Excellent
#15 of 1,280 schools in IA
Top 1% in state
Central Elementary School
Elementary School · Nevada Comm School District
925 H Ave, Nevada, IA 50201
Enrollment
646
Student-Teacher
14.4:1
Score
9.0
Grades
Pre-K – 4th
Enrollment
646
Student-Teacher
14.4:1
Score
9.0
Grades
Pre-K – 4th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Nevada
#1 of 3
public schools
Iowa elementary schools
#15 of 662
In district
#1 of 3
Nevada Comm School District
Academic growth
9.7 / 10
Exceptional
About Central Elementary School
Central Elementary School serves 646 students in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade in Nevada, Iowa. It earns a composite score of 9.0 out of 10 — rated Exceptional — with academic performance at 9.5 and a standout growth score of 9.7. That growth figure signals students here are advancing faster than nearly every other school in the state.
The data backs that up. Central ranks 15th out of 1,280 public schools statewide and outperforms 99% of Iowa schools — a result that places it among the most effective elementary programs anywhere in the state. Among the 662 Iowa elementary schools specifically, it holds the same 15th position, confirming the ranking holds within grade band as well.
With a student-teacher ratio of 14.4 to 1, Central keeps class sizes tight enough for individualized attention during the years when foundational skills are built. For families weighing local options, Central also holds the top spot among the three public schools in Nevada. Parents who prioritize academic momentum and measurable student growth will find few elementary schools in Iowa that match what Central consistently delivers.
Score Breakdown
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Central Elementary School — Students at Central Elementary School score 84% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 70%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
36.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 10 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: 9.7/10.
How Central Elementary School Compares
See how Central Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 77% (2019) to 82% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 70% (2019) to 85% (2022).
Location
925 H Ave, Nevada, IA 50201
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Central Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Collins-Maxwell Elementary School (rated 8.3/10, 11.0 miles away, in nearby Collins), with a comparable rating. Another option is Meeker Elementary School (rated 7.4/10, 8.7 miles away, in nearby Ames), a more accessible option. Additionally, ST CECILIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.2/10, 9.5 miles away, in nearby Ames), a more accessible option. For more schools in Nevada, see our Nevada schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 11.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada High School Nevada | 0.4 mi | 3.8 |
| Nevada Middle School Nevada | 0.5 mi | 8.2 |
| Colo-NESCO Middle/High School Colo | 6.7 mi | 6.6 |
| Collins-Maxwell Middle/High School Maxwell | 9.3 mi | 7.7 |
| Roland-Story Middle School Roland | 10.3 mi | 7.5 |
| Ballard East Elementary Cambridge | 9.7 mi | 5.4 |
| Mitchell Elementary School Ames | 8.1 mi | 6.7 |
| Meeker Elementary School Ames | 8.7 mi | 7.4 |
| Northwood Pre-School Ames | 9.0 mi | 4.0 |
| AMES CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Ames | 9.1 mi | 6.5 |
| Fellows Elementary School Ames | 9.4 mi | 7.1 |
| ST CECILIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Ames | 9.5 mi | 7.2 |
| Collins-Maxwell Elementary School Collins | 11.0 mi | 8.3 |
| Ames High School Ames | 9.6 mi | 5.9 |
| Ballard Middle School Huxley | 11.8 mi | 7.0 |
| Ballard High School Huxley | 12.0 mi | 5.6 |
| Gilbert High School Gilbert | 11.3 mi | 6.2 |
| Gilbert Middle School Gilbert | 11.4 mi | 6.3 |
| Colo-Nesco Elementary School Zearing | 12.7 mi | 6.0 |
| Gilbert Intermediate School Gilbert | 11.6 mi | 4.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50201 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$81,989
Median Home Value
$186,500
Median Rent
$908/mo
Population
8,301
College Educated
32.3%
Homeownership
73.2%
Avg Commute
19.8 min
Poverty Rate
9.2%
Median Age
41
Community Profile
The community surrounding Central Elementary School has a median household income of $81,989. It is an area where 32% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $186,500, with a median rent of $908/month. The local poverty rate of 9.2% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 20 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 |
|---|---|
| Colfax-Mingo Elementary School Colfax, IA | 8.8 |
| Irving Elementary School Waterloo, IA | 8.8 |
| Okoboji Elementary School Milford, IA | 8.6 |
| Perry Elementary Perry, IA | 8.6 |
| Crestwood Elementary School Cresco, IA | 8.4 |
| East Elementary School Sheldon, IA | 8.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central Elementary School
What grades does Central Elementary School serve?
Central Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 4th.
How many students attend Central Elementary School?
Central Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 646 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Central Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Central Elementary School is 14.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Central Elementary School rank in IA?
Central Elementary School is ranked #15 out of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Central Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Central Elementary School has a composite rating of 9.0 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 Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Central Elementary School has 84.3% math proficiency and 79.9% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Central Elementary School a charter school?
No, Central Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Central Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Central Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central Elementary School?
36.5% of students at Central 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.
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Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 4th
- Enrollment
- 646
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 45
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 36.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Town
- County
- Story County
- Phone
- (515) 382-2383
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Nevada Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 1,570
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,613
- District Rank
- #1 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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