Explore the best schools in your area based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.
Showing results 1 through 25 of 28
1 through 25 of 28 results
28 results
Senior: Ames High has great teachers! As a result, I am well prepared to begin college this fall. I really enjoyed participating in sports all four years and had great coaches. I have so many great memories from my time in sports. The events were well organized and well attended by other students and families. They were something that many people looked forward to. Unfortunately, my last year was interrupted by COVID-19 and made it difficult to end on a positive not in many ways. However, I appreciated how the teachers stepped up to help students during such a difficult time. They worked hard to get their curriculum online and adjusted quickly to teaching their classes 100% online. They worked hard to continue having a good attitude and being an example for their students. This made a big difference for me and so many others. Thankfully, we were able to have an in person graduation and have some memories together during the last couple months of school. Overall, I had a good experience...Read 357 Reviews
#3 Best Public High Schools in Iowa.
Ames Community School District, IA,
9-12,
357 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says Ames High has great teachers! As a result, I am well prepared to begin college this fall. I really enjoyed participating in sports all four years and had great coaches. I have so many great memories....
Ames High has great teachers! As a result, I am well prepared to begin college this fall. I really enjoyed participating in sports all four years and had great coaches. I have so many great memories....
Read 357 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 1,383,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17 to 1,
Middle School Student: I went to this school a year ago and I have to say it is amazing. All of the staff and teachers are all really nice and you all form a bond to your teachers. Most people do not like the lunch food but I loved it.Fellows is so diverse (This is my opinion) you could make friends in a instant. ...We could not play sports with other schools but Physical Education you still had fun even if you were bad at the sport, and plus we did so many things .We did this thing called the invention convention. This project that has taught me a lot of things. it taught me how to persevere and always find a way to make it better. One of my favorite things was the teachers. One of them (she will remain nameless for privacy ) taught me how to actually get my work done on time and helped me fix my mistakes and become a better person. Her motto as I like to call it was ask for help even if you think it may look weird or ruin your reputation. “You will suffer in silence all year round”...Read 2 Reviews
#45 Best Public Elementary Schools in Iowa.
K-5,
2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Middle School Student says I went to this school a year ago and I have to say it is amazing. All of the staff and teachers are all really nice and you all form a bond to your teachers. Most people do not like the lunch food...We could not play sports with other schools but Physical Education you still had fun even if you were bad at the sport, and plus we did so many things .We did this thing called the invention convention. This project that has taught me a lot of things. it taught me how to persevere and always find a way to make it better. One of my favorite things was the teachers. One of them (she will remain nameless for privacy ) taught me how to actually get my work done on time and helped me fix my mistakes and become a better....
I went to this school a year ago and I have to say it is amazing. All of the staff and teachers are all really nice and you all form a bond to your teachers. Most people do not like the lunch food...We could not play sports with other schools but Physical Education you still had fun even if you were bad at the sport, and plus we did so many things .We did this thing called the invention convention. This project that has taught me a lot of things. it taught me how to persevere and always find a way to make it better. One of my favorite things was the teachers. One of them (she will remain nameless for privacy ) taught me how to actually get my work done on time and helped me fix my mistakes and become a better....
Read 2 reviews.
Students: 577,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15 to 1,
#48 Best Public Elementary Schools in Iowa.
Ballard Community School District, IA,
3-5,
Students: 406,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
Parent: We switched to Sheridan during the pandemic joining a small community that focused on the safety of our children while limiting the disruption to their education. The administration did a stellar job. What truly stands out is how well rounded a Sheridan education is. In addition to the more traditional academics, its arts and music instruction as well as its focus on diverse communities through the student clubs is truly exceptional. We chose a K-8 school because of the added focus on the middle school years which can be difficult transition years. As the school skews young the older kids don’t grow up too fast. This is a gentle school. Middle school students mentor the lower school students. My son loves his mentor and he looks forward to becoming a mentor to a lower school student himself. Finally, Sheridan is a school that builds confidence. In 7th grade, students lead their own high school selection under the guidance of their teachers. This is incredibly empowering!...Read 11 Reviews
Blue checkmark.
Private School,
WASHINGTON, DC,
K-8,
11 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says We switched to Sheridan during the pandemic joining a small community that focused on the safety of our children while limiting the disruption to their education. The administration did a stellar....
We switched to Sheridan during the pandemic joining a small community that focused on the safety of our children while limiting the disruption to their education. The administration did a stellar....
Read 11 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 225,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 5 to 1,
#28 Best Public Middle Schools in Iowa.
6-8,
6 Niche users give it an average review of 3.3 stars.
Read 6 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A minus,
Students: 370,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
Senior: Ballard is awesome! Located in Huxley, IA, it is a small school district with an estimated 500+ students. It is located between two large metro schools, Des Moines, IA (the state capital) and Ames, IA (Iowa State is located). Considered a small school but so big in so many ways with lots of heart. There I can be an athlete for multiple sports and know my teachers on an individual basis. ...I have played football for ten years through the different programs and wrestling for the last ten years. I have had the opportunity to be on varsity teams lettering multiple years. During that time I have received awards and letters from my coaches and teachers giving me compliments on my accomplishments. ...Ballard has so many other opportunities for students that don't want to participate in sports as Ballard is strong in many extracurricular activities. One of the best parts is they offer honor classes and the ability to take classes at the local community college DMACC. A great education!...Read 118 Reviews
#36 Best Public High Schools in Iowa.
118 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says Ballard is awesome! Located in Huxley, IA, it is a small school district with an estimated 500+ students. It is located between two large metro schools, Des Moines, IA (the state capital) and Ames,...I have played football for ten years through the different programs and wrestling for the last ten years. I have had the opportunity to be on varsity teams lettering multiple years. During that time...Ballard has so many other opportunities for students that don't want to participate in sports as Ballard is strong in many extracurricular activities. One of the best parts is they offer honor....
