What Linn-Mar Community School District does

Linn-Mar Community School District is a public K-12 school district headquartered at 3556 Winslow Road in Marion, Iowa, serving approximately 7,800 students across 12 buildings in Marion, Cedar Rapids, and Robins. Founded in 1947 and ranked the 12th largest district in Iowa, it operates a neighborhood-school model structured as 7 elementary schools (K-4), 2 intermediate schools (5-6 at Boulder Peak and Hazel Point), 2 middle schools (7-8 at Excelsior and Oak Ridge), and Linn-Mar High School (9-12), with an estimated total capacity of roughly 8,000-9,000 seats. Beyond core K-12 instruction, the district runs specialized programs including the free Little Lions Preschool (4-year-olds at 4 elementary sites), Junior Kindergarten (Novak Elementary), Venture Academics (project-based learning serving 300+ students in partnership with Marion Economic Development and Community Promise), COMPASS Alternative Center (serving 110 students via cross-district agreement with Marion CSD), the ATLAS program with Four Oaks, a Homeschool Assistance Program, and a district-operated Aquatic Center hosting SwimAmerica lessons and the Linn-Mar Swim Team.

The underlying technology stack is conventional K-12 administrative software: PowerSchool for student information, pre-registration, and meal payments; Schoology as the learning management system; Meal Magic for nutrition account management; Nutrislice for menu publishing; Microsoft O365 for email and productivity; Clever for single sign-on; Securly Hall Pass for student movement tracking; Raptor for visitor and volunteer management; InTouch Receipting for the ROARStore; and Insignia for library services. The district is WCAG 2.0 Level AA compliant and supports JAWS, NVDA, and Apple VoiceOver for accessibility.

Revenue mechanics are entirely public-sector: the district is funded primarily through local property taxes, Iowa Department of Education per-pupil foundation aid, and federal grants (Title I, IDEA, ESSER), supplemented by modest fee streams for school meals (breakfast $2.20, lunch $3.25-$3.40 by grade level), student activity fees, ID card replacements, and optional wraparound daycare fees collected by partner Hand in Hand. Open enrollment from outside district boundaries provides a modest growth lever. Operations are governed by an elected Board of Directors, with a leadership transition announced in March 2026 naming Dr. Nathan Wear to succeed Superintendent Amy Kortemeyer.

Name

Linn-Mar Community School District

Legal name

Linn-Mar Community School District

Website

https://linnmar.k12.ia.us

Company type

Public

Founded year

1947

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Linn-Mar Community School District is a public K-12 district in Marion, Iowa, serving 7,800+ students across 12 buildings in Marion, Cedar Rapids, and Robins. It operates elementary, intermediate, middle, and high schools plus specialty programs like Venture Academics and COMPASS Alternative Center.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

K-12 Public Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Elementary and Secondary Schools (61111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Child Day Care Services (8351)

akta.pro primary industry

Public K–12 Combined Schools (EDAJAAAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Elementary Schools (EDAJAAAB), Public Middle Schools (EDAJAAAC), Public School Districts (K–12) (EDADABAA)

Keywords

• Public K-12 education
• Early childhood education
• Alternative education programs
• Special education services
• School nutrition services

Headquarters

HQ city

Iowa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Public Education Funding: Traditional public school district funded primarily through local property taxes, state per-pupil funding from Iowa Department of Education, and federal grants including Title I, IDEA, and ESSER funds. Additional revenue from student meal payments and activity fees.
2. Meal Payments: Parents/guardians pre-pay into student meal accounts for breakfast and lunch. Free and reduced meal programs available based on income eligibility.
3. Student Activity Fees: Registration fees for school activities, with fee waiver options for families qualifying for free lunches.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Linn-Mar Community School District is a public K-12 school district providing comprehensive education services to more than 7,800 students across 12 buildings in Marion, Cedar Rapids, and Robins, Iowa. The district's offerings include early childhood programs, elementary, intermediate, middle, and high school education, alternative education pathways, special education services, nutrition programs, aquatic/swim instruction, and homeschool assistance, funded primarily through public education funding channels.

