Top 10 Public High Schools in Iowa

Direct Answer

The Best Overall public high school in Iowa is Valley High School in West Des Moines, the flagship of the West Des Moines Community School District, where a deep AP and honors catalog, a graduation rate above 95%, and powerhouse academic and athletic programs combine to lead the state.

The Best Value pick is Ames High School in Ames, a tuition-free public school tied to Iowa State University that delivers university-town academic rigor — top-of-state test performance and strong college matriculation — at zero cost to families. This list is built for Iowa families and students deciding where to live, enroll, or open-enroll, spanning the Des Moines metro, the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids corridors, and the Quad Cities.

Every pick uses real, publicly reported data from the Iowa Department of Education, U.S. News, Niche, and GreatSchools.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each school against what Iowa families tell counselors and survey firms they actually care about, drawing on published figures from the Iowa Department of Education, U.S. News Best High Schools, Niche, GreatSchools, College Board, and NCES. The weighting:

• Academic performance (test scores, proficiency) — 25%
• College and post-grad outcomes — 20%
• Value and cost — 15%
• Teachers and resources — 15%
• Environment and safety — 15%
• Extracurriculars and fit — 10%

A school that posts strong test scores but graduates few students into college, or one with great sports but thin academics, drops fast. The winners balance all six dimensions.

1. Valley High School (West Des Moines) 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting top academics and a full powerhouse activities program

Valley High School in West Des Moines is the flagship of the West Des Moines Community School District and one of Iowa's largest schools, enrolling roughly 2,200 students. It offers one of the deepest AP catalogs in the state — more than 25 AP courses across sciences, humanities, and languages — alongside strong honors and dual-credit options.

The graduation rate exceeds 95%, and state assessment results in ELA and math rank among Iowa's highest. Valley graduates matriculate heavily to the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and selective out-of-state schools, and the school is renowned for state-championship athletics, music, and debate.

It blends elite academics with the broadest activity menu in the Des Moines metro.

Pros:

• 25+ AP courses with strong pass rates
• Graduation rate above 95% with top-of-state proficiency
• Powerhouse championship athletics, music, and debate
• Strong college matriculation to Iowa and national universities

Cons:

• Very large enrollment limits one-on-one attention
• Competitive culture can pressure students

Verdict: Valley wins on balance — elite academics, top college outcomes, and the deepest activities program in Iowa.

2. Ames High School (Ames) 💎 BEST VALUE

Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting university-town rigor at zero cost

Ames High School in Ames, home to Iowa State University, is the best outcomes-per-dollar public school in the state. Enrolling roughly 1,500 students in the Ames Community School District, it benefits from a highly educated university community and posts some of the highest test scores and proficiency rates in Iowa.

The school offers a strong AP and honors catalog, and a very high share of graduates enroll in four-year colleges, including selective national universities. The graduation rate runs near 94%, and Ames is repeatedly recognized for academic competition, music, and STEM strength.

Because it is a tuition-free public school delivering rigor that rivals private prep, it is the clear value champion on this list.

Pros:

• Top-of-state test scores at zero tuition
• Strong AP and honors catalog with high college matriculation
• University-town resources and academic culture
• Standout academic competition, music, and STEM programs

Cons:

• Smaller activity breadth than the largest metro schools
• High academic expectations set a demanding pace

Verdict: The value champion — elite, university-caliber academic outcomes for free, the best outcomes-per-dollar school in Iowa.

3. Iowa City West High School (Iowa City)

Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting nationally recognized academics and STEM

Iowa City West High School serves Iowa City within the Iowa City Community School District and enrolls roughly 2,000 students. Tied to the University of Iowa community, it is nationally known for academic excellence, particularly in math, science, and speech and debate, with multiple national-championship academic teams.

It offers a deep AP and honors catalog and posts state assessment results well above the Iowa average. The graduation rate runs near 94%, and graduates matriculate strongly to the University of Iowa, Iowa State, and selective national universities. West pairs rigorous academics with standout STEM, music, and debate programs, making it one of the most decorated public high schools in the Midwest.

Pros:

• Nationally recognized math, science, and debate programs
• Deep AP and honors catalog with above-average proficiency
• Graduation rate near 94% with strong college matriculation
• University of Iowa community resources

Cons:

• Large enrollment limits individual attention
• Intense academic competition culture

Verdict: A nationally decorated academic powerhouse — ideal for students chasing STEM and competition excellence.

4. Iowa City High School (Iowa City)

Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting strong academics with arts and humanities depth

Iowa City High School, the historic original high school of the Iowa City Community School District, enrolls roughly 1,500 students in Iowa City. Founded in 1851, it pairs a deep AP and honors catalog with renowned arts, music, and theater programs and consistently strong state assessment results.

The graduation rate runs near 93%, and graduates matriculate heavily to the University of Iowa, Iowa State, and selective national schools. City High is especially well known for its performing arts and humanities culture alongside solid STEM offerings, and its long tradition and university-town setting make it a perennial top choice.

It offers academic rigor with a distinctive creative and community character.

