A total of six covered bridges are located in Madison County, including one in Winterset City Park. The annual Covered Bridge Festival celebrates the bridges and local heritage every second full weekend in October. The covered bridges, popularized by Robert James Waller’s novel, The Bridges of Madison County was made into a feature film starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood and also a Broadway musical in New York City.

The Madison County Courthouse, in the middle of the town square, was built in 1868, and rebuilt in 1876 after being partially destroyed by fire. The town square is vibrant with stores to meet almost everyone’s tastes and shopping needs. The John Wayne Birthplace Museum is located just south of the downtown area.

WHAT MAKES WCSD UNIQUE?

Athletics - All students are encouraged to participate in all activities and sports. Athletic Accolades include several All-State, All-Academic, All-Conference, and All-District Titles.

All Day Kindergarten – The standard in Winterset. With lower class sizes and more opportunities for individual attention, students leave kindergarten with strong academic skills.

Capturing Kids Hearts (CKH) - Through experiential training, expert coaching, a character-based curriculum for students, and personalized support, Capturing Kids' Hearts equips professionals in K-12 education to implement transformational processes focused on social-emotional wellbeing, relationship-driven campus culture, and student connectedness.

Clubs and Activities – Beyond the standard athletic and music programs our high school offers students the opportunity to connect with their peers in any of our 20+ clubs ranging from the TSA (a robotics club) to the Conservation Club.

Computer Science Education - All students, K-12, are taught computer science education and have access to technologies that empower them to explore principles of computer science, including cyber security.

Concurrent Enrollment Courses – Several course options are available at Winterset High School whereby students may obtain dual credit (high school credit and Des Moines Area Community College credit) for upper level courses such as Advanced Biology and Calculus.

Fine Arts - Year after year, our marching band, band, and choir continue to be awarded top state honors at competitions.

High Graduation Rate - Well above the state average of 92%, WCSD students complete their high school graduation requirements at a rate of over 98%.

Project Lead the Way – Teachers trained in this curriculum teach courses aligned to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math standards.

Science Content Specialists, 4-12 – Students are provided instruction in the area of science by specialists. This allows students to dig deeper into science concepts and curriculum that in turn provide extended opportunities for learning at the high school level.

Silver Cord - Our high school students are encouraged to complete 40 hours of community service during each of the 4 years of high school. This program helps students learn the value of giving back to their community.

State of the Art Facilities - The 19.950 million bond issue passed in 2018, allowed for the Elementary remodel and Junior High/High School expansion of classrooms and remodel. This also included a new competition gym, football stadium upgrade, and upgraded weight room.

Technology – Students in PK – 6th grade have access to technology within their classrooms. All 7-12th grade students are provided a laptop to use as a learning tool during the school year. Teachers use a blend of traditional and technology infused lessons to engage 21st century learners.

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) -  Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, WCSD will be offering Transitional Kindergarten! TK serves as a link between preschool and kindergarten, catering to students who may benefit from a more gradual transition to formal schooling.

Universal Preschool for All 4-Year-Olds – All eligible 4 year-olds within the WCSD boundaries are provided the opportunity to attend a 1⁄2 day preschool in one of our programs or our community partner programs (Wee Learners and Head Start).

Whatever I Need (WIN) and Seminar Time – Each day, students participate in groups that provide support, remediation, and/or extensions to learning based on student needs. WIN and Seminar time is for all students no matter if they are performing above, at, or below grade level standards.

Whatever it Takes is our Motto in Winterset – It’s an expectation not just a motto amongst our faculty and staff. Examples include 1) our K-6 tutoring program that provides an extra boost for students who need support in basic math and literacy skills, 2) our Success Center at WHS which supports students who need additional support or need to learn in differentiated ways, and 3) our partnership with community-based therapists to assist students who need additional emotional and/or behavioral support.

Connecting to and with the Community

Band-o-Rama – An annual concert highlighting all school instrumentalists as well as the Winterset Community Band. Beginning instrumentalists have the opportunity to play alongside accomplished musicians and hear first hand how music skills progress through each level of learning.

