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2020 Best School Districts in IowaAbout this List

The 2020 Best School Districts ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, public school district ratings, and more. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 328
Best Districts
328 results

  1. Pleasant Valley Community School District

    • School District
    • Bettendorf, IA
    • 44 reviews
    #1 Best School Districts in Iowa

    Parent: PV schools are unmatched. My 3 kids all love their experiences at PV. We have one grad, one sophomore, and one entering the jr high, coming from Hopewell. The teachers are the most wonderful people and truly care. I am always impressed at the level of mastery these teachers have at what they teach and how well they deliver that knowledge. While 2 of my 3 are into sports and the athletic programs have been quite good, I love that the schools have so many other ways to be involved in activities outside of athletics. My oldest was never very outgoing and was encouraged to be part of the high school’s publications, which absolutely changed her high school experience and helped her grow into an academic leader. The journalism teacher is pretty incredible. My middle started high school last year and was terrified, but finished it loving science and English, two subjects where she previously struggled, because of her teachers. We couldn’t be more pleased.
    Read 44 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7 Total Schools
    • 5,050 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Gilbert Community School District

    • School District
    • Gilbert, IA
    • 21 reviews
    #2 Best School Districts in Iowa

    Alum: The faculty cared about the students. Everyone in the school felt unique in there own way that you saw everyone helping each other. The normal public school is a scary place, but Gilbert cares about everyone. It may not be the biggest school district in the area, but with lots of investments, they are able to offer top tier facilities for sports and the fine arts. I participated in both and only have good things to say. Also a plus: the local sheriffs dubbed Gilbert as "the fort Knox of schools". It is the most safe I have ever felt knowing I could learn in peace.
    Read 21 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4 Total Schools
    • 1,528 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Johnston Community School District

    • School District
    • Johnston, IA
    • 69 reviews
    #3 Best School Districts in Iowa

    Parent: Johnston High School has consistently been rated a top school in Iowa for their high academic standards, and the majority of students are very motivated and set high goals for themselves. The staff are very involved and dedicated to the students. The amount of clubs and organizations is quite high, the music and sports departments are competitively excellent and facilities are top-notch. There is a fair amount of diversity in the student body.
    Read 69 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8 Total Schools
    • 7,337 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  4. Ames Community School District

    • School District
    • Ames, IA
    • 13 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 13 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8 Total Schools
    • 4,557 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  5. MOC Floyd Valley Community School District

    • School District
    • Orange City, IA
    • 26 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 26 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4 Total Schools
    • 1,487 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  6. 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
    • 11,862 Students
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  9. Decorah Community School District

    • School District
    • Decorah, IA
    • 15 reviews
    #7 Best School Districts in Iowa

    Senior: Decorah High School is very good to get a well-rounded education. The teachers are always there to help students when needed. The school provides multiple different courses for students to understand their interests. The course a student wants to take is most likely offered, whether online or in a classrom.
    Read 15 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5 Total Schools
    • 1,437 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Waukee Community School District

    • School District
    • Waukee, IA
    • 63 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 63 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13 Total Schools
    • 10,678 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Pella Community School District

    • School District
    • Pella, IA
    • 22 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 22 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5 Total Schools
    • 2,226 Students
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  12. Iowa City Community School District

    • School District
    • Iowa City, IA
    • 94 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 94 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 27 Total Schools
    • 14,647 Students
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  13. Solon Community School District

    • School District
    • Solon, IA
    • 9 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 9 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3 Total Schools
    • 1,403 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Treynor Community School District

    • School District
    • Treynor, IA
    • 13 reviews
    #12 Best School Districts in Iowa

    Alum: While the academics in the Treynor Community School District excel in many ways, it is possible that the environment is causing its students to not reach their full potential. It's true that I felt very prepared for college after having gone to a school rich with resources, opportunities, and good teachers. However, Treynor Schools tend to severely lack diversity and have poor culture.
    Read 13 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3 Total Schools
    • 608 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Mount Vernon Community School District

    • School District
    • Mount Vernon, IA
    • 10 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 10 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3 Total Schools
    • 1,181 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Bettendorf Community School District

    • School District
    • Bettendorf, IA
    • 17 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 17 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8 Total Schools
    • 4,404 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Cedar Falls Community School District

    • School District
    • Cedar Falls, IA
    • 34 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 34 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9 Total Schools
    • 5,267 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  18. 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
    • 691 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  19. 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
    • 3,047 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  22. North Polk Community School District

