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Average

#582 of 1,280 schools in IA

Top 45% in state

Central City Elementary School

Elementary School · Central City Comm School District

400 Barber Street, Central City, IA 52214

Enrollment

174

Student-Teacher

11.6:1

Score

6.7

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#582 of 1,280

In Central City

#1 of 2

public schools

In district

#1 of 2

Central City Comm School District

School environment

9.5 / 10

Excellent

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Central City Elementary School

6.7/10

Elementary School in Central City · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Central City High School

6.0/10

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

Alburnett Elementary School

6.4/10

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

About Central City Elementary School

Central City Elementary School is a public elementary school in Central City, IA, part of Central City Comm School District. Central City Elementary School serves approximately 174 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 11.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Central City Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.7 out of 10 and ranks #582 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Central City Elementary School show 74% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it comparesOn par with IA schools
  • This school 6.7 · Average
  • IA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

At 174 students, Central City Elementary School 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.

Central City Elementary 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 · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress5.1Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-0.96 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics7.5Very Good30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency81.2% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency73.9% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg+4.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+4.8 pts
Overall Proficiency78% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)73% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected+4.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile63th
Resources & Environment9.5Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio11.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,484
Chronic Absenteeism14.4%

Central City Elementary School — Students at Central City Elementary School score 78% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 73%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

39.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 73.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
74.6% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 72.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
72.3% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 35 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
77%
ELA
82%
2010
Math
77%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2012
Math
82%
ELA
72%
2013
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2014
Math
77%
ELA
77%
2015
Math
77%
ELA
82%
2016
Math
87%
ELA
77%
2017
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2018
Math
62%
ELA
62%
2019
Math
62%
ELA
62%
2020*
Math
57%
ELA
57%
2021*
Math
57%
ELA
57%
2022
Math
62%
ELA
67%
2025
Math
81.2%
ELA
73.9%

* 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: 5.1/10.

How Central City Elementary School Compares

See how Central City Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.7/10
55th percentile in IA
Academic
7.5/10
Very Good
Growth
5.1/10
Average
Environment
9.5/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
40%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
15 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
14.4%

Programs & Offerings

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

400 Barber Street, Central City, IA 52214

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Central City Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Echo Hill Elementary (rated 8.5/10, 10.3 miles away, in nearby Marion), which scores notably higher. Another option is Springville Elementary School (rated 8.4/10, 11.3 miles away, in nearby Springville), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Novak Elementary School (rated 7.7/10, 11.7 miles away, in nearby Marion), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Central City, see our Central City schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 12.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Central City High School Central City 0.0 mi 6.0
Alburnett Elementary School Alburnett 6.3 mi 6.4
Alburnett Senior High School Alburnett 6.3 mi 5.2
Alburnett Middle School Alburnett 6.3 mi 7.9
Boulder Peak Intermediate School Marion 10.6 mi 7.8
Hazel Point Intermediate School Marion 10.2 mi 8.7
North-Linn Middle School Troy Mills 9.0 mi 8.8
North-Linn Senior High School Troy Mills 9.0 mi 7.2
North Linn Elementary Troy Mills 9.0 mi 6.2
Echo Hill Elementary Marion 10.3 mi 8.5
Oak Ridge Middle School Marion 10.6 mi 8.1
Linn Grove Elementary School Marion 11.3 mi 4.5
Excelsior Middle School Marion 11.0 mi 8.1
Indian Creek Elementary School Marion 11.4 mi 7.4
Linn-Mar High School Marion 11.4 mi 5.0
Springville Elementary School Springville 11.3 mi 8.4
Springville Secondary School Springville 11.4 mi 8.0
Wilkins Elementary School Marion 11.7 mi 6.1
Novak Elementary School Marion 11.7 mi 7.7
Longfellow Elementary Marion 12.3 mi 7.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 52214 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$83,450

Median Home Value

$235,400

Median Rent

$825/mo

Population

2,770

College Educated

22.3%

Homeownership

85.8%

Avg Commute

27.2 min

Poverty Rate

11.1%

Median Age

45.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Dexter Elementary School Dexter, IA 6.7
Fredericksburg Elem School Fredericksburg, IA 6.7
LOURDES CATHOLIC SCHOOL Bettendorf, IA 6.7
MATER DEI SCHOOL Sioux City, IA 6.7
ST THERESA CATHOLIC SCHOOL Des Moines, IA 6.7
Solon Intermediate Solon, IA 6.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Central City Elementary School

What grades does Central City Elementary School serve?

Central City Elementary School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Central City Elementary School?

Central City Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 174 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Central City Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Central City Elementary School is 11.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Central City Elementary School rank in IA?

Central City Elementary School ranks #582 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Central City Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Central City Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.7 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 Central City Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Central City Elementary School has 74% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Central City Elementary School a charter school?

No, Central City Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Central City Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Central City Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central City Elementary School?

39.7% of students at Central City 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
33 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
49 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
174
Student-Teacher Ratio
11.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
15
Free/Reduced Lunch
39.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Linn County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
14.4%

District

Central City Comm School District
District Enrollment
441
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,484
District Rank
#1 of 2

Other Schools in This District

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