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Very Good

#421 of 1,280 schools in IA

Top 33% 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

7.3

Grades

7th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#421 of 1,280

In Leon

#3 of 3

public schools

In district

#3 of 3

Central Decatur Comm School District

Academic growth

8.5 / 10

Excellent

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Central Decatur Ms/hs High School

7.3/10

High School in Leon · grades 7th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

North Elementary School

7.5/10

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

South Elementary School

7.9/10

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

About Central Decatur Ms/hs High School

Central Decatur Ms/hs High School is a public high school in Leon, IA, part of Central Decatur Comm School District. Central Decatur Ms/hs High School serves approximately 321 students, and covers grades 7th-12th, and has a 16.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Central Decatur Ms/hs High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.3 out of 10 and ranks #421 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Central Decatur Ms/hs High School show 66% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 73% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.3 pts above IA schools
  • This school 7.3 · Very Good
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

Central Decatur Ms/hs High 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.

36% of students at Central Decatur Ms/hs 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 Progress8.5Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-0.14 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics7.2Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency63.3% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency78.1% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-9.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+2.3 pts
Overall Proficiency71% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)58% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected+12.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile59th
College Readiness9.1Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate90%+
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.1Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,664
Chronic Absenteeism35.5%

Central Decatur Ms/hs High School — Students at Central Decatur Ms/hs High School score 71% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 58%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

67.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 66.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
69.9% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 72.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
75.9% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 40 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
72%
ELA
72%
2010
Math
69%
ELA
73%
2011
Math
67%
ELA
66%
2012
Math
62%
ELA
62%
2013
Math
72%
ELA
67%
2014
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2015
Math
72%
ELA
67%
2016
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2017
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2018
Math
62%
ELA
67%
2019
Math
62%
ELA
67%
2020*
Math
59%
ELA
70%
2021*
Math
59%
ELA
70%
2022
Math
57%
ELA
75%
2025
Math
63.3%
ELA
78.1%

* 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: 8.5/10.

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.

Overall Score
7.3/10
67th percentile in IA
Academic
7.2/10
Very Good
Growth
8.5/10
Excellent
Environment
3.1/10
Needs Improvement
Sports
13
7 boys' · 6 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
68%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
19 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
35.5%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics13sports offered
7 boys'·6 girls'·22 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
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

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 6.5/10, 19.8 miles away, in nearby Mercer), with a comparable rating. Another option is CAINSVILLE HIGH (rated 6.2/10, 21.4 miles away, in nearby Cainsville), a more accessible option. Additionally, Murray Jr/Sr High (rated 5.9/10, 23.0 miles away, in nearby Murray), a more accessible option. 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 7.5
South Elementary School Leon 0.9 mi 7.9
FRANKLIN CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL Leon 3.2 mi
POVERTY RIDGE AMISH SCHOOL Mercer 15.0 mi
Lamoni Elementary School Lamoni 13.3 mi 5.6
Lamoni High School Lamoni 13.3 mi 3.9
Lamoni Middle School Lamoni 13.3 mi 6.7
Mormon Trail Elementary School Humeston 14.6 mi 7.7
Mormon Trail Jr-Sr High School Humeston 14.6 mi 5.5
ZADIE CREEK SCHOOL Eagleville 16.6 mi
Clarke Community Elementary School Osceola 19.7 mi 3.5
Clarke Community High School Osceola 20.5 mi 3.3
Clarke Community Middle School Osceola 20.5 mi 3.8
CAINSVILLE ELEM. Cainsville 21.4 mi 4.2
CAINSVILLE HIGH Cainsville 21.4 mi 6.2
NORTH MERCER ELEM. Mercer 19.8 mi 8.9
MERCER HIGH Mercer 19.8 mi 6.5
Murray Elementary School Murray 23.0 mi 5.6
Murray Jr/Sr High Murray 23.0 mi 5.9
NORTH HARRISON ELEM. Eagleville 23.0 mi 7.9

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

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Collins-Maxwell Middle/High School Maxwell, IA 7.3
Earlham Senior High School Earlham, IA 7.3
Edgewood-Colesburg High School Edgewood, IA 7.3
English Valleys Jr-Sr High School North English, IA 7.3
Louisa-Muscatine JR/SR High School Letts, IA 7.3
Sidney High School Sidney, IA 7.3

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 ranks #421 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 current MySchoolScout rating of 7.3 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 Central Decatur Ms/hs High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Central Decatur Ms/hs High School has 66% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 73% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
17 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
29 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
35.5%
4-Year Graduation
90%+

District

Central Decatur Comm School District
District Enrollment
668
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,664
District Rank
#3 of 3

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