Ballard is awesome! Located in Huxley, IA, it is a small school district with an estimated 500+ students. It is located between two large metro schools, Des Moines, IA (the state capital) and Ames,...I have played football for ten years through the different programs and wrestling for the last ten years. I have had the opportunity to be on varsity teams lettering multiple years. During that time...Ballard has so many other opportunities for students that don't want to participate in sports as Ballard is strong in many extracurricular activities. One of the best parts is they offer honor....
Read 118 reviews.
Students: 512,
Alum: I went to this school distict since I was in kindergarten, I have loved it since then. I have made many friends, learned a lot, and it helped me prepare for college. The community is such a beautiful thing we all come together and help those in need with fundraisers and bake sales. The teachers and staff are all loving, caring people who love their job helping their students. The teachers go above and beyond to help make sure that the students are getting the material, and getting them ready for college. The sports here are great! Many team trips to state. The coaches are great and want the kids to work hard and succeed in life. Parents are involved they bring snacks for the sports teams and make sure they have a great education. Our school facilities are great, we just got a new football stadium and a new auditorium. This is the perfect place to raise a family and have your children go to school, they will have a great education, make friends, participate in sports and clubs...Read 46 Reviews
#46 Best Public High Schools in Iowa.
Nevada Community School District, IA,
46 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says I went to this school distict since I was in kindergarten, I have loved it since then. I have made many friends, learned a lot, and it helped me prepare for college. The community is such a beautiful....
I went to this school distict since I was in kindergarten, I have loved it since then. I have made many friends, learned a lot, and it helped me prepare for college. The community is such a beautiful....
Read 46 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B+,
Students: 464,
#55 Best Public Middle Schools in Iowa.
3 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.
Read 3 reviews.
Students: 1,090,
#203 Best Public Elementary Schools in Iowa.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Students: 424,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 12 to 1,
#216 Best Public Elementary Schools in Iowa.
Students: 321,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13 to 1,
#244 Best Public Elementary Schools in Iowa.
PK, K-4,
Students: 664,
#278 Best Public Elementary Schools in Iowa.
Students: 398,
Overall Niche Grade: B minus,
Students: 446,
5-8,
5 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.
Read 5 reviews.
United Community School District, IA,
2-6,
Overall Niche Grade: C,
Students: 168,
PK, K,
Students: 301,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 25 to 1,
PK, K-2,
Students: 447,
PK, K-1,
1 Niche users give it an average review of 1 stars.
Read 1 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: C+,
Students: 208,
AMES, IA,
PK, K-5,
Students: 215,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 10 to 1,
BOONE, IA,
PK, K-8,
Students: 181,
PK, K-7,
Students: 107,
PK, K-6,
Students: 92,
NEVADA, IA,
K-7,
Students: 14,
Preschool,
ANKENY, IA,
Students: 11,
Freshman: Have apps and other resources to find buildings and classrooms easily. Financial aid is easy to contact and quickly hear from them.Read 1 Review
1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Freshman says Have apps and other resources to find buildings and classrooms easily. Financial aid is easy to contact and quickly hear from them..
Have apps and other resources to find buildings and classrooms easily. Financial aid is easy to contact and quickly hear from them..
Senior: When I was younger, school was a source of confidence. I felt like I was good at it and could end the day feeling accomplished. As I got older, that changed. School became frustrating. It began to make me feel badly about myself. This was so discouraging and degrading. I started not wanting to go to school, not wanting to even try. My sophomore year I knew things had to change if I wanted to have a good future and go to a good college. We found Cortona Academy and, honestly, my life changed! Cortona Academy made me feel good about learning again and helped build-up my confidence. They made school less frustrating, making sure I understood something before moving on, making certain I had a strong foundation and could successfully tackle any subject put in my path. Cortona Academy helped bring up my GPA and, most importantly, helped me feel ready for college. I no longer feel discouraged; I no longer feel like I can't. Cortona Academy has shown me that I “can,” no matter what...Read 24 Reviews
HERNDON, VA,
7-12,
24 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says When I was younger, school was a source of confidence. I felt like I was good at it and could end the day feeling accomplished. As I got older, that changed. School became frustrating. It began to....
When I was younger, school was a source of confidence. I felt like I was good at it and could end the day feeling accomplished. As I got older, that changed. School became frustrating. It began to....
Read 24 reviews.
Students: 75,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,
Parent: My kids have been attending Basis since before the pandemic, and we are so impressed! Rich academic curriculum, good inclusion of the arts, excellent opportunity for differentiation based on student needs. The teachers are dedicated and so are the parents to the kids' success. While the administration has been bumpy as the school has gotten established (only 5 years old), they earned their stripes during the pandemic. Organized, safety-focused and diligent about communication. We supplement school with sports leagues and scouting outside of school, which many parents do. Easy to do given the extensive choice you have in the DC area. Also appreciate the international study body with impressively bright students from all over the world. A real meritocracy, unlike other private schools that admit based on VIP status or connections/donations. In the next few years, this school will only continue to advance its place in the rankings...Read 43 Reviews
MCLEAN, VA,
PK, K-12,
43 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says My kids have been attending Basis since before the pandemic, and we are so impressed! Rich academic curriculum, good inclusion of the arts, excellent opportunity for differentiation based on student....
My kids have been attending Basis since before the pandemic, and we are so impressed! Rich academic curriculum, good inclusion of the arts, excellent opportunity for differentiation based on student....
Read 43 reviews.
Students: 522,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1,