Carroll County offers exceptional educational opportunities through five secondary school systems providing families with a variety of high-quality public and private education options. Students benefit from small class sizes, strong academic performance, career and technical education, fine arts, athletics, and dual-credit opportunities.
Higher education is available locally through Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Carroll Campus, which offers career training, workforce development, transfer programs, and continuing education, making it easy for students and adult learners to pursue postsecondary education close to home. Together, these institutions create a strong educational pipeline that supports lifelong learning and workforce development throughout Carroll County.
Carroll Community School District serves approximately 1,600 students across four schools and is known for its strong academic performance and supportive learning environment. With a 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio, the district consistently ranks among Iowa’s best, earning #42 of 302 school districts, #40 for Best Teachers, and #24 for Best Places to Teach in the state, while Carroll High School ranks #13 among Iowa public high schools according to Niche’s 2026 rankings.
Coon Rapids-Bayard Community School District serves approximately 450 students in preschool through 12th grade and provides a personalized learning environment with an excellent 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio. The district is recognized for strong academic achievement, with students performing above the state average in reading and math, and is ranked #96 of 302 school districts in Iowa, #44 for Best Places to Teach, and #66 for Best Teachers according to Niche’s 2026 rankings.
Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Carroll Campus provides accessible, affordable higher education and workforce training for west-central Iowa. The campus serves more than 1,000 students each semester and offers associate degrees, career and technical programs, university transfer pathways, workforce training, and 2+2 bachelor’s degree programs. As part of Iowa’s largest community college, DMACC enrolls more than 34,000 credit students systemwide and maintains a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The college is recognized for its affordability, extensive academic offerings, and strong career outcomes, with 95% of graduates employed, continuing their education, or serving in the military after graduation.
Glidden-Ralston Community School District serves approximately 390 students in preschool through 12th grade and offers a close-knit learning environment with a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio. The district is recognized for strong academic performance, with 74% of students proficient in math and 78% proficient in reading, while providing personalized instruction and a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. In Niche’s 2026 rankings, the district is also recognized among Iowa’s stronger districts for educator quality, ranking #19 for Best Teachers in Iowa.
IKM-Manning Community School District serves approximately 700 students in preschool through 12th grade and provides a strong educational experience with a 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio. The district consistently outperforms state averages in academic achievement, with 84% of students proficient in math and 79% proficient in reading. According to Niche’s 2026 rankings, IKM-Manning is ranked #91 of 302 school districts in Iowa, #47 for Best Teachers, and #48 for Best Places to Teach, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and personalized learning.
Kuemper Catholic School is a private PK–12 Catholic school in Carroll serving approximately 1,340 students with a 17:1 student-to-teacher ratio. The school is known for combining strong academics with faith-based education, a 100% graduation rate, and a wide variety of extracurricular and athletic opportunities. In Niche’s 2026 rankings, Kuemper is recognized as the #51 Best High School for Athletes in Iowa and is among the top Catholic K–12 schools in the state, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence, student development, and community involvement.