2019 Best STEM High Schools in Iowa

Best for STEM

79 results

West Senior High School
Iowa City Community School District, IA
9-12
288
1 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 288 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,993 Students
20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Ames High School
Ames Community School District, IA
9-12
291
2 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Senior: An awesome school. Great teachers make all the difference in the world. So many options in classes to take. They offer more than just Spanish! I especially enjoyed German class and host an exchange student each year. The school also allows as many clubs as the students want. I enjoy Board Game Club, Chess Club, and Young Americans for Freedom Club. It's not all about sports, but with awesome coaches we're great in that too.
Read 291 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,270 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Rivermont Collegiate
Private School
Bettendorf, IA
PK, K-12
25
3 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Works Here: I love the culture of Rivermont! It has a small, close-knit family of faculty and staff who go above and beyond in serving each other and their community. I have not seen such joyful sacrifice of time, treasure, and talents in a school as I see here. The students of Rivermont receive something truly unique in that faculty and staff care deeply about developing well-rounded, and centered people. This whole person development makes a beautiful paring with our top-notch academic scores.
Read 25 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
200 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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BASIS Independent McLean
Private School
McLean, VA
PK, K-12
8
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 8 Reviews
NG
Overall Niche Grade
375 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Pleasant Valley High School
Pleasant Valley Community School District, IA
9-12
176
4 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Parent: I am the parent of twin seniors that who've grown and flourished throughout their 13th years in the Pleasant Valley School system. I have been extremely pleased and proud with my experience throughout their education and how they've helped my children gain integrity, morality, kindness, respect for others and themselves, develop great character, retain wonderful memories and have lifelong friends. Thank you to all the staff and administrators for all your hard work in helping my children become wonderful adults.
Read 176 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,336 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Maharishi School
Private School
Fairfield, IA
PK, K-12
40
5 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Alum: Maharishi School is excellent as it allows students to grow in knowledge and excel without being unduly stressed out as sadly occurs in so many schools today. The main contributor to this is the inclusion of Transcendental Meditation as a central feature of the school, which enables the students to enjoy very profound rest and also enhances their intelligence and creativity.

I also really appreciate the diversity of the school, the safe-space it offers generally, the low student-faculty ratios and its outstanding success in college acceptances!
Read 40 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
179 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Linn-Mar High School
Linn-Mar Community School District, IA
9-12
240
6 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Senior: The best and worst thing about Linn-Mar is its size. Because we're so big, we're able to have an amazing music department which I take full advantage of being in orchestra, chamber orchestra, choir, and show choir. We have tons of opportunities that other schools don't have, but sometimes it shows that we're a bit too big for ourselves. When most of your classes have at least 30 kids, or when you can barely talk to your counselors because they're so busy, it gets a little stressful. But I think the negatives balance out the positives, so overall I enjoy Linn-Mar a lot.
Read 240 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
2,002 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Valley High School
West Des Moines Community School District, IA
10-12
381
7 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Senior: My experience at Valley has overall been very good. I was always very involved with music activities, which helped me make friends and have fun. That's one of the great things at Valley--there's plenty of things to get involved with. Along with a wide variety of extracurriculars, Valley has an incredibly diverse student body. One class I took, Advanced World Literature, made me realize this. During our last unit relating to immigrants and border crossing, we conducted interviews with students from other countries. I interviewed a girl and a boy from Myanmar and learned about their experiences coming to Valley. It was very insightful and made me realize just how diverse the student body here is.
Read 381 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,998 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Scattergood Friends School
Private School
West Branch, IA
9-12
29
8 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 29 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
34 Students
4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Gilbert High School
Gilbert Community School District, IA
9-12
109
9 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Senior: Gilbert High School is an environment with high standards and friendly people. I moved into the school district from Illinois for my senior year. I was welcomed with open arms, friendly faces and a very comfortable environment. The diversity isn't great, but the minorities who do attend Gilbert High School are welcomed and friends with everyone. Academically, the teachers are top-notch and the school as a whole prepares students very well for college. Athletically, the sports teams are average, but the atmosphere at the games is always positive and the community and school district are very supportive.
Read 109 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
435 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Johnston Senior High School
Johnston Community School District, IA
10-12
283
10 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Alum: Johnston Sr. High school is an R.I. high school whose stars are the faculty. If you develop a relationship with the right teachers/administration, you will gain access to multiple resources you may never have known were available. It is important that you ASK. Tell them about your goals and ask what can be done to get you closer to them. There a lot of hidden angels strewn around the classrooms, library, and guidance office. Of course there will be those counselors/teachers that turn you down or discourage you. If this happens, please look for someone else to talk to. They can help you with testing finances, college applications, job opportunities, and even college tours.
Read 283 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,548 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Ankeny Centennial High School
Ankeny Community School District, IA
10-12
86
11 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Sophomore: Ankeny High school is a very good school, everyone is welcoming and it is a very nice environment to learn and experience high school in. One of my favorite places would be the library, they have multiple opportunities for every student such as a music room, a 3D printer, a button maker, a ton of computers, and a staff that will help and accommodate for anything someone would like to do or needs for an assignment. Another part that many students enjoy is all of the activities available from show choir to any club that someone can think of and all of the athletics. Through sports and clubs at school I have met many people that are now my friends in my grade and older than me. Overall Ankeny Centennial is an excellent place for high school and I do not think there could be any improvements becuase it is a place I look forward to going too every day!
Read 86 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,106 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Ankeny High School
Ankeny Community School District, IA
10-12
247
12 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Senior: I have been going to ankeny since 8th grade. I’m an incoming senior for the 2018-2019 school year, to be honest, I wouldn’t chose to graduate anywhere else. I moved around a lot growing up and now that I’ve consistently been in a district, it has become my home. On the contrary to my above opinion, ankeny has its tough points. I’ve done some rebellious things I shouldn’t have done and as I continue on and better myself, not only the students but some staff as well seem to have me marked to their judgement for my eternity at the school. Knowing half of the people I see don’t believe in me can hurt sometimes. Reputations are hard to reverse in ankeny. In conclusion I see going to ankeny worth some of the struggles I faced because in comparison to other school districts, ankeny is very accepting and has good nature as well as strong academics.
Read 247 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
979 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Cedar Falls High School
Cedar Falls Community School District, IA
10-12
274
13 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Senior: I like that Cedar Falls High School is so active and lively. Our class is always involved in school events, fundraisers, and sports. Like every school, Cedar Falls High School has its problems such as the grading system, school lunches, and parking. I would like to see a change by having students and staff talk about the issues. As a school, we seem to ignore issues at hand. Then there are also times where we talk about issues but no actions are taken. Such as, our school doesn't have air conditioning which is a problem in the summer and then we don't really have heating either, so some rooms of the school are too hot and some don't have any heat at all.
Read 274 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,156 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Iowa City High School
Iowa City Community School District, IA
9-12
193
14 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Senior: I had moved to Iowa City High School my sophomore year and was overwhelmed in the best way possible. There are so many clubs to join, classes to enroll in, and people you want to get to know. The environment at this school is super supportive and friendly. Students are very diverse and accepting no matter of your race or religion. Teachers are outstanding! They are always there to help you. They push you to work harder. They encourage you. They are there to prepare you for your college and adult life.

