 K-12
Iowa's educational system is nationally recognized for its excellence. Iowa's secondary education students consistently rank number one in the nation, year after year, in SAT and ACT scores. In 1991 Iowa's Verbal SAT score of 512 was well above the national average of 423, as was the math score of 584 above the national average of 476. The ACT score of 20.1 was above the U.S. average of 18.6. These scores were also higher than Iowa's neighboring states.
Iowa has a graduation rate of 86.4 percent, nearly identical to Calhoun County's rate of 89 percent.
Calhoun County is served by five public school systems that have successfully completed consolidation during the past 8 years. After two decades of population decline, school enrollment has increased during the past five years. The ratio of teachers to pupils is 10.6:1.
Private education is also available within a 30 minute drive. St. Edmond School of fort Dodge, St. Paul Lutheran School in Fort Dodge, Community Christian School in Fort Dodge, and Carroll Kuemper in Carroll provide K-12 education opportunities.
HIGHER EDUCATION
According to a 1992 Labor Survey, 49 percent of county residents have had some college, and 10 percent are college graduates, Calhoun County is served by Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, less than a 30 minute drive. Besides customized job training programs for employers, ICCC offers two year associate degrees, vocational training, and continuing education for numerous programs, and a four-year bachelor's degree program on campus through Buena Vista College. An MBA program through Drake University is also now available through ICCC. Other higher education opportunities abound within a 90 minute drive. Iowa State University in Ames, Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, and Morningside College and Briar Cliff College in Sioux city offer a variety of opportunities for the young and older adult. |
