About Kennedy
Students at Kennedy can choose from over 27 AP courses. Beyond AP, students can take courses in business, pre-engineering, art, and technology. Our journalism program earns national recognition in both our student newspaper and yearbook.
A number of co-curricular activities and enrichment opportunities are available at Kennedy High School. A variety of vocal ensembles, a half-dozen band and string orchestra ensembles, and multiple theater and speech team opportunities are available to all. Additionally, there are 21 athletic teams, a nationally competitive dance team, and numerous cheer squads. We have a no-cut policy for our athletic teams, providing opportunities for all.
Many academic teams are available, including academic decathlon, debate and competitive speech teams, ESports, and Robotics. Many clubs are available for students to join and students can submit proposals for new clubs.
Community members are valuable assets to our school. We have many parent support groups that meet each month. They provide unending support for our academic efforts, our athletic program, and our visual performing arts. In addition, many individual sports, music, and theatre programs’ parent groups are essential in the success of their programs and Kennedy High School. Everyone is invited to join.
According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report, Kennedy is ranked the No. 10 high school in Iowa. Kennedy has consistently been named in the top 500 schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. First published by Newsweek and then the Washington Post, Kennedy has been named one of the top 1,000 public high schools in the nation. Added to the national rankings is the top in the state list compiled by the Belin Blank Center. Kennedy students have the top state scores in the Iowa Assessment as well as highest scores in the ACT.
Kennedy High School opened in the fall of 1967, and has been recognized by receiving the “First in the Nation in Education” award.
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A message from our principal
Welcome to Cedar Rapids John F. Kennedy High School. Founded in 1967, we are one of the first schools in the country named after President Kennedy and our building was dedicated by his brother, Ted Kennedy. As president, Kennedy challenged the country to do great things, telling the nation, “not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” We live by that mantra every day.
As one of the top rated high schools in the state, and the top rated high school, public and private, in Linn County (Niche.com), we take pride in the exceptional academics our teachers provide. We expect our students to challenge themselves, push their limits, and open as many doors for their future as possible while in high school. We have the largest AP program in Linn County, offer endless opportunities through Kirkwood Academies, and have extensive career readiness programs in business, automotive technology, welding, and construction.
We strive every day to live up to our school’s mission: To cultivate the personal and academic growth of our Kennedy community by ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment that moves us courageously forward. A safe and inclusive environment is something we believe is particularly important as we focus on kindness and respect for everyone in our community. I am grateful that you have chosen Kennedy High School and are here to answer any questions you have.
Sincerely,
Jason Kline
Principal