Education is truly the foundation of life in Urbandale, as nearly 30% of residents have a four-year degree. The community offers a wide range of educational options for K-12, as residents can choose from a total of six public school districts within the city limits. This includes five public high schools in addition to Urbandale High School and Metro West Learning Academy. Two private high schools are also available, Des Moines Christian in Urbandale, and Dowling Catholic High School in Des Moines.

The Urbandale Community School District has approximately 3,300 students in five elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. The district's high school graduation rate is 97.65, compared with the State average of 89.4.

Programs in all of the schools have been recognized at one time or another with the First in the Nation (FINE) award. Construction will begin in April 2005 on a new elementary school in the western portion of Urbandale along with the first phase of a large renovation project at Urbandale High School.

The District also prides itself in the relationship it has with the Chamber of Commerce, City, and Development Association, which is demonstrated by all four groups having the same logo.

Six public school districts fall within Urbandale city limits. To find which district you are in, click here for a map, however residents can choose to enroll their students in any of these public schools:

Urbandale Community Schools
Students: 3,300
High School graduation rate: 97.65%
Web site: www.urbandaleschools.com
6200 Aurora Ave., Urbandale, IA 50322
Phone: 515-457-5000

Waukee Community Schools
Web site: www.waukee.k12.ia.us
445 5th Street, Waukee, IA 50263
Phone: 515-987-5161

Johnston Community Schools
High school graduation rate: 97.4%
Web site: www.johnston.k12.ia.us
5608 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131
Phone: 515-226-2714

West Des Moines Community Schools
High school graduation rate: 89.6%
Web site: www.wdm.k12.ia.us
3550 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone: 515-226-2714

Dallas Center-Grimes School District
Web site: www.dc-grimes.k12.ia.us
1414 Walnut Street, Dallas Center, IA 50063
Phone: 515-992-3866

Des Moines Public Schools
Web site: http://www.dmps.k12.ia.us
1801 16th Street, Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone: 515-242-7911