Public elementary and secondary schools in Davenport are part of the Davenport Community School District, which also serves the communities of Buffalo, Blue Grass, and Walcott. Iowa consistently ranks among the top states in the country for average ACT composite scores.
The following is a summary of data regarding the Davenport public schools as of the 2002–2003 school year.
Total enrollment: 16,544
Number of facilities preschool center: 1
elementary schools: 19 (some with preschool)
middle schools: 6
high schools: 3
other: 1 alternative school
Student/teacher ratio: 20:1 K-1st; 21:1 2nd-3rd; 26:1 4th-5th
Teacher salaries average: $45,493
Funding per pupil: $8,904 in 2002-2003
Several private and parochial schools offer education alternatives in the Davenport metropolitan region.
Public Schools Information: Davenport Community School District, 1606 Brady Street, Davenport, IA 52803; telephone (563)336-5000
The Quad Cities is home to three private, four-year liberal arts colleges; a state university regional center; two community colleges; a world-famous chiropractic college; and a graduate-level consortium. Among the institutions of higher learning located in Davenport are Marycrest International University and St. Ambrose University, coeducational liberal arts colleges affiliated with the Catholic Church; both grant a masters degree in addition to baccalaureate degrees. The Palmer College of Chiropractic, the country's oldest chiropractic institute, provides a five-year course of study toward the doctor of chiropractic degree, as well as bachelor and master of science degrees. Eastern Iowa Community College, which awards associate degrees, offers continuing education and vocational and technical training. The Quad Cities Graduate Study Center represents a consortium of eight Iowa and Illinois institutions; the center coordinates course offerings and applies credit toward advanced degrees, including more than 80 master's degree programs.
Among colleges and universities within commuting distance of Davenport are Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois; the University of Iowa in Iowa City; and Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois.
The Davenport Public Library operates one branch and a bookmobile in addition to its main facility, which holds more than 294,000 volumes, including periodical subscriptions, CD-ROMs, and audio- and videotapes. Construction began on a second branch in 2005, and planning has begun for a third. Library patrons can also search for materials through the Quad-LINC library catalog, which provides access to more than 30 area libraries. The library, a depository for state and federal documents, maintains special collections on chess and Iowa authors. Also based in Davenport is Southeastern Library Services, which provides libraries in the region with reference back-up, continuing education classes, and library development and support services.
Specialized libraries and research centers in Davenport are affiliated with colleges, museums, corporations, the Scott County Genealogical Society, and the Scott County Bar Association.
Public Library Information: Davenport Public Library, 321 Main Street, Davenport, IA 52801-1490; telephone (563)326-7832; fax (319)326-7809