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Average

#962 of 1,280 schools in IA

Baxter High School

High School · Baxter Comm School District

PO BOX 189 202 E State, Baxter, IA 50028

Enrollment

261

Student-Teacher

29:1

Score

5.1

Grades

6th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#962 of 1,280

In Baxter

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#2 of 2

Baxter Comm School District

Academic growth

7.7 / 10

Very Good

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Baxter High School

5.1/10

High School in Baxter · grades 6th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Baxter Elementary School

8.4/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Thomas Jefferson Elementary School

6.7/10

9.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Baxter High School

Baxter High School is a public high school in Baxter, IA, part of Baxter Comm School District. Baxter High School serves approximately 261 students, and covers grades 6th-12th, and has a 29:1 student-teacher ratio. Baxter High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 out of 10 and ranks #962 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Baxter High School show 73% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 78% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.9 pts below IA schools
  • This school 5.1 · Average
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

Baxter High School runs 29:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Baxter High School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress7.7Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-0.38 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics4.8Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency67.6% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency76.9% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-4.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+3.2 pts
Overall Proficiency72% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)82% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected-9.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile29th
College Readiness5.4Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate80%+
AP Participation11.9%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.7Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio29:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,296
Chronic Absenteeism14.9%

Baxter High School — Students at Baxter High School score 72% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 82%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

23.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 73.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
70.4% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 77.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
75.5% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 42 test records from IA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2010
Math
77%
ELA
72%
2011
Math
82%
ELA
67%
2012
Math
72%
ELA
67%
2013
Math
87%
ELA
77%
2014
Math
87%
ELA
82%
2015
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2016
Math
77%
ELA
87%
2017
Math
72%
ELA
82%
2018
Math
72%
ELA
87%
2019
Math
72%
ELA
87%
2020*
Math
67%
ELA
77%
2021*
Math
67%
ELA
77%
2022
Math
58%
ELA
75%
2025
Math
67.6%
ELA
76.9%

* 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: 7.7/10.

How Baxter High School Compares

See how Baxter High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.1/10
25th percentile in IA
Academic
4.8/10
Below Average
Growth
7.7/10
Very Good
Environment
1.7/10
Needs Improvement
Sports
15
8 boys' · 7 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
23%
Teaching Staff
29:1 student-teacher ratio
9 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
14.9%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics15sports offered
8 boys'·7 girls'·15 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

PO BOX 189 202 E State, Baxter, IA 50028

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Baxter High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Colo-NESCO Middle/High School (rated 7.8/10, 15.4 miles away, in nearby Colo), which scores notably higher. Another option is Collins-Maxwell Middle/High School (rated 7.3/10, 13.5 miles away, in nearby Maxwell), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Colfax-Mingo Jr/Sr High School (rated 6.5/10, 11.1 miles away, in nearby Colfax), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Baxter, see our Baxter schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 13.5 mi
School Distance Rating
Baxter Elementary School Baxter 0.0 mi 8.4
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School Newton 9.5 mi 6.7
WEST Academy Alternative School Newton 9.7 mi 4.0
Woodrow Wilson Elementary School Newton 10.3 mi 8.2
Emerson Hough Elementary School Newton 10.1 mi 5.3
NEWTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Newton 10.1 mi 6.4
Newton Senior High School Newton 10.7 mi 4.8
Colfax-Mingo Jr/Sr High School Colfax 11.1 mi 6.5
Collins-Maxwell Elementary School Collins 9.5 mi 7.5
Berg Middle School Newton 10.5 mi 3.3
Colfax-Mingo Elementary School Colfax 11.6 mi 6.6
Aurora Heights Elementary School Newton 11.1 mi 5.5
West Marshall Elementary School State Center 13.1 mi 5.9
West Marshall High School State Center 13.4 mi 6.0
West Marshall Middle School State Center 13.4 mi 7.0
East Marshall Elementary School Laurel 12.3 mi 5.3
PCM Middle School Prairie City 16.6 mi 7.9
Prairie City Elementary School Prairie City 16.6 mi 5.9
Colo-NESCO Middle/High School Colo 15.4 mi 7.8
Collins-Maxwell Middle/High School Maxwell 13.5 mi 7.3

Neighborhood 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

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
New London Jr-Sr High School New London, IA 5.1
North Tama High School Traer, IA 5.1
Easton Valley Junior High / High School Preston, IA 5.0
AGWSR High School Ackley, IA 5.2
Alburnett Senior High School Alburnett, IA 5.2
Manson Northwest Webster Junior High/High School Manson, IA 5.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Baxter High School

What grades does Baxter High School serve?

Baxter High School serves students in grades 6th through 12th.

How many students attend Baxter High School?

Baxter High School has an enrollment of approximately 261 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Baxter High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Baxter High School is 29:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Baxter High School rank in IA?

Baxter High School ranks #962 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Baxter High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Baxter High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Baxter High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Baxter High School has 73% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 78% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Baxter High School a charter school?

No, Baxter High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Baxter High School a Title I school?

No, Baxter High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Baxter High School?

23.4% of students at Baxter 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
45 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
41 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
261
Student-Teacher Ratio
29:1
Teachers (FTE)
9
Free/Reduced Lunch
23.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Jasper County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
14.9%
4-Year Graduation
80%+

District

Baxter Comm School District
District Enrollment
487
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,296
District Rank
#2 of 2

Other Schools in This District

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