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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 329
Best Districts
329 results

  1. Pleasant Valley Community School District

    • School District
    • Bettendorf, IA
    • 37 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 37 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7 Total Schools
    • 4,870 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Gilbert Community School District

    • School District
    • Gilbert, IA
    • 19 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 19 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4 Total Schools
    • 1,466 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Johnston Community School District

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

    Senior: The Johnston community school district does a great job of keeping kids in track and keeping students involved. Something I would like to see change is how they chose to listen to students. In this I mean that when a student has an idea to offer they don’t always chose to listen to what that person has to say, or they don’t take them seriously. If they do choose to listen then they don’t always want to corporate or even attempt to make a compromise. I believe they would grow more of a connection between staff and students if they choose to listen, and it would possibly cause for more corporation.
    Read 58 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8 Total Schools
    • 7,152 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  4. Ames Community School District

    • School District
    • Ames, IA
    • 10 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 10 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8 Total Schools
    • 4,391 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  5. MOC Floyd Valley Community School District

    • School District
    • Orange City, IA
    • 17 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 17 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4 Total Schools
    • 1,465 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Ankeny Community School District

    • School District
    • Ankeny, IA
    • 20 reviews
    #6 Best School Districts in Iowa

    Junior: There are so many opportunities and ways to get involved. Most of the teachers are great! The staff cares about your education and helps you. There are also a ton of classes to chose from. I have been going to Ankeny since kindergarten and haave had a pretty good experience overall.
    Read 20 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 16 Total Schools
    • 11,609 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  9. Decorah Community School District

    • School District
    • Decorah, IA
    • 14 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 14 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5 Total Schools
    • 1,427 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Waukee Community School District

    • School District
    • Waukee, IA
    • 47 reviews
    #8 Best School Districts in Iowa

    Senior: Waukee offers a great academic and extracurricular experience for all students. The APEX and School-To-Work programs allow students to have "real life" job experiences before they exit high school. Elite level athletic facilities, from the field house to the weight room to the football field cater to every athlete. Waukee, however, does not only focus on athletes. Theater students can take specific classes throughout the year, as well as perform in the annual play and musical which take place in Waukee's large auditorium. The only change I would make in Waukee is an increase in diversity. The Des Moines suburb is primarily white, which can limit the way students view certain situations.
    Read 47 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13 Total Schools
    • 10,101 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Pella Community School District

    • School District
    • Pella, IA
    • 17 reviews
    #9 Best School Districts in Iowa

    Parent: Caring teachers and administrators! Lots of varied opportunities for students! Great supportive community to live, work, and raise your family in! No place I’d rather be.
    Read 17 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5 Total Schools
    • 2,250 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Iowa City Community School District

    • School District
    • Iowa City, IA
    • 71 reviews
    #10 Best School Districts in Iowa

    Senior: The Iowa City Community School district contains good teachers; they work hard to provide the students with quality education. The problem is that since the school district is badly funded manny sports school programs and the music and art department are cut. The school culture and diversity is sub-par where minorities like myself struggle to thrive; overall the schools are safe but they do also have terrible food. Ap classes and honor classes help the students become better prepared for college and the facilities are nice, an example would be Liberty HIgh.
    Read 71 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 26 Total Schools
    • 14,317 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Solon Community School District

    • School District
    • Solon, IA
    • 6 reviews
    #11 Best School Districts in Iowa

    Senior: Everyone in Solon is very amiable. You feel comfortable going up and talking to anyone and asking a teacher for help. Everyone knows everyone by name as the atmosphere is vibrant with "hello's" as you walk down the hallway.
    Read 6 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3 Total Schools
    • 1,388 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Treynor Community School District

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

    Senior: Treynor is a small community with many different personalities who share Midwestern values. We pull together when someone is very ill and fund raise to support one another. We travel in large groups to sporting events to cheer our peers. We acknowledge academic achievement and creative talents. We aspire together to continue to learn, grow, and always work toward becoming an even better community. Many graduates return to this community to raise their children, perhaps a testament to the relationships and values we have been taught and cherished.
    Read 7 Reviews

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

  15. Mount Vernon Community School District

    • School District
    • Mount Vernon, IA
    • 9 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 9 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3 Total Schools
    • 1,166 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Bettendorf Community School District

    • School District
    • Bettendorf, IA
    • 14 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 14 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8 Total Schools
    • 4,468 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Cedar Falls Community School District

    • School District
    • Cedar Falls, IA
    • 25 reviews
    #15 Best School Districts in Iowa

    Senior: The Cedar Falls Community School district has a strong reputation for excellence. Most of the teachers here are very good at covering the topics required in their classes and making sure the students understand the material. I have gone to the school district since first grade, and have enjoyed my time here thoroughly. Most of the students here are very open and kind, but I cannot say that for all of them. The inquisitive nature of those who attend these schools allows them to learn more easily and provide an atmosphere of learning for the rest of the student body. They are over capacity in many of their schools, but the addition of a new elementary, additions to the existing schools, and plans to build a new high school will soon alleviate that stress. Overall, I love this school district and rate it quite highly!
    Read 25 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9 Total Schools
    • 5,287 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Van Meter Community School District

    • School District
    • Van Meter, IA
    • 2 reviews
    #16 Best School Districts in Iowa

    Alum: There was such a heavy dependence on technology while I was there. But it is very neat to see how they are positively integrating the technology into the elementary classrooms now.
    Read 2 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2 Total Schools
    • 622 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District

