Iowa School District Ranks #1, Thanks College Partnership

Allamakee Community School District in northeast Iowa has been named the best public school district in the state, earning one of only two "Exceptional" designations among Iowa's 325 districts. The district scored 707.52 out of 900 possible points on Iowa's 2024-2025 School Performance Profiles, beating state averages in graduation rates, college readiness, and core academics.

The secret to their success? A simple but powerful idea: put college right where students can reach it.

The Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Waukon Center sits directly across the street from Waukon High School, making it easy for teens to take real college classes during their school day. This fall, 188 students (48% of all high schoolers) earned college credits through the program, completing 1,366.5 credits across 72 different classes.

"Our partnership with NICC is the single most important factor in our students' postsecondary readiness," said Jay Mathis, the district's superintendent. The community backed the vision too, voting to fund a new high school that includes dedicated NICC classrooms.

For senior Avalea Burns, the partnership changed everything. She's one of eight students earning a full associate degree from NICC while simultaneously finishing high school this year, saving her two years of college tuition and thousands of dollars.

"Classes such as Anatomy and Physiology helped me confirm my interest in the medical field," Burns said. She'll graduate high school already halfway to a bachelor's degree, with college-level coursework proving she can handle the rigor.

The impact shows in the rankings. Waukon High School earned the number one spot among all Iowa high schools, while Waukon Middle School landed fifth among middle schools statewide.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership model shows what's possible when schools and colleges work together instead of separately. By making college accessible and affordable before students even graduate, the district removes barriers that keep many teens from pursuing higher education.

Principal Jennifer Garin notes the program "fundamentally shifts their outlook on higher education by proving they can succeed at a collegiate level before they even graduate." Students gain confidence, save money, and explore career paths without the pressure of committing to expensive four-year programs.

The model proves especially valuable in rural communities, where college access often means leaving town. Now students can sample college without leaving home, and many discover they're more capable than they imagined.

Communities across Iowa are watching closely as over 88% of districts now rate as acceptable or higher on state profiles, with more looking to replicate success stories like Allamakee's. When education partners put students first and remove obstacles to learning, everyone wins.