Central Lee High School continues to set a high standard for college and career readiness, providing students with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed after graduation.
By the end of the 2024-25 school year, approximately 60 students will have participated in work-based learning programs, logging more than 10,000 hours of experience in the first semester alone. Through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, students gain real-world learning in industries such as construction, business, and technology.
“Our Career & College Readiness framework provides students with the credentials and experience they need before they graduate,” said Principal Nicole Herdrich. “Many secondary school teachers teach content, but Central Lee teachers teach students. We focus on relationships first, helping students develop the people skills and academic foundation they need to thrive in whatever path they choose after high school.”
Starting in ninth grade, students follow a leadership-focused curriculum and participate in career exploration advisories. As part of the Leader in Me program, Central Lee’s SOAR (Successful, Organized, Accountable, Respectful) initiative includes daily 28-minute lessons on life skills. Students also have the opportunity to earn college credit through SOAR Leadership in Career Exploration and Job Shadowing. Parents and guardians are involved through career- and college-focused conferences and regular updates on student progress.
A key component of Central Lee High School’s approach is its emphasis on career and technical education (CTE). The school offers five CTE programs—Agriculture, Family and Consumer Science, Building Trades, Computer Science, and Business—each with active student organizations and hands-on learning opportunities. Students in these programs take part in robotics events, manage a student-run coffee shop, and even serve as lead contractors for the district’s new board office building.
The school’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its “High-Performing” rating on the 2023-24 Iowa School Performance Profiles. More than 95% of students take courses for both high school and college credit, with on-site concurrent enrollment options including Statistics, Composition, College Algebra, and Early Childhood.
Through experiential learning, intentional planning, and a positive school culture, Central Lee High School is empowering students to build their futures with confidence.