Sonrise Christian School & Daycare

Active Minds Early Learning Academy is dedicated to nurturing the potential of young children aged 3 to 5, particularly those with unique learning needs. The school's core mission revolves around providing a supportive and enriching environment tailored for students with language-based learning disabilities and other developmental challenges. With a focus on early intervention, Active Minds employs innovative educational programs and therapeutic methodologies that promote cognitive, social, and emotional growth. The academy stands out through its low student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention and fostering strong partnerships with families. Specialized facilities and engaging community events further enhance the learning experience, making Active Minds a distinctive choice for parents seeking an inclusive and compassionate educational setting for their children.

The Waterloo Schools Foundation is dedicated to enhancing educational experiences for students within the Waterloo School District, focusing on a broad range of needs including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional students. The foundation's core mission revolves around providing grants that empower teachers and staff to create innovative classroom environments and enriching student activities. One of the standout initiatives is the Link Crew program at West High, which pairs incoming freshmen with trained upperclassmen mentors, fostering confidence and connection from the outset of their high school journey. Additionally, the foundation supports various summer camps that cover diverse interests such as career and technical education, arts, and STEM, ensuring students have opportunities for hands-on learning beyond the traditional classroom. Unique to this foundation is its commitment to building strong partnerships with families and community members, alongside a focus on personalized educational experiences that cater to individual student needs. With specialized facilities like the new greenhouse at the Waterloo Career Center providing practical agri-science experience, the foundation exemplifies a holistic approach to education that prepares students not just academically but also socially and emotionally for future success.

AlRazi Academy combines Iowa academic standards with Arabic, Quran, and Islamic studies at its West Des Moines school. The private academy offers preschool, elementary grades 1–6, middle grades 7–8, and a summer program, pairing academic instruction with character education and leadership.