Focusing on Individual Student Needs

Bridges Alternative High School Program – Students have an opportunity to complete their high school requirements in a smaller, more flexible school environment.

Employee Training – All certified staff are involved in team or professional development opportunities each Wednesday morning. All staff have been trained in specialized areas such as recognizing the signs of abuse through a nationally recognized Stewards of Children training and ALICE (intruder) procedures.

Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES) – This lab class provides students in the Junior High and High School, with special needs, the opportunity to practice critical work skills before going into the world of work.

Supporting Staff and Faculty Learning

Professional Development – A district-wide focus on professional development that impacts student learning is stressed within WCSD. Our teachers are learning and expected to implement the Iowa Core/National Standards, develop a professional learning community culture and utilize an instructional framework that gradually releases learning to the student.

Teacher Leaders – WCSD has received the Teacher Leader Compensation funding since its inception in the state of Iowa. This specific funding provides an opportunity for master teachers to support their peers in honing their instructional skills and content knowledge thus impacting student learning.

CITY OF WINTERSET
Discover the Heartland of America

Located just 25 minutes south of Jordan Creek Mall, Winterset is located in the heart of Madison County. Winterset is a fun and fascinating place to live, explore, and visit with a rich history, enticing shopping, and dining. We offer welcoming lodging, a thriving business community, a responsive economic development group, and a whole calendar’s worth of great community events.

To find out more about Winterset and Madison County visit these websites:
Madison County Chamber of Commerce www.madisoncounty.com
The Winterset Citizen www.thewintersetcitizen.com
Winterset City www.cityofwinterset.org
Madison County www.madisoncoia.us
Madison County Historical Society www.historyonthehill.org
Winterset Madisonian www.wintersetmadisonian.com

ABOUT WCSD

Superintendent:
Mr. Justin Gross

Board of Education: 
Jared McDonald, President 
Malcolm Cortner, Vice President 
Samantha Hollingsworth 
Emily Rethmeier 
Gina Robinson
Cammy Leners, Secretary/Treasurer

Enrollment (22-23):
Elementary - 422
Middle School - 330
Junior High - 238
High School - 532
Tuitioned Out - 145
Total: 1,667

Employees:
WCSD is the largest employer in the City of Winterset. Employing 267 people, our certified teaching staff represents 123 of these individuals.

Masters Degrees - 36
Bachelors Degrees - 83
Number of Women - 93
Number of Men - 27
Average Age - 39
Avg. years of Experience - 11

Winterset High School (9-12) 
Cam Smith, Principal 
Chad Sussex, 7-12 Assistant Principal 
Nick Mulder, 7-12 Activities Director 
720 Husky Drive 
(515) 462-3320
(515) 462-2178 FAX

Winterset Junior High (7-8)
Joshua Sussman, Principal
Chad Sussex, 7-12 Assistant Principal
720 Husky Drive
(515) 462-3336
(515) 462-2178 FAX

Winterset Middle School (4-6) 
Julie Plant, Principal 
706 W. School Street 
(515) 462-3010 
(515) 462-4149 FAX

Winterset Elementary School (PK-3)
Doug Hinrichs, Principal
Katie Enos, Assistant Principal
404 S. 2nd Avenue
(515) 462-1551
(515) 462-5025 FAX

WINTERSET COMMUNITY SCHOOLS DATA

Free and Reduced Lunch = 33%
English Language Learners = 0.65%
Students with Individualized Education Plans = 10%

IOWA TESTS RESULTS: ISASP 22-23
All Students:  Percent Proficient

English Language Arts
Grade 4          71.0
Grade 8          79.0
Grade 11         71.0

Math
Grade 4           69.0
Grade 8           84.0
Grade 11         70.0

Science
Grade 5          64.0
Grade 8          69.0
Grade 10        73.0

Iowa School Report Card 2023-2024
Elementary – Commendable
Middle School – Commendable
Junior High – Acceptable
High School - Commendable