Essex Community Schools

Feb 5, 2026

A Message From Our Superintendent

Jan 29, 2026

District Calendar 2026-2027 School Year

We look forward to another great year at Essex CSD! 

Jan 12, 2026

Open Enrollment for 2026-2027 School Year

For the 2026-2027 school year in Iowa, the main open enrollment deadline for grades 1-12 is  March 1, 2026 , while prospective kindergarteners have a deadline of  September 1, 2026 , with exceptions possible for "good cause". Applications must be submitted to both your resident and the desired receiving school districts by these dates.   You Are More Than A Number A Message From Mr.Cruickshank   26/27 Iowa Open Enrollment Form

Dec 8, 2025

Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Donates to New FFA Chapter

News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Donates to New FFA Chapter In 2023, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation pledged $1,000,000 to support the All in for Ag Ed initiative and the Iowa FFA through the Iowa FFA Foundation. The All in for Ag Ed initiative was created to support the promotion and growth of Agricultural Education classes and FFA Chapters in Iowa schools and recruitment and retention of Agricultural Education Instructors. As a new FFA Chapter in 2022, the Essex FFA Chapter has brought . . .

Oct 28, 2025

2025 NHS Induction

Congratulations to our newest NHS members who were inducted into the NHS October 27th, 2025 at 6:00 PM. Guests were served a delicious dinner served by Stephanie Sholes and listened to speaker Tammy Johnson before being inducted.  Congratulations to Lisa Boustani, Mark Cabeen, Halle Riley, Isaiah Sholes and Bella Simmons! 

Oct 16, 2025

FFA Greenhands

Five Essex FFA Chapter members attended the Greenhand Fire Up Conference in Atlantic Wednesday, Oct. 15. During the event, district, and state officers lead four interactive workshops for first year high school FFA members, also known as Greenhands, for the annual Greenhand Fire Up Conference. The workshops facilitated were leadership focused with an emphasis on the experiences that occur in the lives of beginning high school students.The goal was to engage FFA members in learning about the tools that would allow them to . . .

Jan 10, 2025

Free Fruits and Vegetables Program

Thanks to the Free Fruit and Vegetables Program students in grades K-5 are able to have fresh fruits and vegetables for classroom snacks. The program will provide healthy foods throughout the 2024-2025 school year. The goal is to increase a child's consumption of fresh produce as they continue to be introduced to new and different types through nutrition education and tasting opportunities. 

Jan 10, 2025

Free Lunch District Wide

Thanks to the Community Eligibility Provision--a National School Lunch and School Breakfast program students district wide will receive free lunches. Speaking on KMA's "Morning Line" program Thursday Morning, Essex School Superintendent Dr. Mike Wells says they hope the additional fee removals assist parents in an often expensive time of sending students back to school. . . .