Pros:

• Deep AP and honors catalog with strong proficiency
• Renowned arts, music, and theater programs
• Graduation rate near 93% with strong college matriculation
• Historic campus and university-town resources

Cons:

• Older facilities than newer suburban schools
• Larger size limits individual attention

Verdict: A rigorous, arts-rich choice — strongest for students who value humanities and performing arts alongside academics.

5. Pleasant Valley High School (Bettendorf)

Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Quad Cities families wanting top academics and strong activities

Pleasant Valley High School in Bettendorf anchors the Pleasant Valley Community School District in the Quad Cities and enrolls roughly 1,500 students. It is consistently the top-performing public high school in eastern Iowa's Quad Cities region, offering a strong AP and honors catalog and posting state assessment results well above the Iowa average.

The graduation rate exceeds 95%, among the highest in the state, and graduates matriculate strongly to the University of Iowa, Iowa State, and regional universities. Pleasant Valley is well regarded for athletics, music, and STEM programs, and its high-resource suburban community supports a complete academic and extracurricular experience for Quad Cities families.

Pros:

• Graduation rate above 95% — among Iowa's highest
• Strong AP and honors catalog with above-average proficiency
• Top public school in the Quad Cities region
• Strong athletics, music, and STEM programs

Cons:

• Activity breadth trails the largest metro schools
• Rapid suburban growth pressures class sizes

Verdict: The clear Quad Cities leader — top graduation rate and strong academics for eastern Iowa families.

6. Cedar Falls High School (Cedar Falls)

Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting university-town academics in the Cedar Valley

Cedar Falls High School in Cedar Falls, home to the University of Northern Iowa, enrolls roughly 1,700 students in the Cedar Falls Community School District. It is the top public high school in the Cedar Valley, offering a strong AP and honors catalog and posting state assessment results above the Iowa average.

The graduation rate runs near 94%, and graduates matriculate strongly to the University of Northern Iowa, the University of Iowa, and Iowa State. Cedar Falls is well known for music, athletics, and STEM programs, and its university-town setting and engaged community support a robust academic and extracurricular environment.

It combines dependable academics with a complete activities menu for Cedar Valley families.

Pros:

• Strong AP and honors catalog with above-average proficiency
• Top public school in the Cedar Valley region
• Graduation rate near 94% with strong college matriculation
• University of Northern Iowa community resources

Cons:

• Smaller AP breadth than the largest metro schools
• Larger size limits one-on-one attention

Verdict: The Cedar Valley leader — strong university-town academics and activities for Cedar Falls families.

7. Johnston High School (Johnston)

Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Des Moines metro families wanting modern facilities and strong academics

Johnston High School serves the fast-growing Des Moines suburb of Johnston within the Johnston Community School District and enrolls roughly 1,900 students. It offers a robust AP and honors catalog, strong STEM and career-technical pathways, and consistently above-average state assessment results.

The graduation rate runs near 94%, and its modern facilities support deep programs in engineering, performing arts, and athletics. Graduates matriculate heavily to Iowa State, the University of Iowa, and Drake University. As one of the high-resource suburban anchors of the Des Moines metro, Johnston pairs strong academics with a complete activities program and newer facilities that appeal to growing families.

Pros:

• Robust AP and career-technical pathways
• Modern facilities with strong STEM and arts programs
• Graduation rate near 94% with above-average proficiency
• High-resource suburban Des Moines community

Cons:

• Large enrollment limits individual attention
• Rapid area growth pressures class sizes

Verdict: A modern suburban standout — strong academics and facilities for growing Des Moines metro families.

8. Waukee Northwest High School (Waukee)

Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: West-metro families wanting newer facilities and strong programs

Waukee Northwest High School serves the booming western Des Moines suburb of Waukee within the Waukee Community School District, one of Iowa's fastest-growing districts, and enrolls roughly 1,800 students. It offers a strong AP and honors catalog, extensive STEM and career-technical pathways (including a notable applied-careers academy), and consistently above-average state assessment results.

The graduation rate runs near 94%, and graduates matriculate heavily to Iowa State, the University of Iowa, and Drake. Its modern facilities support deep athletics, performing arts, and engineering programs. As a newer flagship in a high-resource, fast-growing community, Waukee Northwest delivers strong academics with one of the most complete activity menus in the west metro.

Pros:

• Strong AP and career-technical pathways with a careers academy
• Modern facilities in a fast-growing, high-resource district
• Graduation rate near 94% with above-average proficiency
• Deep athletics, performing arts, and engineering programs

Cons:

• Rapid district growth pressures capacity and class sizes
• Newer school with a shorter track record

Verdict: A modern west-metro powerhouse — strong academics and facilities for Waukee's growing families.

9. Linn-Mar High School (Marion)

Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Cedar Rapids-area families wanting a large comprehensive school

Linn-Mar High School in Marion, part of the Linn-Mar Community School District in the Cedar Rapids metro, enrolls roughly 2,000 students. It offers a strong AP and honors catalog, extensive STEM and career-technical pathways, and consistently above-average state assessment results.

