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2020 Best Schools for STEM in IowaAbout this List

Explore the best schools for STEM in your area. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 81
Best for STEM
81 results

  1. Rivermont Collegiate

    • Private School
    • Bettendorf, IA
    • PK, K-12
    • 47 reviews
    #1 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    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

  2. West Senior High School

    • Iowa City Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 301 reviews
    #2 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Senior: West High is a large school, but there is always going to be a place for someone to fit in. We have tons of different clubs and if there isn't one for what you would have liked, you can start your own! The teachers are amazing and compassionate people who care about your well being, there is always someone to talk to if needed. We have some of the best test scores in Iowa, as well as many AP classes such as psychology, government, art and engineering courses.
    Read 301 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,083 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Maharishi School

    • Private School
    • Fairfield, IA
    • PK, K-12
    • 50 reviews
    #3 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    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
    • 178 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  4. Pleasant Valley High School

    • Pleasant Valley Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 194 reviews
    #4 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Senior: Pleasant Valley offers many opportunities for students. There are many clubs, sports and music organizations that all students are welcome to join. Students are also able to create their own clubs if they get approval for them. This allows the students to become involved with the school and meet new people. Another opportunity to get involved through the school is by joining Spartan Assembly. This organization is the student council for PV and creates real-world like jobs for the students. Aside from clubs, PV has one of the biggest and most talented bandanna in Iowa. The marching band at PV is as big as the state schools’ in Iowa!
    Read 194 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,366 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Ames High School

    • Ames Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 326 reviews
    #5 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Senior: Ames High is a great school. Since Ames is a college town, that draws in people from around the world, so Ames High is fairly diverse. The students score above average on tests like the ACT, AP Exams, and other big tests like that. Our classes definitiely prepare you for college. There are tons of clubs and if there isn't one for you, you can always make a new club. The teachers are great and make relationships with so many students. The building itself is pretty old, but full of life and memories. Overall, it's a really good high school!
    Read 326 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,277 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Cedar Falls High School

    • Cedar Falls Community School District, IA
    • 10-12
    • 292 reviews
    #6 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Senior: I really enjoyed my time at Cedar Falls High School. I had amazing experiences with all of my teachers and every single one had my best interest in mind. They were always there for me to ask questions and willing to set up a time to meet if extra help was necessary. Cedar Falls offers numerous clubs, year around sports, and an incredible theater program gives students endless possibilities to get involved. They performs tremendously well academically and that can be credited to the staff that Cedar Falls has to offer. In addition to the staff, the courses offered at the high school range from fundamentals all the way to college level courses. Students who need extra help are not discriminated against and the students who excel are not held back. Cedar Falls offers a wide variety of classes that meet the interests levels of everyone. I would highly recommend this high school to anyone who is looking for a safe high school in an incredible community.
    Read 292 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,123 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  9. Gilbert High School

    • Gilbert Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 118 reviews
    #7 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Senior: Gilbert Community School District was an amazing place to attend and soon graduate from. It is a smaller school making it so you know everyone in your class and there is a close community. Ever since middle school and especially starting high school, I was always challenged academically. Many students work hard to keep a 4.0 all four years and keep advancing their education. I wanted to match my other classmates, which leads me to great success. If I did not have this environment I would not have held myself to a high standard.
    Read 118 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 446 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Johnston Senior High School

    • Johnston Community School District, IA
    • 10-12
    • 306 reviews
    #8 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Senior: I've had amazing teachers who strongly influenced my decisions on a major! I enjoyed all the arts programs and after-school sports programs. I had many different electives that I could choose from, which is excellent for exploring my interests.
    Read 306 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,566 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Scattergood Friends School

    • Private School
    • West Branch, IA
    • 9-12
    • 31 reviews
    #9 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    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
    • 26 Students
    • 3:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Iowa City High School

    • Iowa City Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 206 reviews
    #10 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Senior: Some of the teachers are incredible; however, some are NOT. It really depends on the luck of the draw and the classes you choose to take part in. Most teachers, no matter their teaching ability, care strongly for the well being of their students. The environment is very caring and it is not challenging to find somebody like you. I have been here for four years and I think it was pretty good for high school at least!
    Read 206 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,701 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Ankeny Centennial High School

