Iowa’s workforce is educated and productive. The state has taken a proactive approach to transform its public education system to focus on student achievement and meeting the skills gap. Quality education to ensure a quality workforce is a shared community value.
Best Schools in Mason City Iowa
Public schools
Test scores prove Iowa’s public schools are doing a tremendous job. The Mason City Community School District and Clear Lake Community Schools take pride in promoting learning for all ages. Instructional programs are coordinated Pre-K to grade 12 with 16-1 (Mason City) student/teacher ratios to ensure all students experience consistent and coherent programming. All public school teachers are licensed in their assigned teaching areas.
In Mason City, the district is organized to provide developmentally-appropriate learning environments in state-of-the-art buildings. Elementary schools serve PK-4, the Intermediate School for grades 5-6, and Middle School for grades 7-8. Mason City High School includes grades 9-12. In Clear Lake, schools are organized PK-5, 6-8, and 9-12.
High school students benefit from a large choice of Advanced Placement courses, courses offered in partnership with North Iowa Area Community College, and many other post-secondary enrollment options. In addition, Mason City’s outstanding music education program has received national recognition, including designation by the Grammy Foundation as a “Grammy Signature School.” Mason City High School was one of just a few high schools across the nation to receive such a recognition and the only Iowa high school to be recognized.
The public schools take pride in responding to the needs of all learners through a full spectrum of services, from special education programming to gifted education services. ’
Private schools
Private Christian-based schools are available for students of all ages.
The Newman Catholic School System offers a traditional parochial school education to students of preschool age through the 12th grade on a single integrated campus. Newman provides a safe environment for Christian learning while emphasizing intellectual, spiritual, moral, physical, and social values. The ratio of students to teachers is 17-to-1. The day care center, preschool, and school are open to children of all faiths.
North Iowa Christian School is another choice for parents seeking a faith-based learning environment. The school features quality teachers and academics, a warm environment, and close communication with parents. Students enjoy a student-to-teacher ratio of 7-to-1.
Preschool
Early childhood education is a community value. Voluntary 4-year old free pre-K programs are available from multiple sources, thanks to partnerships with the Mason City Community School District. In addition, parents can choose from several quality private programs and integrated day care/learning environment at a choice of convenient locations.
Each of these educational choices promotes a sense of belonging for young people and families. North Iowa schools are focused on developing social circles of healthy-minded, supportive people.
ALWAYS LEARNING AND GROWING
North Iowa Area Community College
Business and educators in North Iowa work together closely to ensure students are well-prepared for the workforce. Mason City is home to North Iowa Area Community College, which serves a nine-county region in North Iowa. In addition to traditional degree programs, the college boasts many excellent continuing education and training courses, which are heavily utilized by industries throughout North Iowa.
Within the past three years, the college has opened a new Diesel Technology Center, a Health Simulation Center and a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) wing to provide traditional and continuing education students with innovative, state-of-the-art learning facilities.
North Iowa Area Community College believes a good education leads to a prosperous future not only for the student, but also for the student’s family and community. To help facilitate this, the college makes every effort to keep tuition low and offers over $1 million in scholarships each year.
The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
Located on the North Iowa Area Community College campus, the entrepreneurial center helps to spur economic growth by providing programs, services and resources for aspiring and existing business owners. Programs include business start-up and expansion services, technical assistance, access to capital, creating entrepreneurial communities and regions, and entrepreneurial education.
Buena Vista University
Buena Vista, based in Storm Lake, operates a satellite campus at North Iowa Area Community College. They offer a professional and online studies program with 19 majors and secondary education endorsements in a variety of flexible formats.
Purdue University Global
Purdue Global offers degree and certificate programs in fields such as health, education, social and behavioral sciences, business, criminal justice, information technology and legal occupations at its Mason City campus and online.
LaJames College of Cosmetology-Mason City
Students at LaJames earn their Iowa license in cosmetology, nail technology, and massage therapy.
World Wide College of Auctioneering
Mason City’s auction college (which ranks first in educating world-class auctioneers) trains students in developing the auction chant, bookings, laws and licenses, appraisals, advertising, personal image, and many other aspects of the auctioneering industry.
Kinney Pioneer Museum
The early legacy of the region is preserved at the Kinney Pioneer Museum near the Mason City Airport. The living history and vintage exhibits transport patrons back to life on the Western frontier. The pioneer village blacksmith shop and log cabin feature frequent demonstrations. A visit to the museum is the perfect activity for lifelong learners. ’