In addition to all this, the campus is absolute jaw-dropping! I remember visiting the school for the first time and I could not believe my eyes. I took about 30 pictures that day alone from every angle possible.

Iowa City High School is a place that is wonderful both inside and out. This school is truly "The School That Leads". I have no doubt in my mind that anyone who attends will love it here!
Read 193 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,650 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Dowling Catholic High School
Private School
West Des Moines, IA
9-12
163
15 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Alum: I loved Dowling! They have excellent academics that truly help prepare you for college. You are challenged to do your best work day in and day out, and that is an essential skill to have in college. You are also encouraged to determine your interests in not only potential career choices but also in service. There are so many opportunities for service and involvement at Dowling.
Read 163 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,478 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Regina Catholic Education Center
Private School
Iowa, IA
PK, K-12
62
16 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Junior: Regina High school is a wonderful place for all students who want to either, have a good catholic education, or really just to be around good people. The environment is good for everyone, and we have a great time getting to know each other better. Regina is very well known for athletics, especially football. Our Arts department is also very good. We take pride in our Bands, choirs, and STEM groups that we have. Overall Regina is one of the best schools in Iowa City not only because of the athletics, as many people may think, but because of the atmosphere we hold, and how we get to learn more about who we are while discovering what it means to be children of God.
Read 62 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
920 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Wahlert Catholic High School
Private School
Dubuque, IA
9-12
37
17 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Senior: One of the main things I love about Wahlert is the community and how close everyone is. Coming from a Catholic background, community and unity means a lot to me. The relationships I have with the teachers and staff at Wahlert really make me feel comfortable and provide the best possible learning environment for me. That environment helps me strive in my academics, my faith, and my growth as a person. I believe Wahlert Catholic High School has effectively set me up to succeed in my future endeavors. I will be forever thankful for the service and education Wahlert has provided me with.
Read 37 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
521 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Waukee Senior High School
Waukee Community School District, IA
10-12
347
18 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Senior: The staff at Waukee High School are extremely nice, interactive, supportive, and personal. The students are also extremely nice , collaborative, and everyone is intertwined. The hallways can get cramped during passing periods with people standing in groups or trying to cross paths, but we do have a significant amount of elective choices that other schools do not offer. The high school also offers a surplus of clubs that anyone can join based on their interests. Also, Waukee is energy efficient with the water bottle fillers that are installed throughout the school. Lastly, I believe that everyone supports everyone. All of the sports teams support other sports, even if it is not in their interest. Sports and musical arts also support each other by going to the other's games or performances.
Read 347 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,685 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Assumption High School
Private School
Davenport, IA
9-12
101
19 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Senior: Assumption is a great place for religion and it is a terrific tight-knit community. That being said, if you aren't into sports, extracurriculars are going to be very difficult for you. The fine arts department is hardly funded and/or talked about, plus there are hardly any academic clubs. If you are into sports, great; just be wary of the "winning is the only thing" mentality here, especially in track. Other than that, the academics are good, and the smaller size of the school allows for closer friendships and a more realized shared identity among students.
Read 101 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
471 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Decorah High School
Decorah Community School District, IA
9-12
111
20 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Sophomore: The school has its high and low areas. Personally I believe about 60% of the teachers really care for there students and want them to succeed. The non-teacher facility have a few members that really care for the students, but as a sophomore I felt a little disconnect from them. I did enjoy the vast amount of options for me, academically, extra and co curricular, and sports. The overall atmosphere is somewhat toxic. I have found a small friend group but feel that other students are not as accepting.
Read 111 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
571 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Dallas Center - Grimes High School
Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District, IA
10-12
81
21 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Senior: Dallas Center - Grimes is a tromendous high school. The staff is incredible, devoted janitors work tirelessly to ensure that our school is clean. The friendly lunch staff, provides acceptioal meals while including a variety of healthy choices. The teachers become friends, their passion truly exemplifies it self in their profession. Teachers at DC-G care about every student encouraging, providing support, and leading students to be the best person they can be.the students at DC-G are incredible, I am extremely proud to graduate with the class of 2018. DC-G consists of many different personalities, but the students provide an overwhelming welcoming feeling.

