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Needs Improvement

#1270 of 1,280 schools in IA

Burlington Community High School

High School · Burlington Comm School District

421 Terrace Dr, Burlington, IA 52601

Enrollment

1,090

Student-Teacher

17.3:1

Score

2.3

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#1,270 of 1,280

In Burlington

#8 of 8

public schools

In district

#8 of 8

Burlington Comm School District

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Burlington Community High School

2.3/10

High School in Burlington · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Burlington Notre Dame

5.7/10

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

Burlington Notre Dame Jr/sr High School

6.1/10

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

About Burlington Community High School

Burlington Community High School is a public high school in Burlington, IA, part of Burlington Comm School District. Burlington Community High School serves approximately 1,090 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 17.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Burlington Community High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.3 out of 10 and ranks #1,270 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Burlington Community High School show 58% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares3.7 pts below IA schools
  • This school 2.3 · Needs Improvement
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

64% of students at Burlington Community High School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress1.6Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.37 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics2.3Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency38.9% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency61.9% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-27.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-15.2 pts
Overall Proficiency50% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)65% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected-15.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile7th
College Readiness3.1Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate75%
AP Participation5.1%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.0Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,619
Chronic Absenteeism64.1%

Burlington Community High School — Students at Burlington Community High School score 50% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 65%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

54%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 58.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
67.3% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 67.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
74.2% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 35 test records from IA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
72%
ELA
73%
2010
Math
76%
ELA
79%
2011
Math
89%
ELA
86%
2012
Math
76%
ELA
84%
2013
Math
76%
ELA
71%
2014
Math
72%
ELA
71%
2015
Math
68%
ELA
71%
2016
Math
65%
ELA
69%
2017
Math
57%
ELA
60%
2018
Math
47%
ELA
60%
2019
Math
47%
ELA
60%
2020*
Math
45%
ELA
64%
2021*
Math
45%
ELA
64%
2022
Math
39%
ELA
56%
2025
Math
38.9%
ELA
61.9%

* 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: 1.6/10.

How Burlington Community High School Compares

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

Overall Score
2.3/10
1th percentile in IA
Academic
2.3/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
1.6/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
2.0/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
3
State avg: 1.7
Sports
19
9 boys' · 10 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
54%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
63 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
64.1%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
5.1% participation·State avg: 1.7 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics19sports offered
9 boys'·10 girls'·39 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

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

Location

421 Terrace Dr, Burlington, IA 52601

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Burlington Community High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Mediapolis High School (rated 6.5/10, 14.5 miles away, in nearby Mediapolis), which scores notably higher. Another option is BURLINGTON NOTRE DAME JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL (rated 6.1/10, 0.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, West Burlington Arnold Jr./Sr. High School (rated 6.1/10, 1.6 miles away, in nearby West Burlington), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Burlington, see our Burlington schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 12.7 mi
School Distance Rating
BURLINGTON NOTRE DAME Burlington 0.3 mi 5.7
BURLINGTON NOTRE DAME JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL Burlington 0.3 mi 6.1
Edward Stone Middle School Burlington 0.6 mi 2.8
Corse Early Childhood Center Burlington 0.8 mi 3.0
Aldo Leopold Intermediate School Burlington 1.8 mi 4.5
West Burlington Arnold Jr./Sr. High School West Burlington 1.6 mi 6.1
West Burlington Elem School West Burlington 1.6 mi 7.2
James Wilson Grimes School Burlington 1.6 mi 3.3
North Hill Elementary School Burlington 1.6 mi 4.7
Sunnyside Elementary School Burlington 2.1 mi 5.4
Black Hawk Elementary School Burlington 2.3 mi 3.5
Dallas City Elem School Dallas City 12.5 mi 5.6
Danville Elementary School Danville 10.2 mi 9.0
Danville Junior-Senior High School Danville 10.2 mi 6.0
Mediapolis Elementary School Mediapolis 14.5 mi 6.1
Mediapolis High School Mediapolis 14.5 mi 6.5
Mediapolis Middle School Mediapolis 14.5 mi 7.6
West Central Middle School Stronghurst 12.6 mi 3.1
West Central High School Biggsville 12.7 mi 6.0
West Central Elementary School Biggsville 12.7 mi 3.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 52601 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$57,123

Median Home Value

$125,500

Median Rent

$921/mo

Population

27,465

College Educated

23.5%

Homeownership

71.2%

Avg Commute

18.2 min

Poverty Rate

14.8%

Median Age

43.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Iowa Connections Academy High School Anita, IA 2.4
Fort Dodge High School Fort Dodge, IA 2.9
Storm Lake High School Storm Lake, IA 2.9
Thomas Jefferson High School Council Bluffs, IA 2.9
West High School Sioux City, IA 3.2
North High School Davenport, IA 3.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Burlington Community High School

What grades does Burlington Community High School serve?

Burlington Community High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Burlington Community High School?

Burlington Community High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,090 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Burlington Community High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Burlington Community High School is 17.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Burlington Community High School rank in IA?

Burlington Community High School ranks #1,270 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Burlington Community High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Burlington Community High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.3 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 Burlington Community High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Burlington Community High School has 58% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Burlington Community High School a charter school?

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

Is Burlington Community High School a Title I school?

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

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

54.0% of students at Burlington Community 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
51 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
15 Minimal Transit
Bike Score
40 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,090
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
63
Free/Reduced Lunch
54.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Town
County
Des Moines County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
64.1%
4-Year Graduation
75.0%

How we rate schools

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