Kennedy High School is a public high school located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Kennedy was founded in 1967. The building was dedicated by Senator Edward M. Kennedy, younger brother of the school's namesake President John F. Kennedy. The school's athletic teams are known as the Cougars.
Serving 1,719 students in grades 9-12, John F Kennedy High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 66% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 74% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,719 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 27%
- Graduation Rate: 93% (Top 20% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 66% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 74% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 67% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
John F Kennedy High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
John F Kennedy High School's student population of 1,719 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 95 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,719 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
95 teachers
Year Founded
1967
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Sat. May 23, 2026
School Motto
'Every Learner. Future Ready.'
School Rankings
John F Kennedy High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of John F Kennedy High School is 0.45, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.47. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#710 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
66%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
74%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
67%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
3%
3%
Hispanic
7%
13%
Black
10%
7%
White
73%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
93%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
28%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cougars
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is John F Kennedy High School's ranking?
John F Kennedy High School is ranked #710 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are John F Kennedy High School often compared to?
John F Kennedy High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Thomas Jefferson High School, George Washington High School, Linn-mar High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
66% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of John F Kennedy High School?
The graduation rate of John F Kennedy High School is 93%, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 90%.
How many students attend John F Kennedy High School?
1,719 students attend John F Kennedy High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of John F Kennedy High School students are White, 10% of students are Black, 7% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of John F Kennedy High School?
John F Kennedy High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does John F Kennedy High School offer ?
John F Kennedy High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is John F Kennedy High School part of?
John F Kennedy High School is part of Cedar Rapids Comm School District.
School Reviews
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