Average
#995 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
5.3
Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
202
Student-Teacher
13.5:1
Score
5.3
Grades
7th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Elkader
#2 of 2
public schools
Iowa high schools
#242 of 334
In district
#2 of 2
Central Comm School District
Academic growth
7.1 / 10
Strong
About Central Middle School/high School
Central Middle School/High School in Elkader, Iowa, is a small rural school serving students from seventh through twelfth grade. With an enrollment of 202 students and a student-teacher ratio of 13.5:1, the school offers personalized attention to each student. Central Middle School/High School has 15 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to supporting its diverse range of learners.
The academic performance at Central Middle School/High School is currently in need of improvement, with a MySchoolScout rating of 3.6 out of 10 and a state ranking of #1091 out of 1288 schools in Iowa, placing it in the 15th percentile. The school's proficiency rates for ELA/Reading are at 70%, while Math is at 55% and Science at 50%. These scores indicate areas where further academic growth could benefit students.
Central Middle School/High School is located in a remote rural area, providing a tight-knit community feel. The school fosters connections between staff, students, and families within this supportive environment.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at Central Middle School/high School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
Located in a rural area, Central Middle School/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
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Central Middle School/high School — Students at Central Middle School/high School score 57% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 72%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
34.2%
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
→ StableAverage 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: 7.1/10.
How Central Middle School/high School Compares
See how Central Middle School/high School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 57% (2019) to 47% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 62% (2019) to 67% (2022).
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. John R Mott Jr/Hi School (rated 7.6/10, 17.7 miles away, in nearby Postville), which scores notably higher. Another option is Starmont High School (rated 6.6/10, 16.8 miles away, in nearby Arlington), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Edgewood-Colesburg High School (rated 5.8/10, 14.6 miles away, in nearby Edgewood), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Elkader, see our Elkader schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 16.5 miNeighborhood 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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Central Middle School/high School has a median household income of $65,202. It is a community where 22% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $145,000, with a median rent of $839/month. The local poverty rate of 7.2% is relatively low. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Easton Valley Junior High / High School Preston, IA | 5.3 |
| North Tama High School Traer, IA | 5.3 |
| Walnut Creek Campus West Des Moines, IA | 5.3 |
| Iowa Valley Jr-Sr High School Marengo, IA | 5.2 |
| Woodward-Granger High School Woodward, IA | 5.2 |
| Grundy Center High School Grundy Center, IA | 5.4 |
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 is ranked #995 out of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Central Middle School/high School's MySchoolScout rating?
Central Middle School/high School has a composite rating of 5.3 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 Middle School/high School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Central Middle School/high School has 54.9% math proficiency and 69.9% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Low (123/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
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
- Phone
- (563) 245-1750
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
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
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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