2022 Best Schools with Gifted and Talented Programs in the Cedar Rapids Area

West Senior High School

• Iowa City Community School District, IA
• 9-12
• Rating 4.01 out of 5  321 reviews

Senior: I liked the diversity that is at West High School. One thing that I would love to change is how they prepare us for college. For example, when and how we start looking into college applications and scholarships. Overall, West High is an amazing school!...Read 321 Reviews

• grade A+

• 1,460 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Oak Ridge School

• Linn-Mar Community School District, IA
• 6-8

• grade A

• 828 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Lincoln Elementary School

• 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

• 240 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Wickham Elementary School

• Iowa City Community School District, IA
• K-6

• grade A

• 413 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Indian Creek Elementary School

• Linn-Mar Community School District, IA
• K-5

• grade A

• 538 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

John F. Kennedy High School

• Cedar Rapids Community School District, IA
• 9-12
• Rating 3.93 out of 5  321 reviews

Senior: I would say that the school's atmosphere is very welcoming, with almost everyone open to letting new people join in their activities, whether it be theater, sports, music, etc. The teachers and general staff are kind and always willing to listen to any problems students might have and seem to have the student body as their number one priority even after COVID-19 and quarantine. ...My only issue with John F. Kennedy High School is with the behavior of some select students and their attitudes on education and respect towards others, however, this is a common issue with many schools...Read 321 Reviews

• grade A

• 1,790 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Echo Hill Elementary School

• Linn-Mar Community School District, IA
• K-5

• grade A

• 561 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Iowa City High School

• Iowa City Community School District, IA
• 9-12
• Rating 4.12 out of 5  221 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 221 Reviews

• grade A

• 1,566 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Excelsior Middle School

• Linn-Mar Community School District, IA
• 6-8
• Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: I have two kids in Excelsior. The staff are so attentive and supportive. Each daughter has their individual needs met, and are supported in ways to make them thrive. The staff builds lasting and positive relationships with the kids. And the administration and counselors are approachable, involved, and attentive to both students and parents. ...My kids are growing into remarkable young people thanks to ExcelsiorRead 2 Reviews

• grade A

• 949 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Longfellow Elementary School

• 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

• 407 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Solon Middle School

• Solon Community School District, IA
• 6-8

• grade A

• 377 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Linn-Mar High School

• Linn-Mar Community School District, IA
• 9-12
• Rating 3.84 out of 5  287 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 287 Reviews

• grade A

• 2,226 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Westfield Elementary School

• Linn-Mar Community School District, IA
• K-5

• grade A

• 604 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Herbert Hoover Elementary School

• Iowa City Community School District, IA
• PK, K-6

• grade A minus

• 459 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Williamsburg Junior/Senior High School

• 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

• 551 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Center Point-Urbana Middle School

• Center Point-Urbana Community School District, IA
• 6-8

• grade A minus

• 363 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

George Washington High School

• Cedar Rapids Community School District, IA
• 9-12
• Rating 4.01 out of 5  159 reviews

Sophomore: George Washington is a terrific high school with fantastic academic rigor. The school has a great track record in sports, academic performance, and music departments. Students have a plethora of after-school extracurriculars to select from including sports or clubs. The administration team is very supportive and values the contribution of students' voices. Most decisions are curated to be understandable and fair to all staff, students, and outside community helpers. Another aspect of Washington High School is its ability to incorporate parents in decision-making and to collaborate with parents to deliver the best education possible. Overall, George Washington is a commendable school. I am proud to be part of this outstanding institution and hope to accomplish many things in my time. As we like to say, "It's always a great day to be a WARRIOR!!"...Read 159 Reviews

• grade A minus

• 1,347 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Liberty High School

• Iowa City Community School District, IA
• 9-12
• Rating 4.42 out of 5  12 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 12 Reviews

• grade A minus

• 1,096 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Lakeview Elementary School

• Solon Community School District, IA
• PK, K-3

• grade A minus

• 462 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Center Point-Urbana High School

• Center Point-Urbana Community School District, IA
• 9-12
• Rating 3.76 out of 5  90 reviews

Senior: I love my school and wouldn’t change anything about it! Of course there are always times when I would prefer not to be in school but nothing can beat the amazing teachers and staff who strive to make sure we are healthy, mentally and physically, have the resources we need in school, and who push to make sure our education is great and we do well...Read 90 Reviews

• grade A minus

• 476 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Bohumil Shimek Elementary School

• Iowa City Community School District, IA
• PK, K-6
• Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

• grade A minus

• 219 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Marion High School

• Marion Independent School District, IA
• 9-12
• Rating 3.87 out of 5  93 reviews

Senior: I love my school! Everyone is really friendly with each other, the teachers are all really knowledgeable and willing to help, and the counselors make it a breeze to get resources for preparing for college and careers...Read 93 Reviews

• grade A minus

• 670 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Norman Borlaug Elementary School

• Iowa City Community School District, IA
• PK, K-6

• grade A minus

• 516 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Weber Elementary School

• 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

• 570 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Solon High School

• Solon Community School District, IA
• 9-12
• Rating 4.01 out of 5  79 reviews

Senior: I love Solon high school! Through out my 4 years here, I have felt welcomed and at home. I have received a tremendous education thanks to the great teachers and staff. I decided to take some of the harder, advanced classes here. These math and science courses have made me feel prepared for college! All athletics at Solon High School are fantastic. The support from parents and our community is amazing and I know that all of our athletes appreciate it. Our fine arts are also a big part of what makes Solon high school so great. I have been apart of both choir and jazz choir. These groups have shaped me to be the person I am today. If someone was considering coming to Solon high school, I would encourage them to do so! They will not only get a fantastic education, but their life would be impacted greatly for the better...Read 79 Reviews

• grade A minus

• 455 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio