Education is the cornerstone of a prosperous and thriving society, and ensuring access to quality education is paramount. In Iowa, there are several exceptional school districts that have consistently demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, student support, and overall educational achievement.
Let's explore the top 8 best school districts in Iowa that have excelled in various metrics, including student-teacher ratios, graduation rates, standardized test scores, college placements, and per-student expenditure.
Top 8 Best School Districts in Iowa
- West Des Moines Community Schools
- Ankeny Community School District
- Johnston Community School District
- Waukee Community School District
- Iowa City Community School District
- Cedar Rapids Community School District
- Urbandale Community School District
- Pleasant Valley Community School District
West Des Moines Community Schools
- Total number of students: 9,500
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:15
- High graduation rate: 97%
- Average SAT score: 1260
- Average ACT score: 27
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Drake University
- Amount spent per student: $10,500
Ankeny Community School District
- Total number of students: 12,000
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:16
- High graduation rate: 96%
- Average SAT score: 1300
- Average ACT score: 28
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, Drake University
- Amount spent per student: $11,800
Johnston Community School District
- Total number of students: 7,200
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:14
- High graduation rate: 98%
- Average SAT score: 1320
- Average ACT score: 29
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: Iowa State University, University of Iowa, Drake University
- Amount spent per student: $12,000
Waukee Community School District
- Total number of students: 11,000
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:17
- High graduation rate: 97%
- Average SAT score: 1290
- Average ACT score: 28
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Drake University
- Amount spent per student: $11,200
Iowa City Community School District
- Total number of students: 14,000
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:16
- High graduation rate: 95%
- Average SAT score: 1340
- Average ACT score: 30
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Northwestern University
- Amount spent per student: $12,500
Cedar Rapids Community School District
- Total number of students: 16,000
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:18
- High graduation rate: 94%
- Average SAT score: 1240
- Average ACT score: 26
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Coe College
- Amount spent per student: $10,900
Urbandale Community School District
- Total number of students: 5,500
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:14
- High graduation rate: 95%
- Average SAT score: 1280
- Average ACT score: 27
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: Iowa State University, University of Iowa, Drake University
- Amount spent per student: $11,000
Pleasant Valley Community School District
- Total number of students: 6,800
- Teacher-student ratio: 1:15
- High graduation rate: 96%
- Average SAT score: 1250
- Average ACT score: 27
- Top-rated colleges attended by graduates: University of Iowa, Iowa State University, St. Ambrose University
- Amount spent per student: $11,300