Product overview

Linn-Mar Community School District is a public K-12 education provider and the 12th largest district in Iowa by student population, serving approximately 7,800 students in Marion, Cedar Rapids, and Robins. The district operates a comprehensive educational portfolio structured as follows: Early childhood programs include free Little Lions Preschool (half-day inclusive program at 4 elementary sites) and Junior Kindergarten (full-day alternative kindergarten at Novak Elementary). The K-12 school structure consists of 7 elementary schools (K-4), 2 intermediate schools (5-6 at Boulder Peak and Hazel Point), 2 middle schools (7-8 at Excelsior and Oak Ridge), and Linn-Mar High School (9-12). Specialty programs include Venture Academics (project-based learning with 300+ students), COMPASS Alternative Center (serving 110 students with alternative education needs), ATLAS program (supports 18 students at Four Oaks facility), and Homeschool Assistance Program. The district operates an Aquatic Center with SwimAmerica lessons and Linn-Mar Swim Team. Facilities include the newly opened Performance Venue (1,200 seats), Academic Excellence Center, and upcoming Indoor Activities Center. Nutrition Services provides breakfast/lunch programs through Meal Magic. Before/after school care is available through partnerships with Hand in Hand daycare.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Little Lions Preschool: Free inclusive preschool program for children who turn four years old by September 15th, offered at four elementary buildings.
• Venture Academics
• COMPASS Alternative Center
• Success Center
• Aquatic Center
• ATLAS
• Junior Kindergarten (JK)

