School Districts

The Centerville Community School District serves the city of Centerville, Iowa and surrounding areas in Appanoose County, providing public education for students from preschool through 12th grade. Guided by a mission that all students will learn well, become lifelong learners, and contribute positively to society, the district focuses on academic growth, student support, and community connection. The district includes Centerville Preschool, Lakeview Elementary School, Howar Middle School, and Centerville High School, offering a full K–12 educational pathway with services and programs designed to meet a wide range of student needs.

At the secondary level, the district partners with Indian Hills Community College to offer dual enrollment opportunities, allowing students to earn college credits at no cost while still in high school. Centerville High School also provides a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom, with more than 40 sports, clubs, activities, and student organizations available for participation. These offerings allow students to explore interests in academics, arts, athletics, leadership, and service while building skills that support both college and career readiness.

The Moravia Community School District is a public school system based in Moravia, Iowa, serving students from preschool through 12th grade within northern Appanoose County and nearby rural areas. The district operates two schools on a single campus—Moravia Elementary School and Moravia High School—providing a close-knit, supportive educational environment with a low student-to-teacher ratio that enables individualized attention. The district emphasizes academic, social, and emotional growth through a range of classroom instruction and student supports designed to foster confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning.

Moravia’s high school students also benefit from dual credit opportunities through Indian Hills Community College’s concurrent enrollment program, allowing them to earn college credits at no cost while completing their high school education. In addition to academics, the school community offers a variety of activities, athletics, and clubs that encourage student engagement beyond the classroom, with opportunities for involvement in sports, leadership groups, and interest-based organizations that contribute to a well-rounded educational experience.

The Moulton-Udell Community School District is a public school system serving students from preschool through 12th grade in the towns of Moulton and Udell and the surrounding areas of eastern Appanoose County. With both Moulton-Udell Elementary School and Moulton-Udell High School located on a single campus, the district offers a close-knit educational environment characterized by small class sizes and individualized attention, allowing staff to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. The community-oriented district emphasizes core academic instruction alongside a range of elective offerings that help students build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth.

In addition to classroom learning, Moulton-Udell provides students with numerous extracurricular opportunities that extend learning beyond the school day. The district participates in athletics such as football, volleyball, basketball, track and field, baseball, softball, and more through the Bluegrass Conference, and supports student engagement in activities like FFA and other student organizations.

The Centerville Campus of Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) offers accessible, college-level education and training in Centerville, Iowa. Students enrolled here can take courses in Arts & Sciences, Advanced Technology, and Health Sciences, earning college credits that help them enter the workforce directly or transfer to a four-year institution. The campus aims to serve both recent high school graduates and adult learners from across Appanoose County and surrounding regions. The location provides a local option for higher education without the need to relocate, making continuing education more feasible for students balancing work, family, and community life.

Investments and Campus Improvements

In recent years, IHCC has made strategic investments to enhance the Centerville campus experience and expand learning spaces. While the campus has historically been composed of modular buildings connected by walkways, it remains a cornerstone of educational access in the community, with modern classrooms and labs that serve a variety of academic and technical programs. These improvements reflect a commitment to supporting students with facilities and resources that align with evolving educational needs.

Broad Academic Offerings

Indian Hills Community College’s academic catalog includes more than 70 degree and certification programs across fields such as business, health sciences, skilled trades, computer science, agriculture, and general studies. Students can pursue Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees, as well as certificates and diplomas tailored for workforce entry or transfer to four-year schools. Programs are designed to be flexible, with options for on-campus, online, and hybrid learning to meet diverse student needs.

Dual Enrollment and Pathways for High School Students

High school students in Centerville and surrounding communities can get a head start on their college education through IHCC’s dual enrollment programs, including Career Academy and Discovery Academy options. These allow students to earn college credit at no cost while still in high school, giving them a jump start on career training or academic progress toward a college degree.

Workforce-Focused Training and Community Partnerships

IHCC plays an active role in aligning education with local and regional workforce needs. Through its Continuing Education & Workforce Solutions offerings, students and adults can access short-term, non-credit training in healthcare, public safety, vocational trades, professional certifications, and more—helping individuals gain job-ready skills in weeks rather than years. Additionally, Indian Hills Workforce Initiatives collaborates with local employers on apprenticeships, business training, and job placement support, linking education to community economic development and family-sustaining careers.