2023 Best Schools with Gifted and Talented Programs in the Cedar Rapids Area

• Iowa City Community School District, IA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  326 reviews

Senior: I like how involved the faculty are, they want you to do well. My teachers challenged me to take harder classes and were involved in helping me not just do well on the test, but actually understand. I also like how West High is committed to making the school equitable for everyone, constantly working to make West High a safe environment for every student. The students are also very welcoming and tend to stay away from the stereotypical high school social hierarchy.... Read 326 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,466

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Linn-Mar Community School District, IA•

• 7-8

• grade A

• Students 542

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Cedar Rapids Community School District, IA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  337 reviews

Freshman: So I'm class of 2025, meaning I've only had one year of high school. The classes I took my freshman year were as follows; LA 9, Biology, Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Advanced Algebra 2, Performance PE, AP Human Geography, Spanish 1, and Study Skills. That's a full schedule. On top of that I did Cross Country in the fall and Soccer in the spring. So yeah, I thrive when I'm busy. They have two wonderful counselors dedicated to just Freshman. The counselors visited my middle school and helped us all plan out our classes. Officer Tran is our school resource officer. He walks around the hallways and talks to people, very approachable. Also the band program is great! I'm not the best musician but I felt very much at home with marching band. The sports I've done were well organized and had very positive environments. Every classroom is different. Most of my teachers were very kind and supportive people. And I'm running out of words. So, basically everything was amazing except the food!... Read 337 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,661

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Iowa City Community School District, IA•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Lincoln teachers are the best. From K through 5th, my children have had individualized instruction and attention when it is needed. Last year we found out my (then 1st grader) child had a learning disorder and it was only caught because the teacher noticed “something” wasn’t matching up. Her state scores were fine but other things weren’t falling into place. Teachers make all the difference and this school has the very best Iowa has to offer.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 226

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Linn-Mar Community School District, IA•

• K-4

• grade A

• Students 418

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Iowa City Community School District, IA•

• K-6

• grade A

• Students 360

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Iowa City Community School District, IA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  222 reviews

Senior: Iowa City High is a very interesting environment to be set in, the school itself is beautiful, the architecture is amazing and the facilities are great. Teachers work hard to create a safe environment where all students from a variety of backgrounds can educate themselves. There is a huge selection of clubs and activities to choose from that provide for a really welcoming and enriching ambience. Iowa City High School has a long history, and with that history in mind the institution works hard in order to keep itself accountable to be one of the best schools in the area. Whats stopping it from being excellent is the fact that there are a few rough spots as to be expected from any public school, money is needed and sometimes is not allocated to the most beneficial areas. All in all, a great school and one to definitely look into for anyone in the Iowa City School District area.... Read 222 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,572

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Linn-Mar Community School District, IA•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Middle School Student: This is a really good school, highly recommended. The staff is nice, and really fun sports for your kids to play, I recommend bringing your kids to this school.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 635

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Iowa City Community School District, IA•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Love longfellow. Teachers are very caring about the kids and the principal is great too. The school is like a big family.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 392

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Linn-Mar Community School District, IA•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 497

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Solon Community School District, IA•

• 6-8

• grade A

• Students 350

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Linn-Mar Community School District, IA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  296 reviews

Senior: I really enjoyed the size of Linn-Mar, because there was chance to make friends with many different interests. The school was very large and we walked outside on the other side of the parking lot to an old elementary school building where other classes were taught which is unique and I felt prepared us for a college scene. Also, sports were a huge part of my life and the large about of students allowed for great competition with each other, this increased our bond and made us better athletes. Off time is something I have really taken advantage of, because it means I can get other things done if I didn't have class and I could even go home for lunch. Another cool thing that my school offered, is aquafit. This is a swimming gym class because we have a really nice aquatic center right next to the high school. This benefitted me because I am injury prone and it was nice to be able to get a cross training workout in during track, basketball, or cross country season.... Read 296 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,233

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Linn-Mar Community School District, IA•

• K-4

• grade A

• Students 519

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Iowa City Community School District, IA•

• PK, K-6

• grade A minus

• Students 470

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Center Point-Urbana Community School District, IA•

• 6-8

• grade A minus

• Students 347

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Cedar Rapids Community School District, IA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  167 reviews

Sophomore: George Washington High School is a fantastic high school if you are interested in learning and having fun while putting the work in. The courses offered are excellent and the teachers make it even better. The school spirit may be lacking a tad every day, but on football gamedays, it shows up in full force. Furthermore, the administration and teachers are focused on what is best for you even if you don't acknowledge it no. My experience here has been a positive one and I am proud to say that I am a warrior.... Read 167 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,189

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Williamsburg Community School District, IA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  93 reviews

Alum: I moved from an area with 300 students per grade to the Williamsburg School District, and there was a large and positive difference! The smaller class size means that classes are more personalized and tailored to each student, and there are more classes to choose from. This school also uses a DualEnrollment plan with Kirkwood Community College where students are able to earn transferable college credit while still in high school. There are plenty of AP and advanced classes, shop classes, and multiple clubs and programs to join as well.... Read 93 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 581

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Iowa City Community School District, IA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  18 reviews

Senior: I loved my experience at Liberty High School. As a person with varying interests, the educators and administration were wonderful at accommodating schedules. My cross country coaches, in particular, were daily mentors and have greatly enriched my experience as a runner, a student, and a person. The culture of Liberty is also to be envied. Since we are such a new school, in just our fifth year of existence, my class had the rare and wonderful opportunity to create lasting and memorable traditions. That, coupled with the nurturing environment that fosters education, are more than reasons enough for me to look back incredibly fondly at my time enrolled at Liberty High.... Read 18 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,155

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Iowa City Community School District, IA•

• PK, K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 181

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Solon Community School District, IA•

• PK, K-3

• grade A minus

• Students 446

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Iowa City Community School District, IA•

• PK, K-6

• grade A minus

• Students 458

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Iowa City Community School District, IA•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Caring teachers and administrators. Diversity both cultural and socioeconomic. Both aspects being an important part of understanding the impact you want to make in the world. Classes are reasonably small. Teachers are accessible, seasoned, and enthusiastic. My daughter is very happy here.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 543

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Iowa City Community School District, IA•

• PK, K-6

• grade A minus

• Students 455

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Marion Independent School District, IA•

• K-2

• grade A minus

• Students 217

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Williamsburg Community School District, IA•

• PK, K-6

• grade A minus

• Students 599

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1