Education
Great Oaks High School and Career Center is a tuition free public charter school serving students ages 16 to 21 who need a flexible and supportive path to earning a high school diploma and preparing for life after graduation. As a public school, Great Oaks operates with the same accountability and academic expectations as a traditional public school district while offering greater flexibility to meet students where they are.
Great Oaks serves opportunity youth who may have experienced interruptions in their education or fallen behind in credits. The school focuses on relationships, relevance, and real world learning through individualized academic plans, flexible scheduling, and wraparound supports.
Students earn a fully accredited Iowa high school diploma through standards aligned instruction delivered in a blended model that combines online coursework with in person support and small group instruction. Progress is mastery based, allowing students to move forward as they demonstrate learning.
Career exploration and work based learning are central to the Great Oaks experience. Students have opportunities to earn industry recognized credentials, participate in internships and paid work experiences, and connect directly with local employers in high demand fields such as construction trades, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare.
Through strong partnerships with businesses, workforce agencies, and community organizations, Great Oaks ensures students graduate with a diploma and a clear next step, whether that is employment, apprenticeship, technical training, or continued education.