Below Average
#1109 of 1,280 schools in IA
Carson Elementary
Elementary School · Riverside Comm School District
PO BOX 218 330 Pleasant St, Carson, IA 51525
Enrollment
136
Student-Teacher
15.1:1
Score
4.2
Grades
3rd – 5th
Enrollment
136
Student-Teacher
15.1:1
Score
4.2
Grades
3rd – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa schools
#1,109 of 1,280
In district
#2 of 3
Riverside Comm School District
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Carson Elementary
Elementary School in Carson · grades 3rd – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Riverside Middle/senior High School
3.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Oakland Elementary
4.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Carson Elementary
Carson Elementary is a public elementary school in Carson, IA, part of Riverside Comm School District. Carson Elementary serves approximately 136 students, and covers grades 3rd-5th, and has a 15.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Carson Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and ranks #1,109 of 1,280 schools in IA.
Structured state assessment records for Carson Elementary show 71% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 4.2 · Below Average
- District avg 4.0
- IA avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
At 136 students, Carson Elementary is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.
Carson Elementary 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 · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Carson Elementary — Students at Carson Elementary score 53% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 66%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
52.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 35 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: 4.5/10.
How Carson Elementary Compares
See how Carson Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
PO BOX 218 330 Pleasant St, Carson, IA 51525
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Carson Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Treynor Elementary School (rated 8.7/10, 9.6 miles away, in nearby Treynor), which scores notably higher. Another option is AHSTW Primary School (rated 8.6/10, 16.5 miles away, in nearby Avoca), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Griswold Elementary (rated 8.6/10, 14.7 miles away, in nearby Griswold), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Carson, see our Carson schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 20.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside Middle/Senior High School Oakland | 3.6 mi | 6.5 |
| Oakland Elementary Oakland | 4.7 mi | 3.8 |
| Treynor Elementary School Treynor | 9.6 mi | 8.7 |
| Treynor High School Treynor | 9.8 mi | 8.1 |
| Treynor Middle School Treynor | 9.8 mi | 7.4 |
| East Mills Elementary School Hastings | 14.4 mi | 3.9 |
| AHSTW Primary School Avoca | 16.5 mi | 8.6 |
| AHSTW High School Avoca | 16.5 mi | 8.1 |
| AHSTW Intermediate School Avoca | 16.5 mi | 8.2 |
| East Mills Jr/Sr High School Hastings | 17.7 mi | 7.9 |
| Griswold Middle/High School Griswold | 14.7 mi | 7.9 |
| Griswold Elementary Griswold | 14.7 mi | 8.6 |
| Red Oak Junior/Senior High School Red Oak | 18.0 mi | 5.2 |
| Inman Elementary School Red Oak | 18.2 mi | 3.3 |
| Red Oak Early Childhood Center Red Oak | 18.6 mi | 4.9 |
| Underwood Elementary School Underwood | 17.0 mi | 8.0 |
| Underwood Middle School Underwood | 17.0 mi | 7.3 |
| Underwood High School Underwood | 17.4 mi | 7.1 |
| Tri-Center Middle School Neola | 20.6 mi | 5.8 |
| Tri-Center Elementary School Neola | 20.6 mi | 8.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 51525 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$79,034
Median Home Value
$192,900
Median Rent
$696/mo
Population
977
College Educated
26.8%
Homeownership
81.6%
Avg Commute
31.7 min
Poverty Rate
5.4%
Median Age
44.6
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton Elementary Exira, IA | 4.4 |
| Colo-Nesco Elementary School Zearing, IA | 4.5 |
| NOTRE DAME CATHOLIC SCHOOL Cresco, IA | 4.5 |
| Clyde D Mease Elementary School Dakota City, IA | 3.9 |
| Essex Elementary School Essex, IA | 3.9 |
| HULL PROTESTANT REFORMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hull, IA | 3.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Carson Elementary
What grades does Carson Elementary serve?
Carson Elementary serves students in grades 3rd through 5th.
How many students attend Carson Elementary?
Carson Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 136 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Carson Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Carson Elementary 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 Carson Elementary rank in IA?
Carson Elementary ranks #1,109 of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Carson Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Carson Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 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 Carson Elementary?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Carson Elementary has 71% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Carson Elementary a charter school?
No, Carson Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Carson Elementary a Title I school?
No, Carson Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Carson Elementary?
52.2% of students at Carson Elementary qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
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Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 3rd – 5th
- Enrollment
- 136
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 9
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 52.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Pottawattamie County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 21.3%
- Phone
- (712) 484-2291
Resources & Links
District
Riverside Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 670
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,498
- District Rank
- #2 of 3
Other Schools in This District
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