The graduation rate runs near 93%, and graduates matriculate strongly to the University of Iowa, Iowa State, and Kirkwood Community College. Linn-Mar is well regarded for its athletics, music, and performing arts programs, and its modern facilities and broad activity menu make it a leading comprehensive choice in the Cedar Rapids area.

For families in Marion and the surrounding suburbs, it balances academics, activities, and resources effectively.

Pros:

• Strong AP and career-technical pathways
• Deep athletics, music, and performing arts programs
• Graduation rate near 93% with above-average proficiency
• Modern facilities and broad activity options

Cons:

• Large enrollment limits individual attention
• Academic ceiling trails the top university-town schools

Verdict: A strong Cedar Rapids-area comprehensive school — a complete experience for Marion families.

10. Ankeny Centennial High School (Ankeny)

Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: North Des Moines metro families wanting a large modern comprehensive school

Ankeny Centennial High School serves the fast-growing northern Des Moines suburb of Ankeny within the Ankeny Community School District and enrolls roughly 2,000 students. It rounds out the list as a strong, modern comprehensive option, offering a solid AP and honors catalog, extensive STEM and career-technical pathways, and above-average state assessment results.

The graduation rate runs near 93%, and graduates matriculate strongly to Iowa State, the University of Iowa, and Drake University. Ankeny Centennial is well regarded for its athletics, music, and STEM programs, and its newer facilities and broad activity menu make it a leading choice for families in one of Iowa's fastest-growing communities who want a complete high-school experience.

Pros:

• Solid AP and career-technical pathways
• Modern facilities in a fast-growing district
• Graduation rate near 93% with above-average proficiency
• Strong athletics, music, and STEM programs

Cons:

• Rapid area growth pressures capacity and class sizes
• Academic results trail the university-town leaders

Verdict: A modern north-metro comprehensive option — a complete high-school experience for Ankeny's growing families.

Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Choosing a Public High School

• Graduation and college-going rates — A high graduation rate paired with strong college matriculation tells you the school actually moves students forward, not just enrolls them.
• Real proficiency data — Check published Iowa Department of Education assessment results in ELA and math against the state average, not glossy brochures.
• AP and honors depth — Schools like Valley and Iowa City West offer 20+ AP courses; confirm how many AP and honors options are actually available to your student.
• Open enrollment options — Iowa allows open enrollment, so a top school outside your district may still be reachable; check application timelines and deadlines.
• Teacher resources and class size — Stable funding and reasonable class sizes affect daily attention more than any ranking badge.
• Fit and activities — A driven student may thrive in a competitive university-town school, while another needs a large suburban school's athletics and arts; match the environment to the student.

What matters less than marketing implies: building age, a flashy stadium, and a single year's ranking jump. Consistent multi-year graduation, proficiency, and college-matriculation data tell you far more than a brochure or a one-season trophy.

FAQ

What is the best public high school in Iowa? Valley High School in West Des Moines earns our top spot for its deep AP catalog, graduation rate above 95%, top-of-state proficiency, and powerhouse activities — the most complete academic-and-athletic package in the state.

What is the best-value public high school in Iowa? Ames High School delivers university-town academic rigor — top-of-state test scores and strong college matriculation — for zero tuition, making it the best outcomes-per-dollar choice in Iowa.

Which Iowa high schools have the strongest academics? Valley HS, Ames HS, Iowa City West, Iowa City City High, and Pleasant Valley consistently post the highest proficiency and college-matriculation numbers among Iowa public schools.

Can my child attend a top Iowa school outside our district? Often yes. Iowa permits open enrollment, allowing families to apply to schools in neighboring districts, subject to space, transportation rules, and application deadlines.

Which Iowa high schools are best for athletics and activities? Large comprehensive schools such as Valley, Johnston, Waukee Northwest, Linn-Mar, and Ankeny Centennial offer the deepest athletics, music, and activity programs, alongside solid academics.

Where do top Iowa graduates go to college? Graduates from these schools matriculate most heavily to the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa, and Drake, with strong shares heading to selective out-of-state universities.

Bottom Line

For Iowa families, Valley High School in West Des Moines is our Best Overall public high school — a deep AP catalog, a graduation rate above 95%, top-of-state proficiency, and powerhouse activities. Ames High School is our Best Value, delivering university-town rigor and top test scores for zero cost.

If your priorities lean toward a specific region — the Iowa City corridor, the Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, or a fast-growing Des Moines suburb — use the decision tree above to route yourself to Iowa City West, City High, Pleasant Valley, Cedar Falls, Johnston, Waukee Northwest, Linn-Mar, or Ankeny Centennial instead.

Judge schools on multi-year graduation, proficiency, and college-matriculation data — not building age or a single ranking jump — and you will choose well.

Sources

• U.S. News — Best High Schools in Iowa
• Niche — Best Public High Schools in Iowa
• GreatSchools — Iowa school ratings
• Iowa Department of Education — school report card and data
• College Board — AP program data
• NCES — National Center for Education Statistics
• West Des Moines Community Schools
• Ames Community School District
• Iowa City Community School District
• Pleasant Valley Community School District

*Public high schools in Iowa review — best public high schools Iowa, rankings, ratings, and a review of the top picks for families.*