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2018 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.

Best for STEM
53 results

  1. Rivermont Collegiate

    • Private School
    • Bettendorf, IA
    • PK, K-12
    • 20
    1 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 20 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 200 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. West Senior High School

    • Iowa City Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 285
    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 285 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,993 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Ames High School

    • Ames Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 288
    3 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 288 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,270 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Pleasant Valley High School

    • Pleasant Valley Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 175
    4 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Alum: Pleasant Valley High School (PV) offers a variety of ways to prep the students for college. I found myself enjoying classes, but also struggling with them, which taught me "how to fight" in a class and seek different ways of succeeding. The transition into college is not easy, neither was it perfect, but I do believe that PV offered me enough academic opportunities to "dive into" college. If I were to give someone an advice before going to PV, it would be to be patient with yourself. PV is an extremely competitive school, where most students are at the top, rather than average. Sometimes, I did find myself feeling "below average", but the school provides tools to help each student grow in his/her own way. This would be the only complaint I have about the school- it is more competitive than necessary, but again, most students are at the top because of that.
    Read 175 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,336 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Scattergood Friends School

    • Private School
    • West Branch, IA
    • 9-12
    • 29
    5 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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  7. Ankeny Centennial High School

    • Ankeny Community School District, IA
    • 10-12
    • 81
    6 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 81 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,106 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Gilbert High School

    • Gilbert Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 108
    7 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 108 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 435 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Valley High School

    • West Des Moines Community School District, IA
    • 10-12
    • 379
    8 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 379 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,998 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Linn-Mar High School

    • Linn-Mar Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 240
    9 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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  13. Cedar Falls High School

    • Cedar Falls Community School District, IA
    • 10-12
    • 272
    10 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 272 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,156 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Iowa City High School

    • Iowa City Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 191
    11 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 191 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,650 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Johnston Senior High School

    • Johnston Community School District, IA
    • 10-12
    • 282
    12 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Alum: I loved attending Johnston Senior High School. The teachers really showed an interest in my learning. My favorite thing was all of the extracurricular activities they have. There is archery, bowling, swimming, track, cross-country, cheerleading, show choir, choir, dance team, football, basketball, volleyball and more! Even better they allow you to do more than one. For example, I was on cheer, dance team, color guard, band, jazz band, cross-country, track, show choir, choir, all-state choir, and I even tried wrestling for a year. This is a place where you can be anything you want to be while still getting a top notch education. I don't have any complaints about this school.
    Read 282 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,548 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Ankeny High School

    • Ankeny Community School District, IA
    • 10-12
    • 245
    13 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 245 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 979 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. John F. Kennedy High School

    • Cedar Rapids Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 278
    14 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 278 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,761 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Decorah High School

    • Decorah Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 110
    15 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 110 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 571 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Dallas Center - Grimes High School

    • Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District, IA
    • 10-12
    • 81
    16 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
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. Dowling Catholic High School

    • Private School
    • West Des Moines, IA
    • 9-12
    • 157
    17 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 157 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,478 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Solon High School

    • Solon Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 69
    18 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
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Waukee Senior High School

    • Waukee Community School District, IA
    • 10-12
    • 345
    19 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 345 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,685 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Wahlert Catholic High School

    • Private School
    • Dubuque, IA
    • 9-12
    • 37
    20 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
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Regina Catholic Education Center

    • Private School
    • Iowa, IA
    • PK, K-12
    • 62
    21 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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  28. Underwood High School

    • Underwood Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 53
    22 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Senior: I would say Underwood High School is better than your average school. As a smaller school, the teachers have a better ability to have one-on-one experience with their students. This allows for an overall higher quality of education for students in my opinion. This is something that larger schools just can’t do with such a high number of students. Something I dislike about Underwood High School, though, is their lack of quality of food. If the school can afford to build brand-new facilities for their students (which they did), then they can afford to serve their students something that is actually good for them instead of frozen pizza and nachos.
    Read 53 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 265 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. North Scott Senior High School

    • North Scott Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 126
    23 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Sophomore: North Scott High School has something for all students. Whether it is fine arts or athletics, there is a wide variety of things to be involved in. Along with soaring extra-curricular activities, the teachers and overall academics are at a high level, offering multiple AP classes and honors level classes. If they do not have a class you are interested in taking, they either create the class or let you go to the nearby community college to pursue it! The counselor care about all students and work very hard to make sure each student is in a good place at all times. Very nice facilities for all activities. All the kids who go here are inclusive and care for one another. The only thing that this school lacks is diversity. This is a school made up of many high-class white families. Overall, North Scott is a wonderful place, and the slight issues can always be fixed!
    Read 126 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 955 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  31. Maharishi School

    • Private School
    • Fairfield, IA
    • PK, K-12
    • 39
    24 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 39 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 179 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  32. Clear Creek Amana High School

    • Clear Creek Amana Community School District, IA
    • 9-12
    • 119
    25 Best High Schools for STEM in Iowa

    Alum: I enjoyed the dedication displayed by the staff members, who have an interest in ensuring their students succeed inside the classroom and further into their schooling.
    Read 119 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 600 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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