Eastern Iowa schools ranked among best in state

Eastern Iowa high schools are among the best in the state, according to a national U.S. News and World Report ranking of 'Best High Schools” released this week.

The annual ranking was based on each school's test scores - among all students and then minority students and those from low-income families - compared to those scores statewide. Schools then were judged on how many 12th-graders took college-level tests and how well the students did on those tests.

Among Iowa schools, 16 were included in the national ranking. Kennedy High in Cedar Rapids ranked first in the state, followed in order by Mid-Prairie High, Iowa City's West High, Decorah High and Cedar Rapids' Washington High.

Also included in the national ranking were Linn-Mar High (seventh among Iowa schools), West Liberty High (ninth), Iowa City's City High (12th), and Cedar Rapids' Jefferson High (14th).

Kennedy High placed 638th among more than 6,500 schools ranked nationwide.

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