Best Cedar Rapids Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 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)

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%

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?

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