Central Lee named to magazine's top Iowa high school ranking

DONNELLSON – Central Lee High School has been recognized among the nation’s best in the 2025-26 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings.
The school is ranked No. 26 among Iowa high schools and No. 4,390 nationally. It earned the top spot in the Great Prairie AEA region (SE Iowa).
“We are proud of this recognition, which reflects the hard work of our students, staff, and families,” said Superintendent Dr. Andy Crozier. “At Central Lee, we are committed to preparing every student for future success, and this ranking affirms the strength of our academic programs and supportive community.”

Central Lee High School has a graduation rate of 96 percent, well above the state average. The school also provides students with opportunities to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams, which play a key role in college readiness. Its AP participation rate is 18 percent. Rankings from U.S. News are based on multiple factors, including performance on state assessments, graduation rates, and how well schools prepare students for college.
Principal Nicole Herdrich said the ranking highlights the commitment of both students and educators. 
“Our staff works tirelessly to provide meaningful learning experiences that challenge students to reach their full potential,” Herdrich said. “We are grateful for the support of our families and community, which makes achievements like this possible.”
The full list of Best High Schools rankings is available at https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/iowa/districts/central-lee-community-school-district/central-lee-high-school-7552.