Average
#581 of 1,280 schools in IA
Top 45% in state
Baxter Elementary School
Elementary School · Baxter Comm School District
PO BOX 189 202 E State, Baxter, IA 50028
Enrollment
226
Student-Teacher
15.1:1
Score
6.5
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
226
Student-Teacher
15.1:1
Score
6.5
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Baxter
#1 of 2
public schools
Iowa elementary schools
#342 of 662
In district
#1 of 2
Baxter Comm School District
Academic growth
7.8 / 10
Very strong
About Baxter Elementary School
Baxter Elementary School is a regular public school located in the rural community of Baxter, Iowa, serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. With an enrollment of 226 students and a student-teacher ratio of 15.1:1, the school offers personalized attention to each child. The dedicated teaching staff consists of 15 full-time equivalent teachers who work closely with students to ensure they receive quality education.
Baxter Elementary School has a MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 out of 10 and ranks at number 750 among 1288 schools in Iowa, placing it around the 42nd percentile. Academically, 74% of students are proficient or above in ELA/reading, 80% in math, and 66% in science. While there is room for improvement, the school focuses on developing a strong academic foundation for its students.
Baxter Elementary School sits within a rural setting where community ties run deep and support for local education is strong.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Baxter Elementary School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Data not available for this school
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Baxter Elementary School — Students at Baxter Elementary School score 70% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 75%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
28.3%
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
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 7.8/10.
How Baxter Elementary School Compares
See how Baxter Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 77% (2019) to 72% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 72% (2019) to 67% (2022).
Location
PO BOX 189 202 E State, Baxter, IA 50028
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Baxter Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Colfax-Mingo Elementary School (rated 8.8/10, 11.6 miles away, in nearby Colfax), which scores notably higher. Another option is Collins-Maxwell Elementary School (rated 8.3/10, 9.5 miles away, in nearby Collins), which scores notably higher. Additionally, West Marshall Elementary School (rated 7.7/10, 13.1 miles away, in nearby State Center), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Baxter, see our Baxter schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 13.5 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50028 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$70,982
Median Home Value
$197,400
Median Rent
$697/mo
Population
1,930
College Educated
20.7%
Homeownership
82.8%
Avg Commute
28.2 min
Poverty Rate
11.1%
Median Age
39.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Baxter Elementary School has a median household income of $70,982. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $197,400, with a median rent of $697/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.1%. The average commute for residents is 28 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 |
|---|---|
| AQUIN CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Cascade, IA | 6.5 |
| Arthur Elementary School Cedar Rapids, IA | 6.5 |
| Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton Elementary Exira, IA | 6.5 |
| ST ANTHONY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Des Moines, IA | 6.5 |
| Thomas Jefferson Elementary School Newton, IA | 6.5 |
| Adair-Casey Elementary School Adair, IA | 6.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Baxter Elementary School
What grades does Baxter Elementary School serve?
Baxter Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Baxter Elementary School?
Baxter Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 226 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Baxter Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Baxter Elementary School is 15.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Baxter Elementary School rank in IA?
Baxter Elementary School is ranked #581 out of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Baxter Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Baxter Elementary School has a composite rating of 6.5 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 Baxter Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Baxter Elementary School has 80.3% math proficiency and 74.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Baxter Elementary School a charter school?
No, Baxter Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Baxter Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Baxter Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Baxter Elementary School?
28.3% of students at Baxter Elementary 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
- County Safety
- Low (195/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 226
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 15
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 28.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Jasper County
- Phone
- (641) 227-3102
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Baxter Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 487
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,296
- District Rank
- #1 of 2
Other Schools in This District
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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