Best High Schools in Iowa (2025-26)

A: 76B: 74C: 76D: 74F: 16

47% of the 316 ranked high schools in Iowa earn an A or B (76 A grades, 74 B, 76 C, 74 D, 16 F), against 50% of high schools nationwide. 247 schools meet or beat the proficiency projected from their student context (78% here, 74% nationally), and 112 exceed it. On average 72% of tested students meet the state bar against a projected 63% (national averages: 44% actual, 41% projected).

The biggest overperformers, by actual proficiency above projection: Adm Senior High School (89% against 47%, A+), Westside Junior Senior High School (90% against 49%, A+), Whiting Senior High School (88% against 52%, A+), Madrid High School (83% against 49%, A), Lenox High School (80% against 50%, A-).

Districts with the most schools in the top quarter (the top 79): Western Dubuque Comm School District (2), Ankeny Comm School District (2).

Cities with the most ranked high schools: Des Moines (6, 0 at A or B), Cedar Rapids (4, 0 at A or B), Waukee (3, 1 at A or B), Council Bluffs (3, 1 at A or B), Sioux City (3, 0 at A or B).

The largest ranked high schools: Lincoln High School (2,403 students, F, #310), Southeast Polk High School (2,353 students, C+, #171), Linn Mar High School (2,271 students, B-, #146).

What is the best high school in Iowa?

Denver Senior High School in Denver ranks first among the 316 ranked high schools in Iowa with a SchoolGrade of A+, 93% of tested students meeting the state bar against a projected 80%.

How are high schools in Iowa ranked?

By SchoolGrade, the 2025-26 model that scores each school's actual test proficiency against the level projected for its student context, then by actual proficiency to break ties. Regular public schools that are open, not fully online and have at least 30 students are ranked; the rest are listed below the table with the reason.

How many high schools does Iowa have?

SchoolGrade grades 353 public high schools in Iowa; 316 are ranked here and 37 are listed as not ranked.