For the 2026 school year, there are 3 alternative public middle schools serving 887 students in Iowa.
The top-ranked alternative public middle schools in Iowa are Woodward Academy, Mid City High School and Expo Alternative Learning Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Iowa alternative public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 17% (versus the Iowa public middle school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 71% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public middle school average of 25% (majority Hispanic).
Best Alternative Public Middle Schools in Iowa (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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 | 114 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #22.
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: 7-12 | 195 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #33.
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 | 578 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked alternative public middle schools in Iowa?
The top-ranked alternative public middle schools in Iowa include Woodward Academy, Mid City High School and Expo Alternative Learning Center.
How many alternative public middle schools are located in Iowa?
3 alternative public middle schools are located in Iowa.
What is the racial composition of students in Iowa?
Iowa alternative public middle schools minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Iowa public middle schools average of 25% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Multilingual Learner Growth Models & Accountability
Learn how multilingual learner growth models are reshaping school accountability systems and what it means for public schools in 2026.
School-Based Health Clinics: Funding, Billing, and Student Access
Learn how school-based health clinics are funded, how billing works, and how students access care in public schools.
Outdoor Learning in Urban Schools: Forest School Programs
Explore how urban districts adopt outdoor learning and forest school programs to boost student engagement, well-being, and academic success.