    • School District
    • Alleman, IA
    • 13 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 13 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4 Total Schools
    • 1,787 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District

    • School District
    • Waverly, IA
    • 21 reviews
    #19 Best School Districts in Iowa

    Senior: My experience at Waverly Shell Rock Schools has been excellent. The instructors and educational programs are exceptional! Our districts promotes a fun, safe working environment and allows us as students to to grow in the classroom, to prepare us for life's journey ahead. Our facilities our outstanding, adding recent updates to help keep students safe in the event of an emergency. Our academics are top notch, helping students to succeed at the highest level. Thank you Waverly Shell Rock for the education I have received for the past 12 years!
    Read 21 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7 Total Schools
    • 2,183 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Williamsburg Community School District

    • School District
    • Williamsburg, IA
    • 12 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 12 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2 Total Schools
    • 1,206 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  25. 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
    • 1,520 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Linn-Mar Community School District

    • School District
    • Marion, IA
    • 42 reviews
    #22 Best School Districts in Iowa

    Alum: Great school with great opportunities. Strong academics and opportunities for the kids to get involved in many different things. The district is not the smartest with how they spend their money, and have focused more on cosmetic appearance than making the school more spacious and efficient for the growing numbers in students. Sports can be a hit or miss on success, but the music department is one of the best in the state, even one of the best in the Midwest but very often gets overlooked. I overall had a great experience at Linn-Mar and would strongly recommend it to anyone moving to the Marion/Cedar Rapids area.
    Read 42 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 10 Total Schools
    • 7,628 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Underwood Community School District

    • School District
    • Underwood, IA
    • 14 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 14 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3 Total Schools
    • 743 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  28. West Des Moines Community School District

    • School District
    • West Des Moines, IA
    • 55 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 55 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13 Total Schools
    • 9,284 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Center Point-Urbana Community School District

    • School District
    • Center Point, IA
    • 12 reviews
    #25 Best School Districts in Iowa

    Alum: I liked how much the teachers cared for the students. In a small-ish school like CPU it was fairly for the teachers to know all the student's names. I never had a teacher who didn't know my name or learn it within the first week of classes. A big bummer in the academic department was I couldn't take any college classes because I loved being in band and choir. It would have been nice to have been able to choose. Also with the music department, and the community as a whole, I wish they could have pulled together an auditorium while I was still in school. It would have been very useful for the arts and even the community, but it wasn't getting enough support. Hopefully it will happen eventually!
    Read 12 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4 Total Schools
    • 1,418 Students
    View Nearby Homes
  30. Sponsored

    Scattergood Friends School

    • Private School
    • West Branch, IA
    • 6-12
    • 31 reviews

    Niche User: This school creates an environment where teenagers thrive. The sense of community responsibility pervades all aspects of school life. Not only are they helping clean, prepare meals and shovel snow, where else can students plant the farm and help with farm animals? Scattergood offers unique and exciting trips which students will have no where else, such as a week of community service in Chicago, Freedom School in St. Louis, cross-country skiing in the boundary waters and traveling to Bolivia, just to name a few. the diversity of this student population is second to none, which is so important when students explore and discuss school and social issues/subjects.

    Not only would I send my daughter here again, I wish she could have spent more than just the short time she did. The values instilled and knowledge gained will impact her life forever.
    Read 31 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 24 Students
    • 2:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
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  35. Sponsored

    Maharishi School

    • Private School
    • Fairfield, IA
    • PK, K-12
    • 50 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 50 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 186 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  36. Sponsored

    Rivermont Collegiate

    • Private School
    • Bettendorf, IA
    • PK, K-12
    • 47 reviews

    Parent: My child has just finished his fifth year at Rivermont Collegiate, and I couldn't be happier with either the experience or the education he is receiving. As a university professor, I greatly appreciate the skills that my son has developed since he started Rivermont as a grade-school student. From public speaking to Rivermont's Academic and Tech Fairs he and his friends have been able to deep-dive into a variety of subjects, as well as experience them hands-on through numerous learning opportunities. This will only be enhanced by the STEAM building that Rivermont is constructing. Beyond learning how to effectively take in and retain the material they are taught, my son and his classmates are encouraged to create new and innovative ideas. They will begin university with an intellectual and study-skills toolkit that many undergrads spend their entire time at college building. I cannot recommend this school highly enough.
    Read 47 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 233 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
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