To our community:
In conversations about education, a phrase you will hear a lot these days is “school choice.”
For those of you who are already part of our school district family: Thank you for choosing us. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your loyalty.
For those of you considering us as the education home for your family, here is the big thing we want you to know: Simply put, Iowa City Community School District is your best choice.
We provide students with comprehensive and unique offerings, no matter their passions, needs, or goals— from preschool through high school graduation. And one of the best parts is that the Iowa City Community School District will always be tuition-free and accessible to all.
Our community sets a high standard: the very best for every student. We take that responsibility seriously. The outstanding quality of an ICCSD student experience is highlighted through:
Outstanding Schools
- City High, Liberty High, and West High are ranked in the top 10 high schools in Iowa by the U.S. News and World Report. This year, West High ranked first in the state of Iowa. No other school district in Iowa appears more than once on the top ten list. All three of our comprehensive high schools are accounted for. Additionally, each school is rated in the top eight percent nationally. There is no better place in Iowa to attend high school.
- We prioritize high-quality early childhood education by offering full-day and half-day preschool programs in all of our elementary schools. Every preschool teacher is certified in both general and special education, ensuring comprehensive support for all students.
- Our school facilities are top-notch – just step inside any of the following:
- Elementary schools, including new buildings and fully renovated original campuses.
- Newly expanded middle school buildings.
- High school facilities that lead the state include music wings, performance auditoriums, athletic competition and training spaces, common areas, and fully furnished art and technical education rooms.
- ICCSD leads the state in teacher pay. We diligently work to make our schools the best employers for the best educators.
- Our public schools serve all students with a profound commitment to special education.
Unmatched Academic Excellence
- Our high school students have access to over 25 in-person AP courses taught by content-expert, AP-certified teachers. AP courses are college-level courses developed by the College Board to help high school students earn college credit. We are proud to claim the most comprehensive AP offerings in Iowa.
- The AP Capstone program is available to our high school students. This two-year diploma program is the highest AP offering, allowing students to research and publish academic work over two years. We are one of two districts in Iowa that offer AP Capstone at multiple high schools. Just three percent of U.S. high schools offer AP Capstone.
- Beyond AP, students can earn college credit through dual enrollment courses offered in partnership with Kirkwood Community College and the University of Iowa. For example, Project Lead the Way classes introduce students to concepts in engineering, applied sciences, and STEM to earn college credit.
- We have the most comprehensive career and technical education offerings in Iowa, featuring interconnected shop and construction electives culminating in a year-long home build.
- Our college admissions and alumni network are unmatched. ICCSD diplomas mean something to elite colleges and universities. Recent graduates have attended Ivy League universities, U.S. Service Academies, top public universities such as UCLA, UC Berkeley, the University of Michigan, and other premier institutions such as the University of Oxford and Stanford University. Our graduates work across thousands of industries. Nobel Laureate biologists, film and television writers, Major League Baseball executives, and tech entrepreneurs all hail from our community.
Exceptional Student Experiences
- Excellence in athletics is a crucial part of our story. Competing at the highest division in Iowa, our schools combine for well over 100 team state championships, the most in the state. Numerous professional athletes, high-profile coaches, and Olympians have passed through our halls. From facility upgrades to recent successes to elite competition environments, we are pleased to report that the winningest days are still ahead for the Little Hawks, Bolts, and Trojans!
- Music programs in our District consistently lead the state in terms of individual accolades, ensemble achievements, and unique experiences. This year, our district had over 100 All-State Music honorees, the most in the state. In recent years, our ensembles have performed around the world in places such as London, Rome, Prague, and at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
- Advisory times, elective offerings, and Makerspaces allow students to explore learning, from digital music to 3D printing to filmmaking.
- Our dance, debate, journalism, robotics, and mock trial programs all compete for state and national championships. Whether through clubs, courses, or co-curriculars, our students are able to learn and contend at the highest level.
In these areas —and countless others—we are committed to providing the highest quality education, countless opportunities, and the best experience for our students.
Every day, students from all walks of life come together within our schools. They learn. They grow. They achieve. And they leave our schools prepared to make their mark on the world.
Public education is our community’s most treasured, time-honored tradition. It brings us all together. >From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting our work. Thank you for supporting the best students. The best educators. The best schools. The best district.
