College Community School District: An Overview

Located in the heart of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the College Community School District serves communities in Linn, Johnson, and Benton counties in east central Iowa. Encompassing an expansive 500-acre central campus, the district is more than just a collection of schools; it is a vibrant community dedicated to nurturing the next generation. The district was established in 1954 after the consolidation of several township schools. The Iowa State Legislature started a series of laws beginning in 1947 to have the Iowa educational system reorganized. At this point in time, there were individual township school districts in existence. In the geographical area that later became the College Community School District, there were three townships involved in the discussion leading to reorganization: Fairfax, College and Putnam Townships.

District Composition and Demographics

The College Community School District contains 10 schools and serves approximately 5,740 students. The district includes:

5 elementary schools (grades PK-4)
1 intermediate school (grades 5-6)
1 middle school (grades 7-9)
2 high schools (grades 10-12)
2 Preschools

A look at the student body reveals a diverse population:

71.4% White
12.4% Black or African American
1.6% Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander
6.5% Hispanic/Latino
0.2% American Indian or Alaska Native
0.6% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
7.2% Two or more races
49% Female
51% Male

The district’s minority enrollment stands at 30%, and 27.3% of students are economically disadvantaged, highlighting the need for equitable resources and support systems. At schools in College Community School District, 27.3% of students are eligible to participate in the federal free and reduced price meal.

Academic Performance

Test scores provide insights into the academic performance of students within the district. In College Community School District, 62% of elementary students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 62% tested at or above that level for math. Also, 43% of middle school students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 42% tested at or above that level for math. And 69% of high school students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 61% tested at or above that level for math. High school college readiness is 19.1. This data offers a snapshot of the district's academic standing and informs areas for potential improvement.

Financial Overview

The College Community School District operates with an annual revenue of $94,636,000 and spends $11,745 per student each year. These figures provide context for the resources available to support the district's educational programs and initiatives.

A History of Growth and Innovation

The district's history reflects a commitment to progress and adaptation. In 1954, the School Board decided to purchase 40 acres of farmland and build a high school across the road from the current College Township Elementary and a few hundred yards west. This remains the site of the current Prairie High School.

Key milestones in the district's development include:

1958: 7th through 12th grade students from the Swisher Independent School District attended the College Community Schools for the first time on a tuition basis.
1960: Swisher and Jefferson Township (Present-day Shueyville) consolidated into College Community.
1961: Prairie Junior High School opened, housing grades seven through nine.
1962: Prairie Intermediate opened. Junior High Schools attended the first Outdoor Education Program at Camp Wapsie.
1972: Prairie View opened, and schools in Swisher, Shueyville, Ely, and Farifax closed.
1975: Elementary grades were reconfigured, making Prairie Elementary and Prairie View K-3 schools, and Prairie Intermediate a 4-6 school.
1981: The College Community Schools Foundation was established.
1993: Grade levels are reconfigured again. Prairie Elementary, Prairie Intermediate, and Prairie View house grades K-5, and Prairie Middle School houses grades 6-8.
1996: Prairie Oaks, is added at Four Oaks campus on Kirkwood Blvd.
2001: A bond issue was passed to build a new elementary and for additions to be made at Prairie Heights and Prairie View elementary buildings.
2009: The largest grade reorganization in district history occurs. All four elementary schools now house grades PK-4, Prairie Middle School becomes Prairie Creek Intermediate and houses grades five and six, the new Prairie Point Middle School & Ninth Grade Academy houses grades 7-9, and the High School houses grades 10-12.
2011: John Wall Field was heavily renovated.
2012: A bond issue passed, authorizing the building of a fifth elementary to be placed on the old youth baseball complex.
2022: College Community Schools opened the new Prairie Prairie Agriculture Building and FFA program.
2025: Changes are designed to improve efficiency, safety, and the overall transportation experience for our students.

