What began as part of the French territories soon became a vital part of the United States’ following battles. Iowa played a major role in the War of 1812, the Civil War, and World War I. The agricultural epicenter of Iowa helped feed American citizens from each war to the Great Depression. While agriculture was an important in early Iowan years, starting in the 1980s the economic importance shifted to manufacturing and biotechnology. Presently, Iowa is one of the top manufacturers of food, including businesses like ConAgra Foods, Heinz, Wonder Bread, Hostess, General Mills, and Quaker Oats.
The educational culture in Iowa has routinely rested in the upper echelon of the nation. Iowa’s high school students are among the most likely to graduate and have the highest standardized test scores. Since the state puts great emphasis on education, it makes sense that online schools in Iowa are as equally dedicated to high standards. Iowa was the 31st state to allow public online schools. The Iowans for Public School Options is currently fighting for state-funded online schools that have certified teachers and are available for every family in Iowa. Governor Terry Branstad started an education reform plan which would meet those needs for on-campus and online programs. Free educational assistance would be accessible to every student with this plan.
As it is now, Iowa has two public online high schools, Iowa Learning Online (ILO) and Iowa Connections Academy. Both schools are free of charge and allow students access to certified instructors, trained counselors, and activities that make the educational community feel the same as if it were on campus. Iowa’s online schools are still in the early stages, so schools are still lacking the same resources that private online schools have. However, both schools are accredited by AdvancED, a program that ensures online schools across the country are held to the highest standards.
Many of Iowa’s colleges, both two and four-year, have online courses available. Some even have degree programs that can be completed entirely online, including Iowa Central College, Ashford University, and Upper Iowa University (UIU). Upper Iowa University’s online program was listed the top accredited web program by Online Education Database’s online college rankings. UIU often posts scholarships saved for distance learning students on their website, but online students are also eligible for the FAFSA.
2500 Fleur Drive
Des Moines, IA 50321-1799
1990 Heath St
Waterloo, IA 50703-1999
400 N Bluff Blvd
Clinton, IA 52733-2967
3303 Rebecca St
Sioux City, IA 51104
610 W 4th St
Storm Lake, IA 50588
1550 Clarke Dr
Dubuque, IA 52001-3198
2006 Ankeny Blvd
Ankeny, IA 50023-3993
3200 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312
2507 University Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50311-4505
306 W River Dr
Davenport, IA 52801-1221
1100 College Ave
Iowa Falls, IA 50126
1 University Place
Lamoni, IA 50140
1501 E Orange Rd
Waterloo, IA 50701
525 Grandview
Ottumwa, IA 52501
One Triton Circle
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
1200 Pleasant St
Des Moines, IA 50309-1453
19 S 7th St
Estherville, IA 51334-2295
3410 Beardshear Hall
Ames, IA 50011-2030
601 N Main Street
Mount Pleasant, IA 52641
2700 College Rd
Council Bluffs, IA 51503-1057
3735 Queen Ct SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
1860 NW 118th St- Ste 110
Clive, IA 50325
1801 E Kimberly Rd Ste 1
Davenport, IA 52807
6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-2068
1000 N 4th St
Fairfield, IA 52557
3700 S Center St
Marshalltown, IA 50158
928 Sixth Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309-1239
500 College Dr
Mason City, IA 50401
1625 Hwy 150
Calmar, IA 52132-0400
603 W Park St
Sheldon, IA 51201
101 Seventh St SW
Orange City, IA 51041
1000 Brady St
Davenport, IA 52803-5287
1500 West Agency Road
West Burlington, IA 52655-0180
2000 University Ave
Dubuque, IA 52001
101 Jessup Hall
Iowa City, IA 52242-1316
6600 Westown Pkwy
West Des Moines, IA 50266-7724
605 Washington St
Fayette, IA 52142-1857
106 S Sixth St
Forest City, IA 50436-1713
4647 Stone Ave
Sioux City, IA 51102-5199
