Education system and best schools in Iowa: Strong public school system statewide. Iowa Core Curriculum. High graduation rates statewide. Numerous Blue Ribbon Schools. Emphasis on STEM education. Iowa State University. University of Iowa. Grinnell College renowned for arts. Wide range of extracurricular activities. Advanced Placement (AP) course availability.
Strong public school system statewide
Iowa's public education system is robust, with 327 local school districts offering free education to residents up to age 21, supported by nine Area Education Agencies (AEAs) and a statewide system of 15 community colleges. Governed by state and federal laws, each district develops its own content standards incorporating the Iowa Core, ensuring a comprehensive and meaningful education for students.
Iowa Core Curriculum
The Iowa Core Curriculum establishes state content standards for Math, Science, English Language Arts, and Social Studies from kindergarten through 12th grade, incorporating 21st-century skills such as civic, financial, technological, health, and employability literacy. It allows local districts the flexibility to develop and implement their own specific curriculum and materials. For more detailed information, you can visit the Iowa Department of Education.
High graduation rates statewide
Iowa maintains one of the highest high school graduation rates in the nation, with 89.9% of students in the Class of 2022 graduating within four years. The state's long-term trend shows an increase despite a slight dip post-pandemic. For more detailed insights on this, you can visit the Iowa Department of Education.
Numerous Blue Ribbon Schools
Iowa has been recognized for its educational excellence through the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, with five schools named as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools, including Alta-Aurelia Middle School, Decorah High School, Nodaway Valley Middle School, Rock Run Elementary, and Rock Valley Elementary. These institutions have demonstrated high achievements as Exemplary High-Performing Schools based on student assessment scores, graduation rates, and overall performance. To learn more about these outstanding achievements and the schools involved, you can visit the Iowa Department of Education website for further details.
Emphasis on STEM education
The Iowa STEM BEST Program emphasizes STEM education by fostering collaborations between teachers and industry professionals to develop curriculum and projects that prepare students for high-demand STEM careers through work-based learning experiences, aligning with Iowa Academic Standards and focusing on skills like innovative thinking, complex communication, and resilience. For more information on this program, visit the Iowa STEM BEST Program page.
Iowa State University
Iowa State University is a public land-grant research university in Ames, Iowa, known for its strong programs in Engineering, Agriculture, and other sciences. It offers over 100 undergraduate majors, 120 master's degree programs, and 80 doctoral degree programs, and is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity" with a focus on technology and innovation.
University of Iowa
The University of Iowa, founded in 1847, is the oldest and one of the most prestigious public research universities in Iowa, known for its high research activity, diverse academic programs, and renowned institutions such as the Iowa Writers' Workshop. It boasts a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, a strong commitment to student success, and is ranked as the 46th best public university by U.S. News & World Report.
Grinnell College renowned for arts
Grinnell College is renowned for its arts programs, offering a major in Studio Art with a variety of courses such as Introduction to the Studio, Drawing, Print Media, and more, and also features strong programs in Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies.
Wide range of extracurricular activities
City High School in Iowa offers a vibrant array of extracurricular activities, including competitive athletics, fine arts programs such as theater, music, and visual arts, and a diverse assortment of clubs and organizations for social engagement, leadership development, and community service. For more information on their offerings, visit the City High School Extracurricular website and explore the countless opportunities available for students to enrich their educational experience beyond the classroom.
Advanced Placement (AP) course availability
In Iowa, Advanced Placement (AP) courses offer college-level studies to high school students, generally during their junior or senior years. These courses provide a robust educational experience with 38 distinct courses available across seven subject categories. Institutions have the flexibility to deliver these courses on-site or through the Iowa Online AP Academy. Furthermore, the Iowa AP Index acknowledges the top 50 high schools that excel in providing AP opportunities, underscoring the commitment to advanced learning across the state.