Average
#774 of 1,280 schools in IA
Benton Community Middle School
Middle School · Benton Comm School District
PO BOX 70 600 1st St, Van Horne, IA 52346
Enrollment
212
Student-Teacher
16.3:1
Score
6.0
Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
212
Student-Teacher
16.3:1
Score
6.0
Grades
7th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Van Horne
#1 of 2
public schools
Iowa middle schools
#165 of 248
In district
#4 of 5
Benton Comm School District
Academic growth
8.1 / 10
Very strong
About Benton Community Middle School
Benton Community Middle School is a regular public school in Van Horne, Iowa, located in the heart of Benton County. The school serves seventh and eighth graders with an enrollment of 212 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16.3:1. With 13 full-time equivalent teachers, the school offers personalized attention to its students.
Benton Community Middle School's academic performance reflects areas where it is working diligently to improve. The MySchoolScout rating for the school is 5.0 out of 10, placing it at number 751 among 1288 schools in Iowa, which means it falls around the 42nd percentile statewide. In terms of proficiency rates, 79% of students are proficient or above in ELA/reading, 68% in math, and 83% in science.
These scores indicate that while there is room for academic growth, particularly in mathematics, the school is making strides in ensuring strong foundational skills across all subjects. The setting of Benton Community Middle School is rural, providing a close-knit community atmosphere where students can thrive with the support of their teachers and peers.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Benton Community Middle 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
View breakdown
View breakdown
Benton Community Middle School — Students at Benton Community Middle School score 70% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 81%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
17.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 11 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: 8.1/10.
How Benton Community Middle School Compares
See how Benton Community Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 72% (2019) to 60% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 70% (2019) to 80% (2022).
Location
PO BOX 70 600 1st St, Van Horne, IA 52346
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Benton Community Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Union Middle School (rated 8.4/10, 15.9 miles away, in nearby Dysart), which scores notably higher. Another option is Norway Elementary School (rated 6.6/10, 11.1 miles away, in nearby Norway), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Vinton-Shellsburg Middle School (rated 6.4/10, 10.4 miles away, in nearby Vinton), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Van Horne, see our Van Horne schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 19.4 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 52346 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$107,802
Median Home Value
$245,600
Median Rent
$917/mo
Population
1,070
College Educated
33.3%
Homeownership
87.5%
Avg Commute
29.3 min
Poverty Rate
11.3%
Median Age
39.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Benton Community Middle School has a median household income of $107,802. It is an area where 33% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $245,600, with a median rent of $917/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.3%. The average commute for residents is 29 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 |
|---|---|
| Camanche Middle School Camanche, IA | 6.0 |
| Sioux Central Middle School Sioux Rapids, IA | 5.9 |
| Lake Mills Middle School Lake Mills, IA | 5.8 |
| Shenandoah Middle School Shenandoah, IA | 6.2 |
| Denver Middle School Denver, IA | 6.3 |
| Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Middle School Sanborn, IA | 6.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Benton Community Middle School
What grades does Benton Community Middle School serve?
Benton Community Middle School serves students in grades 7th through 8th.
How many students attend Benton Community Middle School?
Benton Community Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 212 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Benton Community Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Benton Community Middle School is 16.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Benton Community Middle School rank in IA?
Benton Community Middle School is ranked #774 out of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Benton Community Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Benton Community Middle School has a composite rating of 6.0 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 Benton Community Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Benton Community Middle School has 68.4% math proficiency and 78.6% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Benton Community Middle School a charter school?
No, Benton Community Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Benton Community Middle School a Title I school?
No, Benton Community Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Benton Community Middle School?
17.5% of students at Benton Community Middle 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
- Average (366/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 212
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 13
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 17.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Benton County
- Phone
- (319) 228-8701
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Benton Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 1,640
- Schools in District
- 5
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,044
- District Rank
- #4 of 5
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
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.