DC-G is an amazing high school. Not because of where it is, what it has achieved or what it looks like. Dallas Center - Grimes is the greatest school because of the people who attend the school. DC-G is a family, we care about each other, that is why Dc-G is tromendous.
Read 81 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
566 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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John F. Kennedy High School
Cedar Rapids Community School District, IA
9-12
279
22 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Alum: Kennedy High School was full of opportunities for everyone! Acedemics, sports, club involvement, show choir, band and college courses to keep everyone challenged and involved. Kennedy High School also prepared me for college and pushed me to find my interests in order to get me a head start on my college education while still a high school student! My school administration was point on and very involved.
Read 279 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,761 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Solon High School
Solon Community School District, IA
9-12
69
23 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Senior: Solon High School is in a small town of Solon, IA. At our school, we create an atmosphere of positive attitudes, self sufficiency, and determination. Every teacher works to better their school and the students attending it. In our small community, we have visitors come to school to help us plan our futures and prove to us that we all have the ability to succeed. In our district, we are #solonstrong.
Read 69 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
441 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Dubuque Senior High School
Dubuque Community School District, IA
9-12
215
24 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Senior: Great opportunities and many amazing teachers! Would have appreciated more help with school and scholarship searches, especially before the middle of senior year.
Read 215 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
1,625 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Xavier High School
Private School
Cedar Rapids, IA
9-12
187
25 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa
Senior: Teachers are great!, they actually listen to student’s questions but every year they come up with a new rule which usually doesn’t work or isn’t enforce. Teachers have their own rules in their classroom and (some teachers are more strict than others) and be ready to use uniform because you can only dress normally (1-2) times a month!
Read 187 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
705 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Roanoke Catholic School
Private School
Roanoke, VA
PK, K-12
52
Senior: Roanoke Catholic is a school that teaches students belong the classroom and prepares them for either college. In the past years, 100 percent of Catholic seniors have attended college and this year the seniors have received over 2.5 million in scholarships. I started Roanoke Catholic two years ago and it was a big change coming from public school. In public schools you could slide by without doing your homework, but at Roanoke Catholic all work is required and graded as a test grade. Roanoke Catholic does not let you fall through the cracks. I also must say the food is outstanding!!
One thing I really did not like were the uniforms. In public school you basically wore what you want, but not in private school. My first year the gentlemen had to wear a shirt and tie during the winter and in the summer a polo shirt with the school’s logo and khaki pants or shorts. This year they changed the dress code to where gentlemen could wear the polo shirt and khaki pants all year around.
Read 52 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
483 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Kirov Academy of Ballet
Private School
Washington, DC
7-12
4
Works Here: I have been working at the Kirov Academy since 2017, and have found the staff & students friendly. The students are very talented, even performing for a week at the Kennedy Center in conjunction with a major company! The teaching staff, both academic and artistic are professional, run an excellent program that prepares the students well for both companies and university placement.
Read 4 Reviews
NG
Overall Niche Grade
43 Students
2:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 4

West Senior High School

Ames High School

Rivermont Collegiate

BASIS Independent McLean

Pleasant Valley High School

Maharishi School

Linn-Mar High School

Valley High School

Scattergood Friends School

Gilbert High School

Johnston Senior High School

Ankeny Centennial High School

Ankeny High School

Cedar Falls High School

Iowa City High School

Dowling Catholic High School

Regina Catholic Education Center

Wahlert Catholic High School

Waukee Senior High School

Assumption High School

Decorah High School

Dallas Center - Grimes High School

John F. Kennedy High School

Solon High School

Dubuque Senior High School

Xavier High School

Roanoke Catholic School

Kirov Academy of Ballet