    • Ankeny Community School District, IA
    • 10-12
    • 117 reviews
    #11 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Senior: I have grown so much from attending Centennial. The teachers alone are so welcoming and I have made so many friends from all the sports and activities I am involved in. Because of the curriculum taught, I am confident that I am very prepared for what is to come in my future. A couple of aspects that could improve for future students would be resources for applying to universities, vocational schools, and scholarship help. Because there are so many students, receiving resources for colleges and after school opportunities are lessened because of the sheer struggle for communication. Overall, I am so grateful that i have experienced all Ankeny Centennial High School has offered!
    Read 117 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,169 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Waukee Senior High School

    • Waukee Community School District, IA
    • 10-12
    • 388 reviews
    #12 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Alum: Waukee High School promotes a positive environment focused on learning and community. They have Ipads, computers, and lots of resources for students to learn with. They provide a variety of extracurriculars, and there is something for everyone!
    Read 388 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,771 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Linn-Mar High School

    • Linn-Mar Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 270 reviews
    #13 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Alum: I liked that Lin-Mar High Scholl had teachers you can connect with. Even though I am in college now I still go back to see my favorite High School teachers. I wish Linn-Mar had more diversity. Sure, there are students of a different culture but I feel as though those students don't really interact with anyone else, there is a club called ALO, but only students of color join. I like that Linn-Mar has a diversity fair every year where students of different cultures come together and teach others about their culture, it seemed like it brought every student into the gym, it was very cool.
    I feel like Linn-Mar does a very good job getting students ready for college. It really helped me to be able to meet with my counselor whenever I needed to talk about my classes or major, and the counselors were always willing to help you. Linn-Mar was a great high school where students can feel safe, cared for and get really good and trusted high school education.
    Read 270 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,079 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Ankeny High School

    • Ankeny Community School District, IA
    • 10-12
    • 266 reviews
    #14 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Senior: My time in the Ankeny Community School System has been enriching, challenging, and fun! I participated in several AP classes, DMACC classes, baseball, track, basketball, Choir, and Large Group Speech. All leaders and teachers tried their best to help me be successful. Class sizes are growing each year, however, so teachers are having a hard time spending time with us one on one.
    Read 266 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,025 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Dowling Catholic High School

    • Private School
    • West Des Moines, IA
    • 9-12
    • 187 reviews
    #15 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Senior: I really enjoy attending a school that cares about the individual, their education, and their beliefs. Every teacher cares about the students and wants to help them succeed. Dowling prepares students for college well by leading you through the whole process and maintaining a strong academic focus throughout the four years. Dowling offers great clubs to get involved in. These clubs help shape the student as a leader and are a way to meet new people. Faith is incorporated into the education but not the primary focus. I would love to see more elective classes offered at Dowling! I believe this would help students find other interests or passions outside of the core classes.
    Read 187 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,405 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Valley High School

    • West Des Moines Community School District, IA
    • 10-12
    • 407 reviews
    #16 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Junior: Valley High School is an excellent school that I am proud to attend. It has lots of sports and clubs to participate in. The teachers are friendly and the school is overall welcoming. It is very diverse and the school puts forth a great effort to make sure that all students feel accepted and excited to learn. In terms of classes, there are hundreds to choose from that are also worth college credit! I enjoyed taking Drawing and Painting applications and recommend it to all students at Valley. If I could change something about my school, it would be to make the lunches have more variety and healthier. Most, if not all the lunches are pre-packaged or frozen meals. I would change the lunches so more foods were made from scratch, and there were more vegan/ vegetarian options.
    Read 407 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,984 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  19. John F. Kennedy High School

    • Cedar Rapids Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 302 reviews
    #17 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Senior: A majority of the teachers I have had have been amazing. Especially my senior year. I really enjoy the relationships they have with me and their peers. I also enjoy the wide variety of clubs we have and the variety in classes such has Forensics, which is not a class many schools have. Something I would like to see change at Kennedy is the diversity in students as in race/ethnicity, and in faculty as in gender, we need more female hall monitors. One last thing would be adding more natural light into the class room. There are not very many windows in classrooms making it seem gloomy within the school, especially with the brick being brown. It needs some color, but thats all cosmetic.
    Read 302 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,875 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Wahlert Catholic High School

