kind of swept our school, with many kids choosing to decorate their water bottles with stickers and decals. I would love to see the restrictions on water bottles loosened because hydration never takes a vacation!
Read 27 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
4 Total Schools
1,533 Students
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Ankeny Community School District
School District
Ankeny, IA
25 reviews
#6 Best School Districts in Iowa
Senior: I love my school district! We have wonderful teachers who care about the education and lives of their students. There are many clubs, athletics, and musical activities to participate in. As someone who loves to stay busy, I am involved in many different activities and each of them brings joy to those participating.
Read 25 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
16 Total Schools
12,128 Students
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Decorah Community School District
School District
Decorah, IA
18 reviews
#7 Best School Districts in Iowa
Alum: During my time in Decorah, I have been surrounded by a supporting and accepting environment. The students there are all very kind and I haven't had a negative relationship with any. The community is also very accepting of those in the LGBTQ+ community which, while I am not a part of, is something that I believe is important for a community to be accepting of. Overall, I loved my time there and I would be happy to return to visit in the future.
Read 18 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
5 Total Schools
1,767 Students
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Waukee Community School District
School District
Waukee, IA
69 reviews
#8 Best School Districts in Iowa
Junior: Overall, Waukee’s School district is very well-rounded when it comes to valuing students’ academic needs. Given many challenging curriculums, students get the chance to challenge themselves in order to better improve their learning abilities. Students also have the chance to be involved in many after school clubs and activities, some that students have created themselves. Staff and administrators are very involved in what goes on in every Waukee school, and they make sure students are constantly in a safe learning environment. With a large variety of Waukee’s clubs, activities and sports, parents of participating students are involved in fundraising, planning, and lending a helping hand. Waukee Community School District is a very proficient system and the schools all around have been producing more graduates than I personally have seen in quite some time.
Read 69 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
14 Total Schools
10,996 Students
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Pella Community School District
School District
Pella, IA
23 reviews
#9 Best School Districts in Iowa
Senior: I really liked that my school strives to give me opportunities to excel. There are a wide variety of classes, taught mostly by quality teachers. It has been a place where I have found my love for music, because this is not a high school where athletics are overvalued, like many other schools. I am very lucky to be attending a school where the community and administration care about the arts as well. I play the trumpet, and because my school has such a strong band program, I have learned that I love it so much that I am majoring in performance at college. One thing that could improve is the overall drama in the choir department. Between the staff and students, there is serious tension and it does not allow for a positive environment.
Read 23 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
5 Total Schools
2,441 Students
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Iowa City Community School District
School District
Iowa City, IA
99 reviews
#10 Best School Districts in Iowa
Alum: I am a recent graduate from Iowa City West High. I really liked the college readiness of the teachers and the classes. The amount of AP Classes that I could take was great! It really helped me prepare for my college classes with learning how to take notes, be organized, and manage my time well. I thought the teachers that I had were very caring and understanding when it came to work done in and outside of classes. I think that West High prepares you very well for college at any school.
Read 99 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
27 Total Schools
14,560 Students
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Solon Community School District
School District
Solon, IA
11 reviews
#11 Best School Districts in Iowa
Senior: Solon has a very unique environment.The administration often doesn't provide students with a lot of guidance on what they should be looking forward to, such as college planning and how to do simple things such as file taxes and apply for a loan after high school. The sports at Solon are excellent, the coaches push the players very hard and often teams find themselves competing at the state level. The music program, although underfunded, also thrives with multiple jazz choirs and band, as well as concert choir, band, drama, and many other groups. As with the sports, the music programs work to push their students to do their best. The only problem is that there is a stigma at Solon that you have to be involved in a lot to be anyone of importance, which not only makes those who do a lot more susceptible to stress and anxiety, but also makes those who are just focusing on getting good grades and learning feel left out of the crowd.
Read 11 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
4 Total Schools
1,531 Students
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Treynor Community School District
School District
Treynor, IA
15 reviews
#12 Best School Districts in Iowa
Junior: I really like how the teachers truly want to help you and see you succeed in and it of school. They'll help you on your homework and try to help you with personal problems if you ask for it. A lot of the teachers are coaches of some sort wether that be for a music program, athletics, or speech. The community is amazing as well because we all want to help each other. The curriculums themselves are challenging but accomplishable. All in all, I have had a pretty great experience.
Read 15 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
3 Total Schools
835 Students
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Mount Vernon Community School District
School District
Mount Vernon, IA
11 reviews
#13 Best School Districts in Iowa
Junior: I love that students have the option of taking very rigorous corse loads, if they so choose. Despite some issues with a few classes, I’ve enjoyed my learning experience the vast majority of the time.
