Iowa’s Top 10 High Schools Announced for 2024

Hey there! Have you ever wondered how high schools are ranked and what makes them stand out? Well, wonder no more! USNews.com has done the heavy lifting by evaluating and ranking nearly 25,000 public high schools across the U.S., including those right here in Iowa.

The rankings on USNews.com are determined through a rigorous evaluation process. Six key indicators are considered, including college readiness, state assessment proficiency, graduation rate, and more, each weighted differently to reflect their importance. Data is gathered from reliable sources such as the U.S. Department of Education's Common Core of Data and state education agencies, ensuring accuracy and credibility.

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After assessing each indicator, scores are standardized and weighted before being summed up to calculate an overall score for each high school. These scores are then transformed into percentile scores, reflecting the school's position relative to others in the rankings. High schools are ranked based on their overall percentile scores, allowing for a fair comparison across different institutions. So, let's take a journey through the top 10 high schools in Iowa for 2024 and uncover what makes each of them special.

Iowa's Top 10 High Schools for 2024:

10) Iowa City High School, Iowa City, IA

• Iowa City High School rounds out the top 10 in Iowa's rankings. With a focus on AP participation and academic achievement, Iowa City High prepares its diverse student body for success in higher education and beyond.

9) Williamsburg Jr-Sr High School, Williamsburg, IA

• Williamsburg Jr-Sr High School in Williamsburg clinches the ninth spot in Iowa's rankings. Providing opportunities for AP coursework and exams, Williamsburg Jr-Sr High fosters academic growth and excellence.

8) Pleasant Valley High School, Bettendorf, IA

• Pleasant Valley High School, located in Bettendorf, IA, secures the eighth position in Iowa's rankings. Offering a comprehensive education and emphasizing AP coursework, Pleasant Valley High prepares students for future success.

7) Adel DeSoto Minburn (ADM) High School, Adel, IA

• Adel DeSoto Minburn (ADM) High School in Adel holds the seventh spot in Iowa's rankings. With a respectable AP participation rate and commitment to serving a diverse student population, ADM High School continues to excel in education.

6) Ankeny High School, Ankeny, IA

• Ankeny High School, situated in Ankeny, IA, ranks sixth in Iowa's rankings. Known for its focus on AP coursework and college readiness, Ankeny High prepares students for the challenges of higher education and beyond.

5) Liberty High School, North Liberty, IA

• Liberty High School in North Liberty secures the fifth position in Iowa's rankings. With a balanced approach to education and a diverse student body, Liberty High offers ample opportunities for growth and success.

4) Decorah High School, Decorah, IA

• Decorah High School, located in Decorah, IA, clinches the fourth spot in Iowa's rankings. While boasting a lower AP participation rate, Decorah High emphasizes rigorous coursework and academic achievement.

3) Pella High School, Pella, IA

• Pella High School, nestled in Pella, IA, earns the third spot in Iowa's rankings. Despite a slightly lower AP participation rate, Pella High maintains a solid academic standing and fosters a supportive learning environment for its students.

2) Gilbert High School, Gilbert, IA

• Gilbert High School in Gilbert secures the second position in Iowa's rankings. Known for its commitment to academic excellence and strong AP participation, Gilbert High prepares students for success beyond graduation.

1) West Senior High School, Iowa City, IA

• West Senior High School in Iowa City claims the number-one spot in Iowa's rankings. With a stellar AP participation rate and diverse student body, this school provides top-notch education and ample opportunities for growth.

Additionally, these local schools may not have made it to the top 10 statewide, but they continue to play vital roles in their communities, offering quality education and opportunities for student success. Each school contributes uniquely to Iowa's educational landscape, reflecting the diversity and dedication of its students and educators.

Local Schools of Interest in the top 100 include:

48) Western Dubuque High School, Epworth, IA
53) Linn-Mar High School, Marion, IA
56) Marion High School, Marion, IA
72) Cascade Junior-Senior High School, Cascade, IA
79) Hempstead High School, Dubuque, IA

Iowa's high schools consistently demonstrate excellence and dedication to student success, as evidenced by their rankings across the nation. These institutions prioritize academic achievement and foster an environment of inclusivity and support for all students, regardless of background or circumstance. From rigorous college preparatory programs to strong community engagement, Iowa's high schools stand as pillars of educational excellence, preparing students for future success at college, in their careers, and beyond.