The male students board in the administration building's west wing. Floors divide the boys by ages. Residential counselors and houseparents help with homework, encourage calls home and plan learning, social and service activites for the boys. Boys typically have rooms to themselves. Video relay and computer stations are in the floor lounge areas.

ISD cafeteria staff work closely with dietitians and federal programs to ensure their offerings meet stringent nutrition guidelines and the preferences of the pickiest eater! Every child is encouraged to try samplings from all food groups. Occasional food fairs are held to introduce students to new dishes as well as to reinforce the importance of a healthy diet.

Need tips on germination or transplanting? Check with a student who has been through greenhouse class! The structure was dedicated in 2001 in memory of Adam Leitch, a former middle school student, who loved the outdoors. The greenhouse was made possible by donations from Adam's family. Every spring, a plant sale is held featuring a multitude of annuals, perennials, herbs and houseplants.

The fleet garage holds ISD's vechicles. About once a month, students are transported to their hometowns across Iowa and Nebraska. This event operates so efficiently that the average time between school day's end and the last bus to leave campus is less than 15 minutes. Labor for the original part of this 1941 structure was furnished under the Work Progress Administration.

ISD was once a self-sufficient entity, complete with a dairy herd. This 1935 barn initially housed calves and became the cattle barn when the dairy barn burned in 1944. After its farming life, the building has been used as a teen center and now stores various grounds equipment.

This building was completed in 1956 and contains the campus boilers and utility access points. Powerhouse staff are on campus round the clock whenever students are here, too. In addition to keeping utilities running, they respond to emergency alarms and provide extra security. They've also been known to attend to the simple, albeit critical, needs on campus (such as fixing a student's bicycle).

At one time, ISD had its own hospital. Tonsillectomies were even performed on campus! Before this 1938 building opened, the infirmary was housed in the industrial arts building, Primary Hall, and the Administration Building. Now the building is rented to a private daycare. No ISD classes or meetings are held here. The health center was moved to the basement of the girls' dorm in the 1990s.

A modern science center featuring two classrooms, two labs and plenty of storage, opened in the fall of 2010. The space previously contained a swimming pool and locker rooms and was renovated to provide an accessible environment. Private donations from individuals, foundations and businesses made the $1.5 million project possible.

Registered nurses working 24 hours a day have all the students' healthcare needs covered! From bandages to flu shots, nurses provide tender loving care and keep parents informed about the health of their children. When students are ill and can not attend class, they stay in the health center until they are ready for classes again.

Nearly 60 school districts are served through the Green Hills Area Education Agency, one of nine such organizations in Iowa. Green Hills is an intermediate unit providing educational services to local schools. One of Green Hills' soundproof hearing testing booths is on the campus of ISD.

After homework and sports activities but before bed, a flurry of interaction take place among students at the Teen Center! This hip space has a pool table, comfy couches, big screen tv and its own snack bar.