Read 11 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
3 Total Schools
1,427 Students
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Bettendorf Community School District
School District
Bettendorf, IA
19 reviews
#14 Best School Districts in Iowa
Senior: Since transferring, Bettendorf has offered many academic opportunities. I appreciate the variety of opportunities to take college courses, earn college credit, and take advanced classes that will benefit students throughout college and their future lives. Although my education is greater, I was disappointed with how NHS is ran. Student council takes care of the community volunteer opportunities for NHS and it creates a lack of fundraisers and activities for the NHS program. The teachers are very flexible and treat the student as they are adults. Homework is very heavy in many classes and it does makes having a job, doing sports, having a social life, or working very difficult. The overall school building is very well-kept and clean.
Read 19 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
8 Total Schools
4,961 Students
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Cedar Falls Community School District
School District
Cedar Falls, IA
35 reviews
#15 Best School Districts in Iowa
Senior: I like my school and the challenging classes my school has to offer. My teachers are supportive and usually can help me when I’m struggling. Along with academics, I enjoy participating in the fine arts my school has to offer. I am actively involved with marching band, jazz band, concert band, fall theater production, and the spring theater production. Another thing our school offers is leadership opportunities within the school. I like being able to participate in Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP), which allows students to help start hard conversations and allow them to help their peers.
Read 35 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
10 Total Schools
5,614 Students
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Van Meter Community School District
School District
Van Meter, IA
6 reviews
#16 Best School Districts in Iowa
Senior: Van Meter is a great school! High School senior here! Prepares you to be college, career, and life-ready very well.
Read 6 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
3 Total Schools
868 Students
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Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District
School District
Dallas Center, IA
27 reviews
#17 Best School Districts in Iowa
Senior: When it comes to education, DC-G is one of the many schools that offer great academic opportunities. There are a wide variety of classes offered to the students to help them discover themselves and what they are good at. Many classes can be easily applied to life outside of high school. Unfortunately, when it comes to teaching morals, the school is lacking. DC-G is a dominantly white school but the few POC who attend often have to deal with a lot of diversity issues and cultural differences, the school just doesn't step up. There are many times during my attendance at the school when I had to face the ignorance of my peers. Whenever I'd go to the higher-ups of the school, not much would be done. DC-G has so much potential in being a school with great academics and athletics. They just don't teach their students how to act like mature young adults who can sort out their differences rather than letting those differences divide them.
Read 27 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
7 Total Schools
3,349 Students
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North Polk Community School District
School District
Alleman, IA
14 reviews
#18 Best School Districts in Iowa
Senior: I have been to three different high schools in my life due to moving from state to state. North Polk High School is the best school I have been to by far and a wonderful place to get a good education. The first thing you notice when you start attending school is how friendly and kind all the staff are. By the time you graduate from North Polk High School, you will get to experience building close relationships with your teachers that will be hard to let go of. This school is amazing.
Read 14 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
4 Total Schools
1,861 Students
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Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District
School District
Waverly, IA
23 reviews
#19 Best School Districts in Iowa
Alum: Overall, great school and very helpful teachers. High school is rough for most and that is expected. My teachers cared if I succeed and push me to be the best me. There are lots of clubs, activities and sports that are available at Waverly. I had lots of health problems and all the teachers and staff were very helpful to ensure that I stayed up to date on the school work. The school was also very clean and tidy. They had great safety measures to ensure each student and staff were safe. they would often called a meeting to give updates on what we need to know. They also really helped us to prepare for our lives after high school. They help you find a career path that you may be interested in and help you each step of the way. You are also given options to take online college courses with Hawkeye Community College. This helps to get college credit and get you prepared for what college is like. Waverly has so many ways to keep students on track and help better the students.
Read 23 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
7 Total Schools
2,358 Students
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Williamsburg Community School District
School District
Williamsburg, IA
13 reviews
#20 Best School Districts in Iowa
Sophomore: I love the environment in this school and how most teacher teach the content. A lot of them are willing to help students and not make any student feel idiotic for being unsure of a subject. The administrators care about the students and have our best interests in mind. They are involved and help our school to be a safe place where we don't have to worry about "fitting in" because there's also something for everyone!
