Iowa is quite possibly the top Midwestern state in terms of public education. In 2019, the state’s high school graduation rate hit an all-time high of 91.4%, which is over six points higher than the national rate. Unsurprisingly, the Hawkeye State’s five best school districts perform remarkably well in all areas. 

Johnston Community School District is the best public school system in Iowa. Comprising five elementary schools, two middle schools, a high school, and a number of other facilities, JCSD is one of the largest districts in the state and has an enrollment of around 7,400 students. Despite its size, JCSD boasts a long tradition of academic excellence, boasting a 97% graduation rate and Math and RLA proficiency scores of 88% and 86%, respectively. 

Earning the #2 spot is Southeast Polk Community School District, serving an enrollment of 7,000 students in the Des Moines Metro area. The district’s 98% graduation rate is tied for the best in the state. 

Linn-Mar Community School District is the 3rd best in Iowa. Students at Linn-Mar’s seven elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school all perform above state and national levels in assessment tests, and seven became National Merit Scholar Semifinalists in 2018. 

#4 Ames Community School District is perhaps the most decorated public school district in Iowa state history. Throughout its history, Ames High School has produced 15 Presidential scholars, 23 straight State Science Olympiad Championships, and more athletic state championships than any other school in the state. 

Rounding out the list is Cedar Falls Schools, a large district comprising seven elementary schools, two junior high schools, and one high school. Every school in the district is among the highest-performing in the state, academically, and CFS was recognized by the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council for advancing STEM education throughout the state. 

Top School Districts in Iowa, 2020

Methodology

The following variables contributed to the ranking: number of students (K-12), graduation rate, school funding per student, student to teacher ratio, percent of students scoring above proficient in standardized state Math test, percent of students scoring above proficient in standardized state Reading and Language test. Data from a total of 10,247 public school districts were used to compute a score for each school district. The following states were omitted due to lack of sufficient data: Hawaii, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Utah, and Virginia. Note that high schools in some states have their own independent districts.