2023 Best Schools in Johnston

• Waukee Community School District, IA•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 615

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Ankeny Community School District, IA•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 537

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• West Des Moines, IA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  239 reviews

Junior: I have had a great experience at Dowling so far. They have so many ways to get involved including many different clubs and groups. Most teachers care about each student and their education, and I have had many teachers use their free time to help me in their classes. Dowling holds all of their students to a high standard. Personally, I enjoy the dress code because it takes away the possibility for bullying based on clothes. There are many different classes you can take here at Dowling, choosing what courses you would like to advance your studies in. Overall, my experience at Dowling has been great; I've made friends, learned study habits, joined clubs and groups, and I feel very well prepared for college!... Read 239 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,391

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Johnston Community School District, IA•

• 6-7

• •
  Rating 2 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: Summit is a great school and really pushes the kids to learn with great support with the exception of one teacher, Michelle Jordan (science) she is a bully to the kids and likes to pretend to be the school cop. My home is a place where lotd of the neighborhood kids come to visit and play with my son. They ALL have had issues with her and complain that she has a bad attitude. All the other teachers are great! Summit is really a wonderful school that nurtures children!... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,126

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Ankeny Community School District, IA•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 535

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Johnston Community School District, IA•

• 8-9

• •
  Rating 1.89 out of 5  9 reviews

Middle School Student: Most of the teachers are very nice. They also have a good math program, I am in Algebra 2/Trig this year, and the teacher is very nice and helpful.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,118

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Johnston Community School District, IA•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 863

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Ankeny Community School District, IA•

• 6-7

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Niche User: Older building but excellent staff and administration. Love their after school Expeditions. Challenging academics. Top notch counselors. What's not to move?... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 871

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Ankeny Community School District, IA•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  302 reviews

Senior: Ankeny high school has been a great experience overall for me personally. all of the teachers and staff are very inclusive, and supportive of the students. In my classes, most of which are college level courses that can be very difficult for the average student the teachers take time to go over to each student and acknowledge they understand the material as well as allotting select times where students can come in before or after school, or during an open period. The sports are very prestigious, with many hard-working athletes and coaches. The culture and support system around the athletics is a resounding reason as to their successes. The most prominent reason as to why the Athletics and Academics at Ankeny high school are so successful is because of the unwavering culture we have here. That said it's not a perfect school, the Facilities and food could both be improved as while as the diversity of the demographic. Overall, I am proud to be graduating as an Ankeny Hawk in 2023.... Read 302 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,337

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Johnston Community School District, IA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Parent: I love lawson and I love johnston schools. I don't want my son anywhere else. Been there, done that. This is where he needs to be. They care about the kids, they learn what they need to, they go do things and are involved in the community. The only reason they don't have 5 starts from me is because a lot of the kids and activities are quite click-ish. A lot of kids are snobby, but we'll deal with it. It's worth it for us.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 584

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District, IA•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 564

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Johnston Community School District, IA•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  350 reviews

Alum: Being at Johnston felt more than just going to school everyday, it was more of I get to go and see friends, have fun, learn new things, have so many new experiences, and more! The teachers there aren’t just there to teach you, but to be your friend and to make sure you succeed. Any problems you have they are more than willing to go out of their way to help you. The diversity and freeness of the school is always refreshing and always seems like I different kind of school experience than others get. There’s never a dull moment at Johnston!... Read 350 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,772

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Ankeny Community School District, IA•

• 8-9

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Freshman: I came to Southview Middle School from a homeschool perspective. I loved the variety of extracurricular activities it had to offer because as a homeschooler, I never had the opportunity to enroll in sports or elective classes and I emersed myself in the social aspect. The teachers at Southview were wonderful, encouraging, and strived to help students advance all ways possible. I was able to get a head start on my college by taking online classes through the school. Throughout my two years at Southview, I might make an adjustment to the 'turning in late policy'. At Southview, when an assignment doesn't get turned in, the student gets an extended amount of time to make up the missing work. I think that this could be detrimental to students because in college a deadline is a hard deadline with no exceptions. Overall, I had a great experience at Southview.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 849

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Johnston Community School District, IA•

• K-5

• grade A minus

• Students 636

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Des Moines, IA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  35 reviews

Senior: I absolutely LOVE Grand View! I have attended Grand View for 10 years and there is no place I would rather be. Grand View has created an atmosphere that promotes maturity and growth academically as well as spiritually. The teachers truly care about you and want you to succeed and are willing to help you in any way that they can.... Read 35 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 270

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Johnston Community School District, IA•

• K-5

• grade A minus

• Students 641

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Johnston Community School District, IA•

• K-5

• grade A minus

• Students 583

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Urbandale, IA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  85 reviews

Senior: Des Moines Christian School is a place that I will always be thankful for. It has helped me grow in so many ways and provided me with amazing friends, mentors, and an amazing Christian education. This school is very intentional in relationships and helping students grow not only academic wise but as people. The teachers push us to be the best people that we can be, but also push us to be the best students we can be! I am so thankful for my highschool, and wouldn't trade my experience for the world!... Read 85 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,096

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Ankeny, IA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  18 reviews

Senior: Ankeny Christian Academy welcomed me with a warm smile into their school. This excellent school helped me further my walk with God. It also enlightened me on how to build my own relationship with Him. I can tell from my previous public school that ACA is special and cares about their student's futures. The teachers try to make their student's days better and to help as much as they can. What I would change about in this school is the unclear grading, but they are very kind in explaining their thoughts to you. This school is, overall, a great school!... Read 18 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 330

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Waukee Community School District, IA•

• PK, K-5

• grade unavailable

• Students 668

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• West Des Moines, IA•

• Private School•

• K-8

• grade unavailable

• Students 643

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• West Des Moines, IA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Alum: As a previous student of Sacred Heart, I am eager to say that my education has carried me far. I graduated from Dowling High School with above a 3.9 GPA and I am currently an undergraduate student at Grand View University with above a 3.9 GPA. I can accredit much of my learning skills and abilities to Sacred Heart teachers, staff, and administration.... Read 1 review

• grade unavailable

• Students 591

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Ankeny Community School District, IA•

• K-5

• grade unavailable

• Students 530

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Norwalk Community School District, IA•

• 2-3

• grade unavailable

• Students 507

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Des Moines, IA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: Holy Trinity School has been a great decision for our family. We like the small class sizes, great teachers and a place that nurtures our entire family. The school is safe for our students, teachers and staff. Our son started in the Developmental Kindergarten program and is now in middle school. Students attend weekly mass and the foundation of the curriculum is based on morals and values. There is financial assistance too!... Read 4 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 410

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1