Average
#817 of 1,280 schools in IA
Ames High School
High School · Ames Comm School District
1801 Ridgewood Drive, Ames, IA 50010
Enrollment
1,427
Student-Teacher
17.4:1
Score
5.9
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,427
Student-Teacher
17.4:1
Score
5.9
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Ames
#7 of 8
public schools
Iowa high schools
#183 of 334
In district
#7 of 8
Ames Comm School District
About Ames High School
Ames High School serves 1,427 students in grades 9-12 in this college town in central Iowa. With 82 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a 17.4:1 student-teacher ratio, providing reasonable class sizes for a comprehensive high school experience. Academically, Ames High School shows solid performance in core subjects, with 74% of students demonstrating proficiency in English Language Arts and Reading, and 67% achieving proficiency in mathematics.
While the school ranks in the middle tier of Iowa high schools at #736 out of 1,288 statewide, these proficiency rates indicate students are developing essential skills across grade levels, with opportunities for continued academic growth. The school draws from a diverse community where nearly 60% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, reflecting the educational values of this university town. The neighborhood's median household income of $64,573 and home values averaging $235,700 suggest a stable residential area, though the 18.6% poverty rate indicates the school serves students from varied economic backgrounds.
Located on Ridgewood Drive in Story County, Ames High School sits in the heart of a vibrant small city known for Iowa State University, creating an environment where education and community learning are deeply valued.
Score Breakdown
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Ames High School — Students at Ames High School score 70% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 74%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
30.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 13 test records from IA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.0/10.
How Ames High School Compares
See how Ames High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 80% (2019) to 67% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 85% (2019) to 74% (2022).
Location
1801 Ridgewood Drive, Ames, IA 50010
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Ames High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Gilbert High School (rated 6.2/10, 4.4 miles away, in nearby Gilbert), with a very similar rating. Another option is Ballard High School (rated 5.6/10, 9.7 miles away, in nearby Huxley), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Roland-Story High School (rated 5.2/10, 10.5 miles away, in nearby Story City), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Ames, see our Ames schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 10.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Fellows Elementary School Ames | 0.3 mi | 7.1 |
| ST CECILIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Ames | 0.7 mi | 7.2 |
| Northwood Pre-School Ames | 1.0 mi | 4.0 |
| Meeker Elementary School Ames | 0.9 mi | 7.4 |
| AMES CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Ames | 2.2 mi | 6.5 |
| Sawyer Elementary School Ames | 2.3 mi | 8.0 |
| Ames Middle School Ames | 2.7 mi | 6.3 |
| Edwards Elementary School Ames | 3.2 mi | 8.3 |
| Mitchell Elementary School Ames | 3.8 mi | 6.7 |
| Gilbert High School Gilbert | 4.4 mi | 6.2 |
| Gilbert Elementary School Gilbert | 4.5 mi | 4.6 |
| Gilbert Intermediate School Gilbert | 4.7 mi | 4.4 |
| Gilbert Middle School Gilbert | 4.7 mi | 6.3 |
| Ballard High School Huxley | 9.7 mi | 5.6 |
| United Community School Boone | 7.4 mi | 6.9 |
| Ballard Middle School Huxley | 9.9 mi | 7.0 |
| Roland-Story High School Story City | 10.5 mi | 5.2 |
| Roland-Story Elementary School Story City | 10.7 mi | 6.4 |
| Ballard West Elementary Slater | 11.1 mi | 6.3 |
| Ballard East Elementary Cambridge | 10.7 mi | 5.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50010 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$65,701
Median Home Value
$243,200
Median Rent
$981/mo
Population
33,428
College Educated
59.1%
Homeownership
54.1%
Avg Commute
16.7 min
Poverty Rate
17.9%
Median Age
29.2
Community Profile
The community surrounding Ames High School has a median household income of $65,701. It is a well-educated community where 59% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $243,200, with a median rent of $981/month. The area has a poverty rate of 17.9%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 17 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Norwalk Senior High School Norwalk, IA | 5.9 |
| George Washington High School Cedar Rapids, IA | 5.8 |
| Muscatine High School Muscatine, IA | 5.8 |
| Hoover High School Des Moines, IA | 6.1 |
| Prairie High School Cedar Rapids, IA | 6.1 |
| Indianola High School Indianola, IA | 5.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ames High School
What grades does Ames High School serve?
Ames High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Ames High School?
Ames High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,427 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Ames High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Ames High School is 17.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Ames High School rank in IA?
Ames High School is ranked #817 out of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Ames High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Ames High School has a composite rating of 5.9 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Ames High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Ames High School has 73.0% math proficiency and 77.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Ames High School a charter school?
No, Ames High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Ames High School a Title I school?
No, Ames High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Ames High School?
30.3% of students at Ames High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Ames). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,427
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 82
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 30.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Story County
- Phone
- (515) 817-0600
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Ames Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 4,735
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,372
- District Rank
- #7 of 8
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 methodologyRelated reading
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