Foundation for Lifelong Learning

Ottumwa Community School District strives to provide a quality education for every student. Within the district there are eight elementary schools (K-6, total enrollment 2,555), one middle school (grades 7-8, total enrollment 765), and one high school (grades 9-12, total enrollment 1,568). There are also two private schools in the area, serving students pre-kindergarten through grade 9.

Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) offers a two-year arts and sciences curriculum, state-of-the-art training in 30 technical programs, an Advanced Technology Center, and a continuing education program. It also serves as the satellite center for Buena Vista University and St. Ambrose University for advanced degrees.

Four-year colleges and universities include Buena Vista University and William Penn College.