2023 Best School Districts in Iowa

• Bettendorf, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.39 out of 5  57 reviews

Senior: There are few school districts as good as Pleasant Valley's. The teachers care, the student body is surprisingly diverse, and the academics are challenging. The only reason I would not give my school 5 stars comes from my experience during the Coronavirus pandemic, where it became painfully clear that this school cares more for its athletic department than it does for the health and safety of its students.... Read 57 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 7

• Students 5,331

• Gilbert, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  24 reviews

Sophomore: The Gilbert Community School District is a great place for any child to attend. Gilbert is ranked #2 in state assessment proficiency and #79 in the nation. They are a small, but growing district and are welcome to anyone and everyone. Through Gilbert, children are received many great opportunities along with bringing fun to academics.... Read 24 reviews

• grade A+

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,589

• Waukee, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.35 out of 5  98 reviews

Alum: Waukee Community School District is a great place to send your kids for schooling. The academics are outstanding. They offer many programs that prepare students for the real world. However, the college readiness is not great. The athletics are amazing with great athletic facilities and coaching. You can't go wrong at Waukee!... Read 98 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 14

• Students 11,781

• Ankeny, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.15 out of 5  34 reviews

Senior: The Ankeny Community School District maintains safe, engaging, and respectable schools. They put an emphasis on the arts with their many music programs from show choirs to marching band. They excel in academics as well with many AP classes to offer such as AP European History, AP Physics, AP Biology, and AP US History. The district as a whole does a great job at making students not just feel welcome and safe, but creating environments for kids to be themselves without judgement so they are welcome and safe. Ankeny Schools looks out for their kids and do the best possible jobs they can to help students when they need it. Their use of technology in the classroom only helps student's learning, especially in 2020 when online classrooms become a necessity. Overall, a great district to learn in, and a wonderful school system to make friends in.... Read 34 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 17

• Students 12,188

• West Des Moines, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.35 out of 5  82 reviews

Junior: This school prides itself on being excellent in every aspect, which is what they call the « four A’s »: academics, athletics, activities, and arts. Their academics are among the best in the state, and I have the opportunity to get close to a 2 year college degree before I even graduate. They often win state championships in a wide range of sports, and they offer more activities and clubs, than almost anywhere else, including the best theatre program in Iowa. They even offer band, choir, and orchestra, all of which are considered to be among the top in the country. The orchestra has even won numerous national titles in the last few years. All in all, this school is known for its rigorous academics and good football team, but anyone can find their place in any activity or group here, and will find excellence within.... Read 82 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 14

• Students 9,248

• Johnston, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  87 reviews

Alum: I was open and enrolled from the Des Moines public school district to the Johnston public school district and the quality of education I received in Johnston was astounding! For the first time, I felt truly engaged in class, well supported by my teachers, and like I was now the best student I could be. I wrote essays I'd never thought I was capable of and gave engaging presentations. The only draw back I can think of from my experience in Johnston was the overly popular girl high school dynamic. I am a nerd, academically driven, and I had a hard time relating to some of the girls in my classes. We cared about different things and finding common ground socially was difficult. That is not to say that this dynamic was all negative because I was exposed to people who knew how to talk to others and get them to follow their lead. I learned social cues and body language that I still apply to this day. Everything I learned at Johnston, academically and socially alike, has served me well.... Read 87 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 8

• Students 7,408

• Decorah, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.9 out of 5  20 reviews

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 20 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 5

• Students 1,665

• Orange City, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.47 out of 5  34 reviews

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 34 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,529

• Marion, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.08 out of 5  60 reviews

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 60 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 12

• Students 7,762

• Iowa City, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  126 reviews

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 126 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 28

• Students 14,428

• Ames, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.07 out of 5  27 reviews

