Average
#470 of 1,280 schools in IA
Top 37% in state
Central Decatur Ms/hs High School
High School · Central Decatur Comm School District
1201 NE Poplar St, Leon, IA 50144
Enrollment
321
Student-Teacher
16.9:1
Score
6.8
Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
321
Student-Teacher
16.9:1
Score
6.8
Grades
7th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Leon
#3 of 3
public schools
Iowa high schools
#87 of 334
In district
#3 of 3
Central Decatur Comm School District
Equity
8.0 / 10
Very strong
About Central Decatur Ms/hs High School
Central Decatur MS/HS High School is a regular public school located in the remote rural area of Leon, Iowa. Serving students from seventh through twelfth grade, this combined middle and high school has an enrollment of 321 students with a student-teacher ratio of 16.9:1. The dedicated faculty includes 19 full-time equivalent teachers who work to provide personalized attention and support for each student.
Academically, Central Decatur MS/HS High School currently ranks in the 33rd percentile among Iowa schools, with specific proficiency rates at 75% in ELA/Reading, 62% in Math, and 80% in Science. These scores indicate areas where students excel but also highlight room for improvement. Set amidst a rural landscape, Central Decatur MS/HS High School serves as an important community hub in the region.
With its comprehensive educational offerings from middle school through high school, it plays a crucial role in providing local students with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed beyond their small-town setting.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Central Decatur Ms/hs High 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
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Central Decatur Ms/hs High School — Students at Central Decatur Ms/hs High School score 66% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 53%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
67.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 18 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: 7.5/10.
How Central Decatur Ms/hs High School Compares
See how Central Decatur Ms/hs High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 62% (2019) to 57% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 67% (2019) to 75% (2022).
Location
1201 NE Poplar St, Leon, IA 50144
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Central Decatur Ms/hs High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. MERCER HIGH (rated 7.9/10, 19.8 miles away, in nearby Mercer), which scores notably higher. Another option is CAINSVILLE HIGH (rated 5.9/10, 21.4 miles away, in nearby Cainsville), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Murray Jr/Sr High (rated 5.9/10, 23.0 miles away, in nearby Murray), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Leon, see our Leon schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 23.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| North Elementary School Leon | 0.0 mi | 8.3 |
| South Elementary School Leon | 0.9 mi | 7.8 |
| FRANKLIN CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL Leon | 3.2 mi | — |
| POVERTY RIDGE AMISH SCHOOL Mercer | 15.0 mi | — |
| Lamoni Elementary School Lamoni | 13.3 mi | 5.1 |
| Lamoni High School Lamoni | 13.3 mi | 3.9 |
| Lamoni Middle School Lamoni | 13.3 mi | 5.9 |
| Mormon Trail Elementary School Humeston | 14.6 mi | 7.8 |
| Mormon Trail Jr-Sr High School Humeston | 14.6 mi | 4.6 |
| ZADIE CREEK SCHOOL Eagleville | 16.6 mi | — |
| Clarke Community Elementary School Osceola | 19.7 mi | 5.3 |
| Clarke Community High School Osceola | 20.5 mi | 4.1 |
| Clarke Community Middle School Osceola | 20.5 mi | 4.8 |
| CAINSVILLE ELEM. Cainsville | 21.4 mi | 4.8 |
| CAINSVILLE HIGH Cainsville | 21.4 mi | 5.9 |
| NORTH MERCER ELEM. Mercer | 19.8 mi | 9.8 |
| MERCER HIGH Mercer | 19.8 mi | 7.9 |
| Murray Elementary School Murray | 23.0 mi | 3.9 |
| Murray Jr/Sr High Murray | 23.0 mi | 5.9 |
| NORTH HARRISON ELEM. Eagleville | 23.0 mi | 9.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50144 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$64,511
Median Home Value
$122,200
Median Rent
$544/mo
Population
2,715
College Educated
14.7%
Homeownership
63.8%
Avg Commute
28.5 min
Poverty Rate
5.6%
Median Age
38.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding Central Decatur Ms/hs High School has a median household income of $64,511. It is a community where 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $122,200, with a median rent of $544/month. The local poverty rate of 5.6% is relatively low. 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 |
|---|---|
| Cardinal High School Eldon, IA | 6.8 |
| Moravia High School Moravia, IA | 6.8 |
| Sioux Central High School Sioux Rapids, IA | 6.8 |
| East Union Middle-High School Afton, IA | 6.7 |
| Mid-Prairie High School Wellman, IA | 6.7 |
| Nashua-Plainfield Junior-Senior High School Nashua, IA | 6.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central Decatur Ms/hs High School
What grades does Central Decatur Ms/hs High School serve?
Central Decatur Ms/hs High School serves students in grades 7th through 12th.
How many students attend Central Decatur Ms/hs High School?
Central Decatur Ms/hs High School has an enrollment of approximately 321 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Central Decatur Ms/hs High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Central Decatur Ms/hs High School is 16.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Central Decatur Ms/hs High School rank in IA?
Central Decatur Ms/hs High School is ranked #470 out of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Central Decatur Ms/hs High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Central Decatur Ms/hs High School has a composite rating of 6.8 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 Central Decatur Ms/hs High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Central Decatur Ms/hs High School has 61.8% math proficiency and 75.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Central Decatur Ms/hs High School a charter school?
No, Central Decatur Ms/hs High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Central Decatur Ms/hs High School a Title I school?
No, Central Decatur Ms/hs High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central Decatur Ms/hs High School?
67.6% of students at Central Decatur Ms/hs 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.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 321
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 19
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 67.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Decatur County
- Phone
- (641) 446-4816
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Central Decatur Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 668
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,664
- District Rank
- #3 of 3
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
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