For the 2026 school year, there are 13 alternative public schools serving 1,876 students in Iowa.
The top-ranked alternative public schools in Iowa are Alternative School, Belmond-klemme Alternative School and Pocahontas Area Regional Learning Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Iowa alternative public schools have an average math proficiency score of 20% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 38% (versus the 70% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Alternative Public Schools in Iowa (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Alternative School
Alternative School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
19 N. Illinois Ave.
Mason City, IA 50401
(641) 421-4426
Mason City, IA 50401
(641) 421-4426
Gr: 9-12 | 91 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Belmond-klemme Alternative School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
303 E. Main Street
Belmond, IA 50421
(641) 444-4300
Belmond, IA 50421
(641) 444-4300
Gr: 9-12
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Pocahontas Area Regional Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
202 1st Ave Sw
Pocahontas, IA 50574
(712) 335-5971
Pocahontas, IA 50574
(712) 335-5971
Gr: 9-12 | 27 students Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
Woodward Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1251 334th St
Woodward, IA 50276
(515) 438-3150
Woodward, IA 50276
(515) 438-3150
Gr: 5-12 | 110 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #55.
Wisdomquest Education Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
401 E. Monroe Street
Mount Pleasant, IA 52641
(319) 385-7709
Mount Pleasant, IA 52641
(319) 385-7709
Gr: 10-12 | 26 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #66.
West Academy Alternative School
Alternative School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1302 1st Avenue West
Newton, IA 50208
(641) 792-0335
Newton, IA 50208
(641) 792-0335
Gr: 10-12 | 51 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #77.
Mid City High School
Alternative School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3801 Marquette Street
Davenport, IA 52806
(563) 336-7600
Davenport, IA 52806
(563) 336-7600
Gr: 8-12 | 306 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #88.
Expo Alternative Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1410 Independence Ave
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-1930
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 433-1930
Gr: 6-12 | 561 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #99.
Walnut Creek Campus
Alternative School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1020 8th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6480
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 633-6480
Gr: 9-12 | 152 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Greenview Alternative School
Alternative School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
106 16th St Sw
Waverly, IA 50677
(319) 352-9273
Waverly, IA 50677
(319) 352-9273
Gr: 9-12 | 45 students Student-teacher ratio: 45:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Individualized Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
940 Lincoln Street Sw
Le Mars, IA 51031
(712) 546-5858
Le Mars, IA 51031
(712) 546-5858
Gr: 9-12 | 39 students Student-teacher ratio: 39:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #1212.
Elizabeth Tate Alt. High School
Alternative School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1528 Mall Drive
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 688-1080
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 688-1080
Gr: 9-12 | 180 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #1313.
Metro High School
Alternative School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1212 7th St Se
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
(319) 558-3100
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
(319) 558-3100
Gr: 9-12 | 288 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked alternative public schools in Iowa?
The top-ranked alternative public schools in Iowa include Alternative School, Belmond-klemme Alternative School and Pocahontas Area Regional Learning Center.
How many alternative public schools are located in Iowa?
13 alternative public schools are located in Iowa.
What is the racial composition of students in Iowa?
Iowa alternative public schools minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
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