Junior: As a high school student, the overall student atmosphere at Ames High is kind of low. There’s the patch of upperclassmen like indulge in school spirit, and there’s the incoming freshmen who despise schooling in general. I can’t help but recognize the administrators and staff members who go the extra mile to make school more fun for students and their efforts should not go unnoticed. Teachers on campus have innovated and created new ways of learning to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and have gone above and beyond in their fields. Meanwhile, students who recognize these efforts take the time to appreciate their teachers. It’s time we bring back Ames High spirit, and treat our school with the patriotism it rightfully earns and deserves.... Read 27 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 8

• Students 4,709

• Farley, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.47 out of 5  17 reviews

Alum: I'm a recent Western Dubuque community school district alumni and I can say without a doubt that there is certainly no school district quite like this one. The Western Dubuque school district is the largest school district in Iowa but one would never know that what with the wonderful accommodating, and inspirational staff members. I believe there is truly no school in the world with more school spirit than this one. Though tragedy and triumph this school district sticks together though it all. This school district goes above and beyond and as a recent graduate I'm proud to say that once a Bobcat always a Bobcat!... Read 17 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 8

• Students 3,701

• Van Meter, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.75 out of 5  8 reviews

Senior: The Van Meter Community School District has been an outstanding place to learn, mature, and prepare for the future. The opportunities that are openly provided to students on a daily basis are unmatched. I feel at home in this school and in the community. The Van Meter School is definitely on the smaller scale size wise, but I think that is what makes it so special. It is what makes this place a community. The hallways are always full of friendly faces and hands waving hello. The classes are full of words of encouragement and teachers pushing you to be the best that you can be. The way that the school accommodates to each and every students needs, whether they are personal or educational, is tremendous. It is something that I know a lot of other schools are not capable of doing. I truly feel at home here and I think almost every student in attendance at Van Meter Junior and Senior High School could say the same thing.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 3

• Students 972

• Bettendorf, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.04 out of 5  27 reviews

Senior: I've been a member of this district since kindergarten. My experience with Paul Norton Elementary was very positive, I had excellent teachers and lots of friends. Bettendorf Middle School did a nice job of preparing me for high school and allowed me to start getting involved with several of the extracurriculars I am now in today, as a senior. Attending Bettendorf High School has been an overall positive experience for me as well. My teachers have all been very helpful, available, and clearly want me to succeed. I have had so many wonderful opportunites to get involved within the school, whether it be clubs, sports, or the fine arts. Lastly, a variety of challengings courses and dual credit enrollment opportunities are offered. My senior year has allowed me to take a lot of courses in my intended area of study in college and even get some college credit already done.... Read 27 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 7

• Students 4,719

• St. Ansgar, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.46 out of 5  13 reviews

Sophomore: I like many things about St. Ansgar but the thing I like most is that they make everyone feel welcome. Most of the kids that go to St.Ansgar have known each other since kindergarten or earlier. Even if you are new they will welcome you in. The school is small so you get one on one help with your teachers. You get a seminar for study time/break in the middle of the day. You have the option to do every sport. You get brand a new MacBook Air to take home and do your homework on. You have the option to be involved in every extra-curricular activity. They have a really strict no tolerance bullying rule that they have started to enforce in the past few years. St. Ansgar is ranked 76th out of all of the high school's in Iowa. Nationally St. Ansgar is ranked 7,955. The graduation rate is 93%. They have block scheduling. That means you only have four classes a day. One class is eighty minutes long. You also have A and B days so when you get your homework it isn't due for another day.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 3

• Students 612

• Waverly, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.32 out of 5  34 reviews

Alum: Waverly-Shell Rock is a great school district to be a part of. They offer tons of extra-curricular activites that may not be offered elsewhere such as band, orchestra, robotics, etc. This is in addition to plenty of sports, including bowling. The teachers are excellent a truly care about the students as well as their education. Graduating from Waverly sets you apart both in academics and necessary life skills that may not be taught at other schools. These include personal finance and strong speaking skills.... Read 34 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 7

