A new standard for excellence: How Waukon students are leading the way in Iowa

For students in the Allamakee Community School District (ACSD), the path to a successful career isn't a distant dream-it's a journey they are starting right now in their own high school classrooms.

Recent data from the Iowa Department of Education has officially named ACSD the top-rated public school district in the state. This "Exceptional" designation-one of only two awarded statewide-places the district at the pinnacle of Iowa's 325 public school districts.

But behind the impressive score of 707.52 points lies a deeper story of partnership and student drive. At the heart of this achievement is a powerful collaboration between the district and Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC). Through concurrent enrollment programs, students at Waukon High School are earning college credits just across the street from the high school at the NICC Waukon Center.

The Center serves as a convenient hub where hundreds of students each year access college resources, receive one-on-one academic and career advising and enroll in credit courses. Our center directors serve northeast Iowa communities by helping to connect high school students and community members to the College's resources and programs. These service locations enable the College to expand its outreach to local high schools.

The impact of this partnership is evident in the numbers. This fall, 188 unduplicated students at Waukon High School were enrolled in NICC credit courses. This represents 48% of the total student body of 385 students in grades 9-12. During this semester alone, these driven students completed a total of 1,366.5 credits across 72 different College classes.

"Our partnership with NICC is the single most important factor in our students' postsecondary readiness," shared Jay Mathis, ACSD superintendent. "This was a community investment that really has paid off. This community supported the bond referendum to build a new high school and Wellness Center."

For many, this partnership is life-changing. "This experience fundamentally shifts their outlook on higher education by proving they can succeed at a collegiate level before they even graduate," said Jennifer Garin, Waukon High School principal. This year, eight students are on track to achieve the remarkable feat of earning an Associate of Arts (AA) degree concurrently with their high school diploma.

Waukon High School senior Avalea Burns is a prime example of this success. "In the spring of 2026, I will be graduating from Waukon High School while simultaneously achieving my AA degree through NICC," Burns said. "Taking classes through NICC has had a meaningful impact on both my education and my future plans. 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."

For Burns, the benefits extend beyond academics to personal growth and career clarity. "Classes such as Anatomy and Physiology helped me confirm my interest in the medical field through hands-on learning, which allowed me to better understand my strengths and passions," she shared. "The semester-long classes required me to stay focused, manage my time effectively and develop better study habits. These experiences helped me become more disciplined and confident in my ability to succeed at the college level".

After graduation, Burns plans to attend Winona State University to study pre-physical therapy. Her journey highlights the remarkable feat many students are achieving: earning an associate degree or specialized certificates concurrently with their high school diploma.

With Waukon High School ranked as the number one high school in the state and Waukon Middle School securing the fifth spot, the message is clear: when a community invests in its students and partners with the College, the possibilities are endless.

At NICC we remain driven to support our local districts. By working together, we ensure you have a clear path to success and the training needed to create a bright future.

About the Waukon Center

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.