A recent study by Niche ranks the top 25 high schools in Iowa for athletes based on various factors, including state championships and student participation in sports. The rankings highlight the schools that foster athletic excellence in the state.
Key points
Niche ranks Iowa high schools for athletes
Study includes student and parent feedback
Factors include state championships and sports offered
Notable Iowa athletes include Caitlin Clark and Roger Craig
From the iconic Field of Dreams to Kinnick Stadium’s famous wave, sports culture runs deep at all levels in Iowa.
High school sports have played a significant part in that distinction, with headlining names like Caitlin Clark, Ben Kueter, Roger Craig, Tavian Banks, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Zach Johnson, Lolo Jones, Kendyl Lindaman, and more all providing glimpses of greatness.
That trend continues to this day on the fields, courts, tracks, pools, courses, and beyond in the state, which also turns a spotlight on the high school that set the stage.
Which schools are considered the best for athletes in 2026?
According to one study conducted by Niche, which accounts for survey feedback from students and parents—accounting for "reviews of athletics, number of state championships, student participation in athletics, and the number of sports offered at the school"—and data from the U.S. Department of Education, these are the top 25.
25. Prairie High School
Total number of sports: 20
Prairie guard Jayce Blanchard (40) steps up the line for a free throw during the game at Johnston High School on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022. The Dragons defeated the Hawks, 69-24.
Prairie guard Jayce Blanchard (40) steps up the line for a free throw during the game at Johnston High School on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022. The Dragons defeated the Hawks, 69-24.
24. Decorah High School
Total number of sports: 22
23. Dike-New Hartford High School
Total number of sports: 22
22. Regina Catholic Education Center
Total number of sports: 16
21. Beckman Catholic School (Dyersville)
Total number of sports: 14
20. Van Meter Junior/Senior High School
Total number of sports: 16
Q&A
What are the top 25 high schools for athletes in Iowa according to Niche?
Niche's study ranks the top 25 high schools in Iowa based on factors like athletics reviews and state championships.
How does Niche determine the best high schools for athletes?
Niche uses survey feedback from students and parents, along with data from the U.S. Department of Education, to assess schools.
Who are some notable athletes from Iowa high schools?
Notable athletes from Iowa high schools include Caitlin Clark, Ben Kueter, and Roger Craig, among others.
What factors are considered in ranking Iowa high schools for athletics?
Factors include reviews of athletics, number of state championships, student participation in sports, and the variety of sports offered.
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19. Dallas Center - Grimes High School (Grimes)
Total number of sports: 21
18. Wahlert Catholic High School (Dubuque)
Total number of sports: 22
17. Unity Christian High School (Orange City)
Total number of sports: 11
16. John F. Kennedy High School
Total number of sports: 22
15. North Scott Senior High School (Eldridge)
Total number of sports: 21
14. Southeast Polk High School (Pleasant Hill)
Total number of sports: 20
13. Xavier High School (Cedar Rapids)
Total number of sports: 14
12. Spirit Lake High School
Total number of sports: 19
11. Cedar Falls High School
Total number of sports: 22
10. Bettendorf High School
Total number of sports: 23
Bettendorf's Jake Knight defeats Urbandale's Caleb Arroyo in the Class 3A 132. lbs. championship match of the Iowa high school state wrestling finals on Feb. 21, 2026, at Casey's Center in Des Moines.
Bettendorf's Jake Knight defeats Urbandale's Caleb Arroyo in the Class 3A 132. lbs. championship match of the Iowa high school state wrestling finals on Feb. 21, 2026, at Casey's Center in Des Moines.
9. Pleasant Valley High School
Total number of sports: 15
8. Western Christian High School (Hull)
Total number of sports: 11
7. Waukee Senior High School
Total number of sports: 22
6. Bishop Heelan Catholic High School (Sioux City)
Total number of sports: 13
5. Ankeny Centennial High School (Ankeny)
Total number of sports: 21
4. Dowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines)
Total number of sports: 15
3. Ankeny High School
Total number of sports: 21
2. Lewis Central Senior High School (Council Bluffs)
Total number of sports: 20
1. Valley High School (West Des Moines)
Total number of sports: 21
Valley's Blake Dorenkamp runs the ball for a touchdown during the semifinal round of the Iowa high school football state championships at the UNI-Dome on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, in Cedar Falls.
Valley's Blake Dorenkamp runs the ball for a touchdown during the semifinal round of the Iowa high school football state championships at the UNI-Dome on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, in Cedar Falls.
