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Below Average

#998 of 1,280 schools in IA

Central Middle School/high School

High School · Central Comm School District

400 First St NW, Elkader, IA 52043

Enrollment

202

Student-Teacher

13.5:1

Score

4.9

Grades

7th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#998 of 1,280

In Elkader

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#2 of 2

Central Comm School District

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Central Middle School/high School

4.9/10

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

Central Elementary

8.1/10

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

Clayton Ridge Elementary School

8.4/10

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

About Central Middle School/high School

Central Middle School/high School is a public high school in Elkader, IA, part of Central Comm School District. Central Middle School/high School serves approximately 202 students, and covers grades 7th-12th, and has a 13.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Central Middle School/high School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 out of 10 and ranks #998 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Central Middle School/high School show 65% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.1 pts below IA schools
  • This school 4.9 · Below Average
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

Central Middle School/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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress4.0Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.25 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics3.6Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency57.7% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency71.6% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-14.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-4.2 pts
Overall Proficiency65% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)76% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected-11.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile17th
College Readiness5.7Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate90%+
AP Participation6.4%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment6.3Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,478
Chronic Absenteeism23.3%

Central Middle School/high School — Students at Central Middle School/high School score 65% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 76%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

34.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 65.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
69.9% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 72.2% (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
82%
ELA
77%
2010
Math
72%
ELA
67%
2011
Math
72%
ELA
67%
2012
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2013
Math
82%
ELA
82%
2014
Math
87%
ELA
82%
2015
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2016
Math
77%
ELA
77%
2017
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2018
Math
57%
ELA
62%
2019
Math
57%
ELA
62%
2020*
Math
47%
ELA
72%
2021*
Math
47%
ELA
72%
2022
Math
47%
ELA
67%
2025
Math
57.7%
ELA
71.6%

* 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: 4.0/10.

How Central Middle School/high School Compares

See how Central Middle School/high School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.9/10
22th percentile in IA
Academic
3.6/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
4.0/10
Below Average
Environment
6.3/10
Average
Sports
13
7 boys' · 6 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
34%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
15 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
23.3%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics13sports offered
7 boys'·6 girls'·27 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 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

400 First St NW, Elkader, IA 52043

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Central Middle School/high School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Edgewood-Colesburg High School (rated 7.3/10, 14.6 miles away, in nearby Edgewood), which scores notably higher. Another option is MFL MarMac High School (rated 6.8/10, 13.1 miles away, in nearby Monona), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Starmont High School (rated 6.5/10, 16.8 miles away, in nearby Arlington), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Elkader, see our Elkader schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 16.5 mi
School Distance Rating
Central Elementary Elkader 0.0 mi 8.1
Clayton Ridge Elementary School Garnavillo 8.4 mi 8.4
MFL MarMac High School Monona 13.1 mi 6.8
MFL MarMac Elementary School Monona 13.1 mi 8.0
Edgewood-Colesburg High School Edgewood 14.6 mi 7.3
Valley Elementary School Elgin 14.8 mi 8.3
North Fayette Valley Middle School Elgin 14.8 mi 8.2
McGregor Intermediate School Mcgregor 15.9 mi 5.9
MFL MarMac Middle School Mcgregor 15.9 mi 8.9
Cora B Darling Elementary Postville 17.7 mi 6.1
John R Mott Jr/Hi School Postville 17.7 mi 6.0
Postville Early Childhood Preschool/Post St/REC Center Postville 17.8 mi
Postville Early Childhood/Ogden St Postville 17.8 mi
Starmont Elementary School Arlington 16.8 mi 5.7
Starmont High School Arlington 16.8 mi 6.5
Starmont Middle School Arlington 16.8 mi 6.1
Edgewood-Colesburg Elementary School Edgewood 18.4 mi 7.4
Prairie du Chien Correctional Inst Prairie Du Chien 18.1 mi
Iowa Virtual Academy Guttenberg 16.5 mi 3.6
Clayton Ridge Middle School Guttenberg 16.5 mi 6.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 52043 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$65,202

Median Home Value

$145,000

Median Rent

$839/mo

Population

1,853

College Educated

21.6%

Homeownership

78.1%

Poverty Rate

7.2%

Median Age

50.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Easton Valley Junior High / High School Preston, IA 5.0
Tri-Center High School Neola, IA 4.8
Turkey Valley Jr-Sr High School Jackson Junction, IA 4.8
Baxter High School Baxter, IA 5.1
North Tama High School Traer, IA 5.1
CAM Jr./Sr. High School Anita, IA 4.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Central Middle School/high School

What grades does Central Middle School/high School serve?

Central Middle School/high School serves students in grades 7th through 12th.

How many students attend Central Middle School/high School?

Central Middle School/high School has an enrollment of approximately 202 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Central Middle School/high School?

The student-teacher ratio at Central Middle School/high School is 13.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Central Middle School/high School rank in IA?

Central Middle School/high School ranks #998 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Central Middle School/high School's MySchoolScout rating?

Central Middle School/high School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 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 Middle School/high School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Central Middle School/high School has 65% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Central Middle School/high School a charter school?

No, Central Middle School/high School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Central Middle School/high School a Title I school?

No, Central Middle School/high School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central Middle School/high School?

34.2% of students at Central Middle School/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
57 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
35 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
202
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
15
Free/Reduced Lunch
34.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Clayton County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
23.3%
4-Year Graduation
90%+

District

Central Comm School District
District Enrollment
479
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,478
District Rank
#2 of 2

Other Schools in This District

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