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Very Good

#478 of 1,280 schools in IA

Top 37% in state

Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs

Elementary School · Central Springs Comm School District

PO BOX 367 509 N Iowa Ave, Nora Springs, IA 50458

Enrollment

144

Student-Teacher

13.1:1

Score

7.1

Grades

Pre-K – 3rd

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#478 of 1,280

In Nora Springs

#1 of 2

public schools

In district

#1 of 4

Central Springs Comm School District

School environment

8.7 / 10

Excellent

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Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs

7.1/10

Elementary School in Nora Springs · grades Pre-K – 3rd. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Central Springs Middle School

6.2/10

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

Rrmr Elementary School

7.5/10

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

About Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs

Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs is a public elementary school in Nora Springs, IA, part of Central Springs Comm School District. Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs serves approximately 144 students, and covers grades Pre-K-3rd, and has a 13.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 out of 10 and ranks #478 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs show 79% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2025) and 73% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2025).

How it compares0.4 pts above district
  • This school 7.1 · Very Good
  • District avg 6.7
  • IA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

At 144 students, Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs 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 · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress6.0Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-0.76 pts/yr
Data Period2011–2025
TrendStable
Academics7.8Very Good30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency86.5% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency73% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg+9.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+3.9 pts
Overall Proficiency80% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)76% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected+3.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile67th
Resources & Environment8.7Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,820
Chronic Absenteeism12.5%

Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs — Students at Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs score 80% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 76%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

34.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 79.2% (multi-year average, 2011-2025)
School
State
76.7% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 73.1% (multi-year average, 2011-2025)
School
State
69.1% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 26 test records from IA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2011
Math
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2012
Math
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2013
Math
84.5%
ELA
74.5%
2014
Math
74.5%
ELA
84.5%
2015
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2016
Math
74.5%
ELA
74.5%
2017
Math
90%
ELA
90%
2018
Math
69.5%
ELA
69.5%
2019
Math
69.5%
ELA
69.5%
2020*
Math
69.5%
ELA
49.5%
2021*
Math
69.5%
ELA
49.5%
2022
Math
90%
ELA
69.5%
2025
Math
86.5%
ELA
73%

* 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: 6.0/10.

How Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs Compares

See how Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.1/10
63th percentile in IA
Academic
7.8/10
Very Good
Growth
6.0/10
Average
Environment
8.7/10
Excellent

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
35%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
11 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
12.5%

Location

PO BOX 367 509 N Iowa Ave, Nora Springs, IA 50458

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Jefferson Elementary School (rated 8.6/10, 8.6 miles away, in nearby Mason City), which scores notably higher. Another option is RRMR Elementary School (rated 7.5/10, 7.6 miles away, in nearby Rockford), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Harding Elementary School (rated 6.8/10, 9.1 miles away, in nearby Mason City), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Nora Springs, see our Nora Springs schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 13.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Central Springs Middle School Nora Springs 0.0 mi 6.2
RRMR Elementary School Rockford 7.6 mi 7.5
Rockford Junior-Senior High School Rockford 7.6 mi 7.8
Alternative School Mason City 8.2 mi 2.2
Mason City High School Mason City 8.3 mi 3.7
John Adams Middle School Mason City 8.4 mi 5.2
Jefferson Elementary School Mason City 8.6 mi 8.6
Harding Elementary School Mason City 9.1 mi 6.8
NORTH IOWA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Mason City 9.3 mi 5.6
Roosevelt Elementary School Mason City 9.7 mi 6.4
Lincoln Intermediate Mason City 9.8 mi 6.6
Mason City Virtual Academy Mason City 9.8 mi 2.4
Hoover Elementary School Mason City 10.9 mi 4.9
NEWMAN CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Mason City 11.8 mi 6.0
Osage High School Osage 13.3 mi 6.2
Osage Middle School Osage 13.3 mi 6.7
NEWMAN CATHOLIC Mason City 11.9 mi 5.4
Lincoln Elementary School Osage 13.5 mi 6.4
Central Springs Elementary Manly Campus Manly 13.6 mi 6.3
Central Springs High School Manly 13.6 mi 6.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 50458 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$86,336

Median Home Value

$145,100

Median Rent

$808/mo

Population

2,242

College Educated

25.4%

Homeownership

83.2%

Poverty Rate

2.5%

Median Age

41.6

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Earlville Elementary School Earlville, IA 7.1
ST JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL Marion, IA 7.1
Stanton Elementary School Stanton, IA 7.1
Paton-Churdan Elementary Churdan, IA 7.0
SHELDON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Sheldon, IA 7.0
FAITH ACADEMY Iowa City, IA 7.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs

What grades does Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs serve?

Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs serves students in grades Pre-K through 3rd.

How many students attend Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs?

Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs has an enrollment of approximately 144 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs?

The student-teacher ratio at Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs is 13.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs rank in IA?

Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs ranks #478 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs's MySchoolScout rating?

Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 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 Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs has 79% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2025) and 73% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2025).

Is Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs a charter school?

No, Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs a Title I school?

No, Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs?

34.7% of students at Central Springs Elementary School - Nora Springs 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
26 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
34 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 3rd
Enrollment
144
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
11
Free/Reduced Lunch
34.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Floyd County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
12.5%

District

Central Springs Comm School District
District Enrollment
777
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,820
District Rank
#1 of 4

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