    • School District
    • Dallas Center, IA
    • 18 reviews
    #17 Best School Districts in Iowa

    Senior: I love my school because my teachers have made me feel safe, prepared, and excited for my future. Our recognition of AP scholars proves that we care as a district about the education students receive. Both academics and extra-curricular activities are strong at DC-G. Many activities are offered which allow students with varying talents to find a club or event that suits their interests. Although I faced some personal challenges along the road of life, I wouldn't change anything about my high school experience. I have been privileged to participate in activities that offered leadership opportunities as well as take AP classes that allowed me to learn at a more challenging pace. None of this could be possible without our amazing staff and administration.
    Read 18 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 6 Total Schools
    • 2,882 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  22. North Polk Community School District

    • School District
    • Alleman, IA
    • 10 reviews
    #18 Best School Districts in Iowa

    Senior: I have been attending North Polk Community School District since kindergarten, and I attribute a large part of my personal development and character to my teachers and advisors. My elementary physical education teacher, Mr. Jungman, introduced me to the value of nutrition and fitness, which led to a life-long passion and declared major in dietetics. Many of my academic teachers, from elementary school through high school, have inspired me to dedicate myself to superior educational success. They have pushed me to not only be proficient, but exemplary. My educators have taught me that, without enjoyment, learning becomes trivial. I am certain that the passion for learning instilled in me while at North Polk will continue into my college education and into my future career. I cannot believe I will soon have to say goodbye to the people who have helped make me into the person I am today, and I am lucky to have been able to attend such a supportive and contributive school district.
    Read 10 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4 Total Schools
    • 1,661 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District

    • School District
    • Waverly, IA
    • 19 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 19 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7 Total Schools
    • 2,112 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Williamsburg Community School District

    • School District
    • Williamsburg, IA
    • 7 reviews
    #20 Best School Districts in Iowa

    Senior: Williamsburg is a good place to learn how to think critically, but not how to be an individual. Education is given very well, but the arts and music are mediocre. The focus is given almost solely on sports, not on the mind. I appreciate the knowledge I've been given, and the lessons teachers have taught me, but I am disappointed that only sports are revered, and the arts are shunned quite a bit. When it comes to what a school is supposed to do, it followed through perfectly; we were taught the curriculum and how to live. I only wish they could have shown us how to use our minds.
    Read 7 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2 Total Schools
    • 1,208 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Sergeant Bluff-Luton Community School District

    • School District
    • Sergeant Bluff, IA
    • 10 reviews
    #21 Best School Districts in Iowa

    Senior: The teachers are hit and miss. Some are super enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and able to teach well. Others give busy work and don't actually help students learn the material. Overall, administration is supportive and many activities are offered. Nice medium-sized school in a great community!
    Read 10 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4 Total Schools
    • 1,513 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Linn-Mar Community School District

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

    Alum: It's a good school and it has a lot to offer. Teachers really care about their students and go above and beyond to make sure they understand material. There are extracurriculars aplenty. Linn-Mar especially excels in the arts specifically music. It's located in Marion, IA which is a suburb of Cedar Rapids. My one complaint is people can be a little full of it. Households are generally fairly well off and that can be seen in the people that attend as well as the people that are employed at the school. It's also very "white." Last I checked, the high school has just 13 percent minorities.
    Read 31 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 10 Total Schools
    • 7,477 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Underwood Community School District

    • School District
    • Underwood, IA
    • 12 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 12 Reviews

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

  28. West Des Moines Community School District

    • School District
    • West Des Moines, IA
    • 42 reviews
    #24 Best School Districts in Iowa

    Alum: The school district is great! They have various activities that range from elementary to high school that keep the students engaged in their school community. Having teachers who go above and beyond also helps keep students motivated and wanting to learn. My experience here was fantastic and it really prepared me for college. I’m excited my younger siblings get to experience school the way I did in the West Des Moines School District. Although having a snow day wvery once in a while wouldn’t hurt.
    Read 42 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13 Total Schools
    • 9,357 Students
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Center Point-Urbana Community School District

    • School District
    • Center Point, IA
    • 10 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 10 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 4 Total Schools
    • 1,416 Students
    View Nearby Homes
  30. Sponsored

    Rivermont Collegiate

    • Private School
    • Bettendorf, IA
    • PK, K-12
    • 46 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 46 Reviews

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

    Trinity Episcopal School

    • Private School
    • Richmond, VA
    • 8-12
    • 109 reviews

    Parent: We love Trinity! My daughter started in the 8th grade & so far she's had a wonderful experience. They have a great academic program but also a wonderful academic resource center to offer support & assistance to students. A diverse student population -- not just by race & religion but also of learning styles, abilities & interests. The popular kids aren't just the jocks - although there are plenty of very good athletes here - students who are artistic, technologically savvy and academically versed are also the popular kids. Great teacher student ratio adds to the positives.
    Read 109 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 506 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  36. Sponsored

    BASIS Independent McLean

    • Private School
    • McLean, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 15 reviews

    Parent: Our son is currently in the 2nd grade. He has been at the school for two years, and it has been a wonderful experience. The enthusiasm of the teachers, who are truly experts in the subjects they teach, is infectious. They consistently set high standards for all students at every stage of their academic career. This is a school that prioritizes academics and the students themselves; it is targeted to students with intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethic. We are very happy here!
    Read 15 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 375 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
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