Products and services

• Little Lions Preschool Free inclusive half-day preschool program for children who turn four by September 15. Offers AM and PM sessions four days per week (Tuesday-Friday). Available at Bowman Woods, Echo Hill, Linn Grove, and Wilkins elementary buildings. Uses Creative Curriculum aligned with Iowa Early Learning Standards.
• Junior Kindergarten (JK) Full-day alternative kindergarten program for children turning 5 between March 15 and September 15. Located at Novak Elementary. Uses screening process for enrollment. Blends early childhood and elementary education with focus on social-emotional-behavioral growth and academic preparation for kindergarten.
• Elementary Schools (K-4) Seven elementary schools serving grades K-4: Bowman Woods, Echo Hill, Indian Creek, Linn Grove, Novak, Westfield, and Wilkins. Class times 8:30 AM - 3:15 PM. Each school has estimated enrollment capacity ranging from 500-600 students.
• Intermediate Schools (Grades 5-6) Two intermediate schools serving grades 5-6: Boulder Peak and Hazel Point. Class times 7:50 AM - 2:35 PM. Each school accommodates approximately 800 students. Feature classroom neighborhoods with collaboration spaces.
• Middle Schools (Grades 7-8) Two middle schools serving grades 7-8: Excelsior and Oak Ridge. Estimated capacity of 800-1,100 students combined. Provide transition between intermediate and high school with diverse academic and extracurricular programs.
• Linn-Mar High School High school serving grades 9-12 with estimated enrollment capacity of 2,400 students. Class times 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Located at 2999 10th St, Marion. Includes extensive athletic programs, music/drama, and college preparatory coursework.
• Venture Academics Innovative project-based learning model launched in 2021. Community partnership with Marion Economic Development and Community Promise. Students earn high school credit applying Iowa Core standards to real-world projects. Offers 10 subject areas including Advanced Business, Biomedical Science, Civics, Digital Design, and Environmental Science. Grown from 90 students in first year to 300+ students in 2024-25.
• COMPASS Alternative Center Alternative high school program supporting students from Linn-Mar and Marion CSD through sharing agreement. Provides smaller environment, schedule flexibility, and accommodations. Expanded in 2024-25 to include 10th graders in addition to 11th-12th grades. Serves approximately 110 students combined.
• ATLAS Program Achieving Transition through Learning, Advancement and Success. Linn-Mar program supporting children living at Four Oaks residential facility in Marion. Doubled from 9 students to 18 students.
• Homeschool Assistance Program (LMHSAP) Provides supervising teachers licensed by Iowa to consult with homeschool families. Requires 16 contacts per school year (8 face-to-face, 8 via phone/email/letter). Offers activities, field trips, enrichment classes, resource library, and access to district/AEA services. Located at Hazel Point Intermediate.
• Aquatic Center Indoor aquatics facility opened 2012. Houses SwimAmerica swimming lessons program (licensed provider) and Linn-Mar Swim Team (LMST), a USA Swimming member club. Provides learn-to-swim, competitive swimming, and recreational aquatic programs for district students and community.
• SwimAmerica Swimming Lessons International learn-to-swim program operated by American Swimming Coaches Association. Offers Preschool Lessons (ages 3-5, 1:2 ratio), Beginner Lessons (ages 5-18, 1:3-4 ratio), and Advanced Lessons (1:4-6 ratio). Teaches Freestyle, lifetime swimming, and precompetitive skills.
• Nutrition Services / Meal Program Provides nutritionally balanced meals meeting USDA standards. Breakfast pricing $2.20 (K-12), $0.30 reduced price. Lunch varies by grade ($3.25-$3.40). Free and reduced meal applications available through Meal Magic. Accommodates dietary needs and allergies through diet modification requests.
• Before/After School Care Childcare services before and after regular school hours. Partnered with Hand in Hand Early Care & Education Center for preschool wraparound daycare at Linn Grove and Echo Hill Elementary. Available for Little Lions preschool families for additional fee.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serving 7,800+ students in 12 buildings across Marion, Cedar Rapids, and Robins
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration13 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Hand in Hand Early Care & Education CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 March 2025Linn-Mar partners with Hand in Hand to provide optional preschool wraparound daycare services at Linn Grove Elementary and Echo Hill Elementary for Little Lions preschool students. The partnership extends the half-day preschool program with before and after school childcare options for families at a separate fee.
• Marion Economic Development and Community PromisecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenture Academics is a partnership between Linn-Mar Community School District, Marion Economic Development Group, and Community Promise. The innovative project-based learning model allows students to earn high school credit by meeting Iowa Core standards through real-world projects with local business involvement.
• Four OaksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFour Oaks partners with Linn-Mar to host the ATLAS (Achieving Transition through Learning, Advancement and Success) program, supporting children living at the Four Oaks residential facility in Marion. The district saw program enrollment double from 9 to 18 students.
• Marion Community School DistrictcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLinn-Mar and Marion CSD have a sharing agreement for the COMPASS Alternative Program, with both districts' students attending. Approximately 110 students from both districts participate in the alternative high school program.
• Venture Academics Business PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal Marion businesses and professionals partner with Venture Academics through multiple engagement levels: class visits, workplace tours, project advising, mentorship, and project partnerships. The district actively recruits business partners to support student exposure to careers and real-world learning applications.
• Linn-Mar Booster ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent-run booster organization supporting extracurricular activities and athletics through fundraising and volunteer efforts.
• Grant Wood Area Education AgencyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDistrict accesses AEA services for special education support, professional development, and student services through the regional education agency.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves14 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Cedar Rapids Community School District: The largest K-12 public school district in Linn County, Iowa, directly overlapping Linn-Mar's service area in Cedar Rapids. Most direct geographic and demographic peer, competing for open-enrollment students and competing for the same regional talent pool.
• Iowa City Community School District: Major Iowa public K-12 district of comparable scale (~14,000+ students) with similar program diversity and university-town demographics. Superintendent Amy Kortemeyer previously served as Deputy Superintendent there, making it both a talent feeder and operational peer.
• College Community School District: Adjacent K-12 public school district serving parts of Cedar Rapids and neighboring communities. Directly competes with Linn-Mar for open-enrollment students on the western and southern edges of the Cedar Rapids metro.
• Marion Community School District: Smaller Iowa public K-12 district serving Marion, Iowa. Direct partner in the COMPASS Alternative Center sharing agreement and natural peer for inter-district program collaboration in the same town.
• Dubuque Community School District: Large Iowa K-12 public district of comparable size (~10,000+ students) with similar Iowa public funding model, regional anchor role, and program breadth. Useful operational and budget benchmark.
• Ankeny Community School District: High-growth Iowa suburban K-12 district of similar scale (~12,000+ students). Comparable peer for new-school construction, open-enrollment dynamics, and managing rapid demographic growth in a mid-sized Iowa metro.
• Waukee Community School District: One of the fastest-growing K-12 public districts in Iowa, similar in scale to Linn-Mar and known for aggressive capital expansion. A useful comparator for enrollment-growth strategy, bond referendum execution, and modern facility design.

Broad incumbents

• Des Moines Public Schools: Largest public school district in Iowa (~30,000+ students) operating as a broad urban incumbent. Useful as a scaled-up comparator for capital planning, alternative programming, and central-office overhead benchmarks.

Regional players

• Johnston Community School District: Iowa suburban K-12 district of comparable size (~7,000-8,000 students). Similar scale and programming depth, but located in the Des Moines metro rather than the Cedar Rapids metro, making it a regional rather than direct competitor.

Others

• Grant Wood Area Education Agency: Regional education service agency that provides special education support, professional development, and student services to Linn-Mar and other Eastern Iowa districts. Enabling ecosystem partner rather than competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/LinnMarNews
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCa_hazECKPAqQyxk46ohf5w/about
• Facebookfacebook.com/linnmarcsd
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/284987
• Instagraminstagram.com/linnmarcsd

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Linn-Mar Community School District