Best Cedar Rapids Public High Schools (2026-27)

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 8 public high schools serving 6,672 students in Cedar Rapids, IA.
The top-ranked public high schools in Cedar Rapids, IA are John F Kennedy High School, Prairie High School and George Washington High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cedar Rapids, IA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 54% (versus the Iowa public high school average of 65%), and reading proficiency score of 64% (versus the 71% statewide average). High schools in Cedar Rapids have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public high schools.
Cedar Rapids, IA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 81%, which is less than the Iowa average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is John F Kennedy High School, with 93% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Iowa or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public high school average of 28% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public High Schools in Cedar Rapids, IA (2026-27)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
John F Kennedy High School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
4545 Wenig Rd Ne
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
(319) 558-2251
Gr: 9-12 | 1,648 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #22.
Prairie High School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
401 76th Ave Sw
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
(319) 848-5340
Gr: 9-12 | 1,766 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #33.
George Washington High School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2205 Forest Dr Se
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
(319) 558-2161
Gr: 9-12 | 1,182 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #44.
Thomas Jefferson High School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1243 20th St Sw
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
(319) 558-2435
Gr: 9-12 | 1,501 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #55.
Prairie Crossing
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
5400 Kirkwood Blvd Sw
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
(319) 298-3406
Gr: K-12 | 67 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #66.
Metro High School
Alternative School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1212 7th St Se
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
(319) 558-3100
Gr: 9-12 | 288 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: n/an/a
City View High School
501 1st St Se
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
(319) 558-2000
Gr: 9-11 | 100 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: n/an/a
Empowering Excellence Charter School
Charter School
1800 1st Ave Ne # 201
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
(319) 451-9243
Gr: 9-12 | 120 students Student-teacher ratio: 120:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Cedar Rapids, Iowa Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
3200 Pioneer Ave Se
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
(319) 558-2176
Gr: PK-K | 278 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
1500 B Ave Ne
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
(319) 558-2475
Gr: PK-5 | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
401 76th Ave Sw
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
(319) 848-5310
Gr: 6-8 | 945 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
5200 E Ave Nw
Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
(319) 558-2246
Gr: 6-8 | 22 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in Cedar Rapids, IA?
The top-ranked public high schools in Cedar Rapids, IA include John F Kennedy High School, Prairie High School and George Washington High School.
How many public high schools are located in Cedar Rapids?
8 public high schools are located in Cedar Rapids.
What is the racial composition of students in Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids public high schools minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public high schools average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Cedar Rapids are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

When Your Child Gets a Teacher You Didn't Request
When Your Child Gets a Teacher You Didn't Request
Learn what parents can do when a child is assigned to an unexpected teacher, including when to wait, communicate, document concerns, request support, and seek reassignment appropriately.
Before Accepting a Public School Seat: 15 Checks
Before Accepting a Public School Seat: 15 Checks
Before accepting a public school seat, parents should verify enrollment terms, transportation, staffing, academics, safety, support services, schedules, attendance rules, extracurriculars, costs, and long-term placement details carefully.
Will This Public School Offer the Same Programs Next Year?
Will This Public School Offer the Same Programs Next Year?
Learn how parents can determine whether public school programs will continue next year by checking budgets, enrollment, staffing, board documents, grants, course schedules, and district priorities before enrolling.

Quick Links