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Education

At the foundation of any great community is its educational system, and Iowans take education very seriously.

Public Schools

Test scores prove Iowa’s public schools are doing a tremendous job. Mason City Community School District takes pride in promoting learning for all ages. Instructional programs are coordinated Pre-K to grade 12 with low 13-1 student/teacher ratios to ensure all students experience consistent and coherent programming. All district teachers are licensed in their assigned teaching areas.

Five state-of-the-art elementary schools serve students in kindergarten through fifth grade. A team of licensed professionals in art, music, physical education, information-technology and guidance serve all elementary buildings.

The newly constructed Roosevelt Middle School opened in Fall 2007. John Adams Middle School is located next to the high school campus. One comprehensive high school and one alternative school serve students in grades nine through 12. Students have many opportunities to develop and challenge their abilities and interests. Seven advanced-placement courses, 15 courses shared with North Iowa Area Community College, and many other post-secondary enrollment options are examples of the academic opportunities available to students in Mason City’s public high school. 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 only 42 high schools across the nation to receive such a recognition and the only Iowa high school to be recognized.

The school district takes 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 15-to-1. The day care center, pre-school and school is open to children of all faiths.

Charlie Brown Daycare & Preschool provides an integrated day care/learning environment at your choice of convenient locations.Post-Secondary Education: North Iowa Area Community College

A majority of Iowa students who pursue higher education enroll first at a community college such as North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC). NIACC offers two-year degrees as well as several vocational certificate programs. Located on the eastern edge of Mason City, the campus rivals the facilities of many four-year colleges.

New courses and majors are constantly developed to meet the demands of the information age and to better prepare students for securing employment upon graduation. The college works closely with local businesses to offer continuing education and job training.

Students can opt for traditional classes or online courses. In addition, satellite locations in many towns in North Iowa offer classes during both the day and evening. A scholarship program helps qualified students defray costs.

More than just an academic institution, NIACC boasts a strong athletic tradition. Student athletes compete in a variety of events, including football, volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball, golf and soccer. The athletic department also sponsors summer camps for local youths.

NIACC is home to the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, which helps to launch and support new and existing businesses; it also houses the college’s technology and business programs.Additional Higher-Education Opportunities

Kaplan University and its Mason City predecessors date back to 1900. The oldest business college to continually operate in Iowa, the school offers degrees in criminal justice, information technology, administrative assistance, business administration, travel, paralegal studies and accounting as well as the popular degree programs in applied management and information technology.

LaJames College also makes its home in Mason City. Students at LaJames earn diplomas in cosmetology, nail technology and massage therapy.

Mason City’s World Wide College of Auctioneering (which ranks first in educating world-class auctioneers) trains students in developing the auction chant, bookings, laws and licenses, appraisals, ads, personal image, and many other facets of the auctioneering industry.

Buena Vista University and Drake University operate satellite campuses in Mason City, where bachelor’s and graduate degrees are offered in several disciplines.