Read 13 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
2 Total Schools
1,197 Students
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Sergeant Bluff-Luton Community School District
School District
Sergeant Bluff, IA
14 reviews
#21 Best School Districts in Iowa
Alum: I went to school in the Sergeant Bluff Community School District for 9 years and I experienced nothing but success while attending. The school district itself is the best in the area, as our high school was just recently was awarded as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2018. The teachers and administrators care for each and every students' learning styles and will do everything to make sure their students are successful in and outside of school. Our academics are outstanding, as we have one of the highest test results in all subject areas. The community surrounding the school district is beyond supportive and welcoming, making it a great place to raise a family. I would highly recommend Sergeant Bluff to anyone who is looking for a great place to send their children for a successful education.
Read 14 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
4 Total Schools
1,697 Students
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Linn-Mar Community School District
School District
Marion, IA
47 reviews
#22 Best School Districts in Iowa
Junior: Linn-Mar provides a great, welcoming atmosphere for all students. The sports programs may not be the best, but we have truly amazing fine arts, music, and theatre programs that any student should be proud of. Go Lions!
Read 47 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
10 Total Schools
7,805 Students
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Underwood Community School District
School District
Underwood, IA
15 reviews
#23 Best School Districts in Iowa
Junior: My experience at Underwood High School has been excellent. Not only have they been awarded top 10 schools in the nation for 2017, but they have also been in 2018. It's a small community that has really come together in support of the school and students achievements. The teachers and staff are very well liked and bring a fun learning atmosphere to the classroom. Underwood High School is a great academic and athletic school, to say the least.
Read 15 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
3 Total Schools
821 Students
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West Des Moines Community School District
School District
West Des Moines, IA
61 reviews
#24 Best School Districts in Iowa
Junior: Valley is as good as you make it. The music programs are great and incredibly successful and there are plenty of Advanced Placement and college credit classes available for those who want them. The teachers are, for the most part, amicable and truly want their students to succeed and are ready and willing to work with students to help them reach their full potential. There are several counselors and advisors available to help students with college preparation. There's a full-time nurse on staff which I just recently found out isn't a universal thing. The best part of Vallet High School, however, is the Performing Arts Center. It's a one-of-a-kind facility for high schools in the area and is just a gorgeous space to be in. That's it. Bye.
Read 61 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
13 Total Schools
9,223 Students
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Center Point-Urbana Community School District
School District
Center Point, IA
13 reviews
#25 Best School Districts in Iowa
Sophomore: CPU is a great school to attend. Although, I wish we were given more opportunities. Due to the size, we are limited on activities and academics we can participate in. Our clubs are pretty minimal and our schools main focus is sports. Our food is basic, but we have smiling lunch ladies who love what they do. On the bright side, we are a very safe school. With only a couple thousand students in our district we get to know our classmates very well and build good bonds with them. The teachers make sure that everyone participates. In my 12 years of attending the school, I have only heard of a couple kids getting bullied, which is so much better than schools around us. Most kids don't have any problems. CPU is a caring, positive, and upstanding district. Our teachers are kind and supportive. Last year, we received the Blue Ribbon Award for our academics. Overall, CPU is a good school to attend.
Read 13 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
4 Total Schools
1,578 Students
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Maharishi School
Private School
Fairfield, IA
PK, K-12
55 reviews
Parent: I have two daughters, both of whom attended Maharishi School from pre-school through 12th grade. I think the thing I’m most grateful for doesn’t have anything to do with academics, although the School’s academics are very good. (Both of my daughters attended respected, highly-selected colleges.)

The nurturing atmosphere of the school and the TM technique cultured an attitude of kindness and care for others and for the world. They even have a motto that the students learn – The World is my Family.

Students graduate being grounded in themselves in the deepest sense. They leave as life-long learners and clear, critical thinkers. Honestly, I couldn’t recommend Maharishi School more highly!
Read 55 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
186 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Scattergood Friends School
Private School
West Branch, IA
6-12
37 reviews
Parent: My daughter started attending Scattergood as a freshman and it has been the best experience for her academically, socially and for her mental health as well! She is challenged academically, accepted for who she is at Scattergood and flourishes as a person. She has a wonderful and diverse group of friends. When coming back from a weekend at home as we pulled into the driveway, she said - "It's Scattergood, my favorite place in the world." We couldn't be more pleased with this school and are certain of the positive impact it will have on our daughter for the rest of her life.
Read 37 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
26 Students
3:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Mid-Prairie Community School District
School District
Wellman, IA
27 reviews
Parent: The Mid-Prairie School District is very supportive of students needs. They are often making changes to better support the number of students coming into the district. The only thing that I see that needs attention is space and readiness from MS to HS.

Excellent school district!
Read 27 Reviews
1,460 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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