Iowa School Performance Profiles recognize ACSD achievement and NICC partnership

Recent data from the Iowa Department of Education has named the Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) as the top-rated public school district in the state. This “Exceptional” designation highlights the district’s commitment to academic excellence and its strong partnership with Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) to prepare students for future careers.

The 2024-2025 Iowa School Performance Profiles revealed that ACSD earned 707.52 points out of a possible 900, placing it at the pinnacle of Iowa’s 325 public school districts. The district was one of only two in the state to receive the “Exceptional” designation. Overall, ACSD matched or exceeded state averages in nearly every category, including graduation rates, post-secondary readiness and proficiency in math, science and English language arts.

Noted at the heart of this success is the collaboration between the school district and the College. Many students benefit from the NICC Waukon Center, located directly across the street from Waukon High School. This convenient location allows them to easily access college resources and one-on-one academic and career advising.

“Our partnership with NICC is the single most important factor in our students’ postsecondary readiness,” said Jay Mathis, Allamakee Community School District Superintendent. “The community supported the bond referendum to build a new high school and Wellness Center. This facility includes our NICC classrooms and benefits so many students, regardless of the career path that they choose.”

The strength of this partnership is reflected in recent enrollment data: 188 unduplicated students at Waukon High School - representing 48% of the 385 students in grades 9-12 - earned NICC credits this fall. These students successfully completed 1,366.5 total credits across 72 different NICC classes.

Through concurrent enrollment programs, Waukon High School students earn college credit while still in high school, giving them a head start on their career or degree. For Avalea Burns, a senior at Waukon High School, the partnership has been transformative; she is one of eight students this year simultaneously achieving an AA degree through NICC while graduating from high school in 2026.

“Taking classes through NICC has had a meaningful impact on both my education and my future plans,” Burns said. “Earning my AA degree while still in high school has not only saved me two years of college tuition but has also given me the opportunity to experience college-level coursework early. Classes such as Anatomy and Physiology helped me confirm my interest in the medical field.”

Waukon High School was individually ranked as the number-one high school in Iowa, while Waukon Middle School secured the fifth spot in the same profile rankings among middle schools in the state of Iowa. The district-level ratings, introduced for the first time in 2025, use a streamlined set of core indicators to provide transparent information on how public schools serve their students. Across the state, more than 58% of districts performed within the top three rating categories, with over 88% rating acceptable or higher.

“By offering college-level coursework, NICC increases the academic rigor available to our students, ensuring they are truly prepared for the next level,” said Jennifer Garin, Waukon High School Principal. “This experience fundamentally shifts their outlook on higher education by proving they can succeed at a collegiate level before they even graduate. We are incredibly proud that several of our students have used this pathway to earn their Associate of Arts degree concurrently with their high school diploma or earn specialized certificates from NICC, giving them a significant head start on their future.”

The College remains driven to support local districts by providing the education and training needed to create life-changing outcomes for our students. By working together, NICC can help facilitate that every student has a clear path to success.

The NICC Waukon Center is a partnership between Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), Allamakee Community School District and the City of Waukon that provides college coursework for high school and adult students. The Waukon Center offers classes year-round with day and evening options for college credit and professional development. It connects NICC courses and services with students, the local workforce and community needs. For more information, contact Center Director Erica Nosbisch at 563-568-3060.