• Students 2,335

• Delhi, IA•

• School District

• •
  Rating 4.63 out of 5  16 reviews

Senior: We have a great school that strives for students getting a great education! We are ranked nationally for a our elementary and high school education along with 13:1 teacher/student ratio and 100% graduation rate. The community is very much involved as 100% of the students will recieve scholarships from our Maquoketa Valley Dollars for Scholars which is very successful in out small community. The college readiness is one of the best things. Since freshman year I have been able to take college classes and will transfer leaving me at graduation with 40hrs of college credit. That is a huge savings on tuition, but books and we are able to get that college feel by attending the local satellite college. Our community is small my class size is only 40 people so the diversity is not what a bigger school is and this leaves alot of closed minds when it comes to leaving to bigger places. Elementary students are learning quickly even in kindergarten as by the time they finish most are reading!... Read 16 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 5

• Students 719

• 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

• Williamsburg, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.18 out of 5  17 reviews

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 17 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 2

• Students 1,226

• Underwood, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.36 out of 5  22 reviews

Senior: I loved Underwood Schools! Everyone is very welcoming, including, kind, and the teachers are great. I would not change anything about my experience.... Read 22 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 3

• Students 802

• Lansing, IA•

• School District

• grade A

• Total schools 3

• Students 329

• Harlan, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 4 out of 5  13 reviews

Alum: Harlan Community is a safe place for a growing person to receive an education. In a largely rural setting, morals and community engagement are emphasized for the continued progress that we may all benefit from. There are some discrepancies though that can be addressed. Too much funding and attention is attributed to the high school football team. Another issue, that may have been addressed, in the six years since my own graduation, is that there is little readiness for students to go to college and stick with a program of higher education. Students would particularly benefit from continued education on the benefits of entering a trade or skill based school that gives hands on learning while providing a solid education and a learned candidate for living a sustainable, socially ethical life. There is the potential for this school system to grow beyond the bounds of a football field, but it will require the combined efforts of student, parent, and administrative groups to succeed.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,504

• Huxley, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  13 reviews

Senior: The Ballard Community School District is incredible. The staff helps the students academically and with extracurricular activities, which allows students to become well-rounded members of society. Students have countless opportunities to participate in a multitude of extracurricular activities. It is important for the school to engage all of its learners. Something I would like to see improved is the acceptance of everyone. Students need to be taught to respect everyone despite our differences. I will greatly miss the Ballard community when I leave for college.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,850

• Story City, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 4 out of 5  17 reviews

Senior: I´ve had a great experience at Roland-Story High School. I moved here last year from the Chicago suburbs and was very welcomed by many students and staff. On my unofficial first day of enrollment, I was given a tour of the school by a group of seniors who introduced me to all of the teachers. The teachers at Roland-Story are some of the best I´ve ever had. One teacher, in particular, is amusing and always has a story to tell that he can relate to the lesson. The community involvement of the district is unique. Every year during the fall, different groups of students help the community by raking leaves and cleaning the yards of people who live in town. By far the best experience I´ve had at Roland-Story was building a Halloween activity called Haunted Highschool. During a three-week time span, my classmates and I used the shop to build ramps, frames, and other wood objects for a haunted house course. Overall, my experience at Roland-Story Highschool has been fun and beneficial.... Read 17 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 3

• Students 1,080

• Solon, IA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.26 out of 5  19 reviews

Senior: Solon has excelling academics with teachers who truly care about the students. High School Students are encouraged to take college courses at the surrounding colleges and universities at no cost to the students. The only downfall is that the school only offers 2 AP courses. There also are no Agriculture or FCS courses offered. Solon is a very safe school district and respect is expected of everyone school wide. A variety of clubs and activities are offered and the school is known for its excellence in sports, specifically football. The school culture can be a little clicky and there definitely is an in-group and out-group feel. Music and fine arts are fairly good, but marching band doesn't receive much funding. Everything tends to go towards the sports programs, but this leads to exceptionally nice facilities. This includes an indoor track, turf field, brand new weight lifting room, and two gyms.... Read 19 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,515