    • Private School
    • Dubuque, IA
    • 9-12
    • 46 reviews
    #18 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Freshman: Wahlert has been such a welcoming community with teachers that truly care about your education and personal growth. Another thing I value is the emphasis on balance. Wahlert not only seeks to make you a good scholar but also a kind and passionate individual. The addition of Personalized Learning into Wahlert's curriculum also provides a challenge for students seeking to learn at their own pace. The academic rigor and caring environment are what truly make Wahlert a great place to learn.
    Read 46 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 521 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Decorah High School

    • Decorah Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 121 reviews
    #19 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Senior: The best feature of Decorah High School is the opportunity for involvement. Almost every student is involved in either a sport, fine art, or club. The staff is very involved in student success, which has resulted in many wonderful achievements. My experience at Decorah High School has definitely been a good one!
    Read 121 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 550 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Grinnell Community Senior High School

    • Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 88 reviews
    #20 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Senior: Grinnell High School is a really great school with many nice teachers and students! The teachers really care about how well the students do in class. They really help students who are behind, but they also provide extra classes for students that excel in academics. They even allow students to go over to the college for classes. All of the other staff is super friendly and accommodating also. Our principal gets along with all of the students and is very friendly to parents. Grinnell has a great program for kids with special needs. The athletic department has great equipment and encourages everyone to participate in a sport whether you're good or not. The drama department is fantastic and puts on two productions each year while being involved in the Thespian Festival and other fun events. There's an extracurricular activity for pretty much everyone! It's a very clean school and the perfect size.
    Read 88 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 523 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Regina Catholic Education Center

    • Private School
    • Iowa, IA
    • PK, K-12
    • 76 reviews
    #21 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Senior: Our Spanish department is as top-of-the-line as you get. Amazing teachers who are very willing to help the students in need. The lunches can be very hit-or-miss, but there are some amazing lunches every once in a while. Sports programs take priority over the arts, unfortunately. Regina shines in its sports and academics though, so I would definitely recommend it for those reasons. The diversity at Regina has increased greatly in the past few years. Regina has a tightly knit community that allows everyone to know everybody else. If necessary teachers are very accommodating of students. Regina has better academics than just about any other public school in the area. I would definitely recommend Regina!
    Read 76 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 920 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Norwalk Senior High School

    • Norwalk Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 200 reviews
    #22 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Junior: It is a very good high school academic and activity wise! There are tons of options for taking classes at the school and online through a community college nearby. We have a lot of sports but also a lot of clubs and other extra things students have the option to do. The reason I did not give it a 5 star is because of the typical issues that come with small town high schools. Everyone gossips, every spreads rumors, no one can keep things to themselves, and there is drama.
    Read 200 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 829 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Kee High School

    • Eastern Allamakee Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 6 reviews
    #23 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Senior: Kee High School is a very friendly school to attend. What it lacks in diversity, it makes up for in other categories. The low student to faculty ratio and small class sizes makes it easy to form lasting relationships with faculty and students alike.
    Read 6 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 137 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Dallas Center - Grimes High School

    • Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District, IA
    • 10-12
    • 91 reviews
    #24 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Alum: As a recent graduate from DC-G, I can provide a summary in what I experienced throughout my years in terms of students and faculty. The district's etiquette is strong; professional, dedicated, and friendly. The faculty are very influential, providing 'passion' for students to strive for their greatest achievements. Some issues I encountered were difficult to cooperate with: other students, academic requirements and tactics the faculty don't apply. This may be personal issues, but when it came down to cracking on student bullying, depression and anxiety issues, it is a hassle for faculty to assist on these problems, as well as provide academic understanding in the courses taught, since things are on an 'itinerary' that teachers are unwilling to step out and have one-on-one tactics for students who struggle. Other than that, I am proud to be an alum of DC-G. It has an overall great education system, friendly staff, healthy environment, and a memory-making applicator throughout my life.
    Read 91 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 584 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Xavier High School

    • Private School
    • Cedar Rapids, IA
    • 9-12
    • 199 reviews
    #25 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Senior: The environment at Xavier is amazing! Lots of supportive students, teachers, and parents. I have always felt welcomed and safe here. My favorite thing about Xavier is the activities and clubs that you can be in! I have done cheer for all 4 years and I have been involved in our service club, Key Club. It's a college prep school and very awesome that they offer dual credit classes.
    Read 199 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 662 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  30. 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
    • 178 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
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    Scattergood Friends School

    • Private School
    • West Branch, IA
    • 9-12
    • 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
    • 26 Students
    • 3:1 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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