Iowa City High School

I graduated in 2012, and could not have been happier with the education I received. I was allowed to be a free thinker, to take charge of my own education, and to interact with my teachers on a level that was more comfortable than "I am teacher. LEARN." The new principal is incredibly friendly, personable, and tries to have an active interaction with every single student in the school. The teachers are brilliant, fun, and well educated in their fields.
—Submitted by a student

Unfortunately this is not as good a school as West High, this has resulted in the school system forcing children that had been traditionally zoned for West High to go to City High even though their friends at Northwest are going to West.

City high is a great school. New principal is amazing. Great music and athletics. aP programs growing. Nice facilities.

City High is a great environment for students to learn, excell and become outstanding young adults. The administration and teachers are phenomonal and challenge the kids to be the best they can be.
—Submitted by a parent

My oldest child graduated in 2009, and my youngest is a sophomore at The School That Leads! Opportunities in music, athletics, drama, and other activities are amazing! Dozens of All-State musicians and a dynastic football program are just the lead stories of the great things happening at City High. CHS is an academic powerhouse, annually seeing $! millionn + in scholarships to grads! Alumni include a number of Rhodes Scholars and a Nobel Prize winner! It's a beautiful school and a great place to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

This school in on the School In Need of Assistance list due to the fact that they can't seem to educate the minority population in this town without shoving them in a special learning program. Test scores and privileged parents' reviews do not tell the whole story of a school.
—Submitted by a parent

Can't say enough good things about City High! My oldest graduated from City in 2008 and my middle child is attending now as a Freshman. He's loving high school and City provides many, many great opportunities for him to excel academically, socially, artistically/musically, and as an athlete. The coaches/sponsors do their utmost to make sure all the students that want to participate can. The teachers have routinely been great! His English and German teachers both communicated with his father and I within the 1st week of school! How great is that? With a school as large as City is, it's wonderful to know my child has teachers so committed to his success. Again, can't say enough good things about City! Great job - keep up the good work!
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers and coaches; and wonderful opportunities for students to excel and work toward excellence!
—Submitted by a parent

Easily one of the best public schools in the country. Their standardized test scores are head and shoulders above other high schools in Iowa as well as throughout the country. Their concert band has won two Grammys, and the teachers are truly the cream of the 'One-Room Schoolhouse' State's crop.

It's good to be involved in city high sports. It's one of the majors athletic high school in the district. Keep up the good work city
—Submitted by a student

I am proud to be an educator at City High School. Iowa City High School does provide excellent educational opportunities for all students. The majority of students are truly proud to be 'Little Hawks'. The parents, administration, teachers and staff work together to provide a safe, clean and challenging environment for all students. City High School is a treasure chest!
—Submitted by a teacher

An excellent high school going through a time of adjusting to more growth in the community. excellent teachers work with all students to provide creative challenging courses in a wide range of interest areas and for all abilities. Excellent music program! I have a daughter that graduated two years ago and one present daughter.
—Submitted by a parent

Gangs are starting to become a problem, physical fights are too common. Sports are very succesful and most teachers are good.
—Submitted by a teacher

Academic programs are excellent (wide variety and rigorous). Music department is outstanding (winner of three Grammy awards!). Top notch athletics. Parents are always welcomed by teachers and administration. My child went to a tier 1 university upon graduating (2005) and had no trouble making the dean's list each term.
—Submitted by a parent

City High is definetly a great place to learn. the teachers have experience in many fields and the faculty is outstanding. the athletic department is fantastic and the music department is unbeliveable.
—Submitted by heather dresden, a student