Each year Iowa schools and students rank among the top in the nation in many categories. The emphasis that the state puts on educating both children and adults just adds to the reasons that Iowa is becoming a more popular home to raise a family, find a career, or start a business. A few of the awards that the Iowa education system received last year deserve a bit of attention. This information can be found on the department of education website. http://www.iowa.gov/educate/

21^st Century Skills Practice of the year Award
Iowa was one of seven schools in the nation to receive this award for building a foundation that promotes a higher level of understanding about 21st century skills like civic, health, financial and technology literacy.

2^nd Highest ACT Composite in the Nation
With an average composite score of 22.4 out of a possible 36 Iowa ranks second in the country behind the 22.7 achieved by Minnesota. Although a great honor, Iowa is not new to this area. Iowa consistently ranks above the country’s average. Additionally, Iowa’s SAT scores topped the nation in 2009 in the areas of math, reading, and writing.

Blue Ribbon Schools
Six Iowa schools received the No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Honor in 2009. This award is presented based on a school achieving one of the following: 1) Schools with at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds that dramatically improve student performance to high levels on state tests; or 2) Schools whose students, regardless of background, achieve in the top 10 percent of their state on state tests or in the case of private schools in the top 10 percent of the nation on nationally-normed tests.

@dsmhomes

When people think about the landscape of Iowa they tend to think about farms, corn, pigs and cows. Although there are plenty of those things in the state there are also a number of places that visitors and residents alike can explore to give them a taste of nature from around the world. In this post we would like to share with you three of our favorite places in Central Iowa that will make you feel like you are on a wild safari.
The Blank Park Zoo
Each year, over 300,000 people visit this amazing venue. With over 1,500 animals to view it’s almost impossible to see everything in just one visit. Education, conservation, and recreation are the cornerstones of this staple of the Des Moines area.

The Des Moines Botanical Center
The Botanical Center is another must see for residents and visitors. Even when it’s 20 below zero outside the weather is always great inside. Built in 1979 the Botanical Center is not only a great place to bring kids to learn about nature and see some beautiful plants and butterflies, but it’s also a great place to hold special events. There is always something going on and you can find a list of events HERE.
The Great Ape Trust of Iowa

Photo Courtesy of Great Ape Trust of Iowa

The Great Ape Trust, committed to conservation and education, provides a rare look into the habits and intelligence of Apes. Although not generally open to public viewing, there are a great number of ways to get involved with the Great Ape Trust of Iowa and if you are one of the lucky few to be allowed to visit, I am sure you will not be disappointed.
@dsmhomes