Facilities and Infrastructure

The district's central campus is a source of pride, boasting modern facilities and ongoing improvements. Prairie High School opened in 1956. The high school is home to the Concert Hall at College Community and the College Community Theatre, as well as offices for the school board. Prairie Point opened in 2009, housing grades 7-9. Prairie Creek opened in 1961 as Prairie Junior High. Opening in 1954 as College Township Elementary, Prairie Heights is the oldest active building in the district. Opening as Prairie Intermediate in 1962, the school hosted grades 4-6 until 1993, when it held grades K-5 and was renamed Prairie Crest. The school currently hosts grades PK-4. Opening in 1972, Prairie View originally hosted grades K-3. From 1993 to 2009, the school hosted grades K-5. The school currently hosts grades PK-4.

Recent additions include:

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A new Prairie Agriculture Building with a science classroom, conference room/storm shelter, and greenhouse.
Renovations to John Wall Field.
A new baseball complex.

The district is also nearing the completion of a ten-year site master plan, which will enable the district to expand by another 30% before considering the addition of more buildings.

Commitment to Personalized Learning

College Community’s 10 Year Strategic Plan goal is to create a personalized learning system. Personalized learning is a progressively learner-driven model in which learners deeply engage in meaningful, authentic, and rigorous challenges to demonstrate desired outcomes. Our teachers collaborate to design learning environments that equitable, engaging, and empowering by providing students with opportunities for voice, co-creation, social construction, and self-discovery. The district's commitment to innovation is evident in its ongoing construction and renovation projects to enhance the educational experience. Yet, its unwavering dedication to holistic development sets the College Community School District apart.

Schipper echoes his sentiments, adding that partnerships extend beyond academics to address social and emotional needs. Medberry elaborates on this, mentioning the district’s involvement in Lynn County’s My Care community and its partnerships with local nonprofit behavioral health organizations.

Technology Integration

Prairie has been committed to 1:1 computing since 2012. Each student in grades 5-12 is issued a personal Chromebook device. Grades K-4 use a combination of iPads and Chromebooks. This initiative ensures that students have access to the technology they need to succeed in the digital age.

Preparing Students for the Future

The College Community School District recognizes the importance of education beyond high school and will prepare students for success in their post-secondary education/training choices. Our core and enhanced programming will value and prepare students for success in all forms of education/training after high school graduation, including 2-year college programs, 4-year college programs, certification programs, apprenticeships, the military and other career training programs. These indicators support success in all forms of education and training beyond high school.

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Community Engagement and Partnerships

Parent and community support is highly valued. The district strives to develop close relationships with students and parents so that our students feel safe and connected. The district takes great pride in our Prairie schools which are made up of great staff, high performing students, supportive parents, and community members who value the importance of a quality education.

Doser underscores the district’s symbiotic relationship with Kirkwood Community College. “Last year alone, we had 480 students who took Kirkwood credit in our school, earning 3,832 credit hours and saving families over $750,000,” he reveals. Dr. Wheeler elaborates on the district’s efforts to make dual credit more accessible. “We’ve been expanding the offerings of dual credit on our campus to reduce barriers related to poverty and access. One of our goals is to ensure that all students can take a college class before they graduate,” he states.

Safety and Security

Given the complexities of managing a large, single-campus educational environment, the College Community School District strongly emphasizes safety and community engagement. Dr. Wheeler elucidates the unique challenges and opportunities the district’s single-campus structure presents. “We’re the 54th largest town in Iowa for 178 days out of the year, with over 7,000 people on campus during the core of the day,” he notes.

Dr. Wheeler explains that the district’s dedication to safety goes beyond just staff and encompasses advanced communication and emergency response systems. He mentions that they have been actively updating their communication and radio infrastructure district-wide over the past five years. Additionally, the school uses an application for campus-wide emergency notifications and has specific responses for different emergencies.

Looking Ahead

As the district looks ahead, its leaders are focused on what can be achieved within the classroom walls while remaining keenly aware of the broader ecosystem that supports student success. As the calendar year draws to a close, Dr. Wheeler outlines the district’s top initiatives that will carry them through 2024. He also emphasizes the importance of community partnerships, mainly through the Prairie Ready initiative. “It gives us a story to tell. We have a vibrant business environment around us, and we can tap into that for mutual benefit,” he explains.

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