Best Schools in Clive, Iowa — A Buyer's Guide for 2026

If you're considering a move to Clive, schools are almost certainly high on your list. As a Central Iowa REALTOR® who works this market every day, I've helped families navigate the Clive school landscape from every angle — buyers prioritizing specific elementary feeders, families relocating from out-of-state, and parents weighing Clive against neighboring districts. Here's the honest, practical guide.

The Waukee Community School District / West Des Moines Community School District (Valley) at a Glance

The Waukee Community School District / West Des Moines Community School District (Valley) (Waukee or WDM (varies by address)) serves Waukee: large district; WDM: large district students. The district is known for strong academic averages, active parent engagement, and consistent investment in facilities and programs. For specific test scores and accountability metrics, the Iowa Department of Education's School Performance Profiles tool is the best objective resource.

Clive's High Schools

Waukee High + Waukee Northwest — Large, modern facilities, strong APEX career-college readiness program, comprehensive academics + athletics. (For Clive addresses in Waukee district)

Valley High School (WDM) — Consistently one of Iowa's top-ranked public high schools. Strong AP, music, and athletics. (For Clive addresses in WDM district)

Middle School in Clive

Waukee Middle Schools or Valley Southwoods (depending on attendance zone)

Elementary Schools — Feeder Patterns Matter

Which elementary your child attends determines middle and high school feeders. Always verify the attendance zone for any specific address before committing to a purchase — boundaries do get adjusted as the district grows.

Elementaries in Clive: Varies — verify with each address. Waukee + WDM both have multiple elementaries.

Comparing Clive to Neighboring Districts

Clive vs Waukee proper: Same Waukee district. Clive has more mature neighborhoods; Waukee has more new construction.

Clive vs West Des Moines proper: Same WDM district (for Valley-zoned Clive). Clive has slightly lower housing costs for similar school quality.

Real Estate Tips for Clive School-Zone Buyers

1. Verify the attendance zone before you offer. Clive can redraw boundaries as new schools open — never assume a neighborhood feeds the school you want.
2. Premium school zones command premium pricing. Be prepared to compete for homes in Anything that confirms Valley (WDM) attendance.
3. New construction in limited — most new builds happening in adjacent Waukee/WDM, not Clive itself often falls into newest school boundaries. Builders sometimes know boundary changes before they're public — ask.
4. Multiple-offer scenarios are common at the entry-level price point ($400K-$650K) in top school zones. Have your financing pre-approved and your offer strategy ready.

Resources for Clive parents

• Iowa Department of Education School Performance Profiles — the most current objective data on school-level outcomes
• Waukee or WDM (varies by address) district website — for enrollment, calendars, and direct school contacts
• GreatSchools.org — third-party ratings (use as one data point, not the only one)

Ready to find a home in a Clive school zone?

I help Clive families navigate the school-zone real estate market every week. Free 15-minute conversation, no obligation:

• 📱 Call or text Jackson — 515-490-8614
• ✉️ Jackson@FlandersTeam.com
• 🏠 Full Clive real estate guide
• 🏠 The Central Iowa Buyer's Guide
• 🏠 Jackson's Hub — everything else

Jackson Krile is a REALTOR® on the Flanders Team at RE/MAX Real Estate Center. Licensed in Iowa #S66867000. DMAAR + CIBR member.