Best Schools in Mason City, Iowa
12 schools · 5 Elementary · 2 Middle · 3 High · 2 Other
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 6.6/10
- Median household income
- $63,807
- Median home value
- $134,100
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 22%
- Avg commute
- 14 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 68%
42% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Mason City compares
Iowa rank
#60 of 175
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
+0.3
above Iowa avg (6.3)
Median household income
$64k
84% of Iowa median
Schools in this city
12
About Schools in Mason City, Iowa
Mason City, Iowa is home to 12 schools, including 9 public schools and 3 private schools. The city's schools span 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools.
With an average rating of 6.6 out of 10, schools in Mason City show moderate performance on the MySchoolScout composite scale, which measures academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
The highest-performing school in Mason City is Harding Elementary School with a composite score of 9.3/10, demonstrating strong academic outcomes and school quality metrics.
Mason City is served by 1 school district: Mason City Comm School District. These districts collectively serve 3,509 students.
Mason City's community shows 22% bachelor's degree attainment with a median household income of $63,807. The poverty rate in the area is 10.0%.
Browse the schools below to compare ratings, test scores, enrollment, and other key metrics. Use the filters to focus on specific school levels or types that match your family's needs.
Elementary Schools
5 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 357 students · Pre-K–4th | 9.3 | ||
| 2 | 307 students · Pre-K–4th | 9.2 | ||
| 3 | 365 students · Pre-K–4th | 8.4 | ||
| 4 | 346 students · Pre-K–4th | 7.0 | ||
| Private Schools 1 school Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | 239 students · Kindergarten–5th | Not Rated | ||
Middle Schools
2 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 488 students · 5th–6th | 7.6 |
| 2 | 463 students · 7th–8th | 6.5 |
High Schools
3 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 92 students · 9th–12th | 6.1 |
| 2 | 967 students · 9th–12th | 4.4 |
| 3 | 82 students · 7th–12th | 3.8 |
Other Schools
2 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | NORTH IOWA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Private
71 students · Pre-K–12th | Not Rated |
| 2 | NEWMAN CATHOLIC
Private
554 students · Pre-K–12th | Not Rated |
Schools in Mason City
Mason City, Iowa · 12 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 1 ZIP code
Median Income
$63,807
Median Home Value
$134,100
Median Rent
$868/mo
Population
28,818
College Educated
22%
Homeownership
68%
Avg Commute
14 min
Poverty Rate
10.0%
Community Profile
Mason City has a median household income of $63,807. It is a community where 22% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $134,100, with a median rent of $868/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.0%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 14 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Quick Facts
- State
- Iowa
- Total Schools
- 12
- Elementary
- 5
- Middle
- 2
- High
- 3
- Districts
- 1
- Avg Rating
- 6.6/10
Resources
School District
Nearby Cities
Other Major Cities in Iowa
Top metros statewide by school count.
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Mason City, Iowa
How many schools are in Mason City, Iowa?
Mason City has 12 schools, including 9 public and 3 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Mason City, Iowa?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Mason City is 6.6 out of 10, based on academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
What is the top-ranked school in Mason City, Iowa?
The top-ranked school in Mason City on MySchoolScout is Harding Elementary School with a composite score of 9.3/10.
What is the best elementary school in Mason City, Iowa?
The top-ranked elementary school in Mason City on MySchoolScout is Harding Elementary School with a composite score of 9.3/10.
What is the best middle school in Mason City, Iowa?
The top-ranked middle school in Mason City on MySchoolScout is Lincoln Intermediate with a composite score of 7.6/10.
What is the best high school in Mason City, Iowa?
The top-ranked high school in Mason City on MySchoolScout is Alternative School with a composite score of 6.1/10.
How many school districts serve Mason City, Iowa?
Mason City is served by 1 school district: Mason City Comm School District.
What is the education level in Mason City, Iowa?
According to Census data, 22% of adults in Mason City have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Mason City, Iowa?
The median household income in Mason City is approximately $63,807 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Mason City, Iowa?
Yes, Mason City has 3 private schools alongside 9 public schools. The top-rated private school is Newman Catholic Elementary School with a score of 6.0/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Mason City, Iowa?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Mason City is 16.3:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Mason City, Iowa?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement, Student Growth, Equity, and School Environment.
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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, Iowa Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.