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Below Average

#1022 of 1,280 schools in IA

Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School

Elementary School · Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Comm School District

319 3rd Ave NE, Clarion, IA 50525

Enrollment

517

Student-Teacher

14.4:1

Score

4.8

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#1,022 of 1,280

In Clarion

#3 of 3

public schools

In district

#3 of 3

Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Comm School District

School environment

8.2 / 10

Excellent

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Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School

4.8/10

Elementary School in Clarion · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Clarion-goldfield-dows Middle School

7.0/10

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

Clarion-goldfield-dows High School

6.4/10

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

About Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School

Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School is a public elementary school in Clarion, IA, part of Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Comm School District. Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School serves approximately 517 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 14.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10 and ranks #1,022 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School show 73% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.7 pts below IA schools
  • This school 4.8 · Below Average
  • IA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary 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 · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.1Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.56 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics5.4Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency71.9% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency62% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-4.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-7 pts
Overall Proficiency67% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)66% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected+1.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile36th
Resources & Environment8.2Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,007
Chronic Absenteeism9.3%

Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School — Students at Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School score 67% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 66%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

53.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 73.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
75.9% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 67.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
73.1% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 32 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
87%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2012
Math
82%
ELA
82%
2013
Math
82%
ELA
72%
2014
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2015
Math
80%
ELA
74%
2016
Math
72%
ELA
69%
2017
Math
72%
ELA
70%
2018
Math
67%
ELA
57%
2019
Math
67%
ELA
57%
2020*
Math
62%
ELA
52%
2021*
Math
62%
ELA
52%
2022
Math
62%
ELA
62%
2025
Math
71.9%
ELA
62.1%

* 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: 3.1/10.

How Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School Compares

See how Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.8/10
20th percentile in IA
Academic
5.4/10
Average
Growth
3.1/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
8.2/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
53%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
36 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
9.3%

Programs & Offerings

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

319 3rd Ave NE, Clarion, IA 50525

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. CAL Elementary School (rated 9.7/10, 18.3 miles away, in nearby Latimer), which scores notably higher. Another option is West Hancock Elementary School (rated 8.5/10, 25.0 miles away, in nearby Britt), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Pleasant View Elementary School (rated 7.5/10, 19.6 miles away, in nearby Webster City), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Clarion, see our Clarion schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 25.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Middle School Clarion 0.0 mi 7.0
Clarion-Goldfield-Dows High School Clarion 0.5 mi 6.4
Belmond-Klemme Alternative School Belmond 9.6 mi
Belmond-Klemme Community Jr-Sr High School Belmond 10.1 mi 7.7
Richard O. Jacobson Elementary School Belmond 10.2 mi 4.1
Eagle Grove High School Eagle Grove 10.2 mi 4.6
Robert Blue School Eagle Grove 10.6 mi 3.7
Eagle Grove Elementary Eagle Grove 10.5 mi 3.9
West Hancock Middle School Kanawha 14.3 mi 8.6
Northeast Hamilton Elementary School Webster City 18.2 mi 4.8
ST THOMAS AQUINAS SCHOOL Webster City 19.2 mi 6.5
Webster City Middle School Webster City 19.2 mi 5.8
Sunset Heights Elementary School Webster City 19.5 mi 6.5
Pleasant View Elementary School Webster City 19.6 mi 7.5
Webster City High School Webster City 19.4 mi 5.6
ST PAULS LUTHERAN SCHOOL Latimer 18.2 mi 6.5
CAL Elementary School Latimer 18.3 mi 9.7
West Hancock Elementary School Britt 25.0 mi 8.5
West Hancock High School Britt 25.1 mi 8.9
Garner-Hayfield-Ventura High School Garner 25.2 mi 8.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 50525 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$59,875

Median Home Value

$117,300

Median Rent

$763/mo

Population

3,196

College Educated

25.1%

Homeownership

69%

Poverty Rate

13%

Median Age

45.9

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Denison Elementary School Denison, IA 4.8
Horizon Elementary Johnston, IA 4.8
Neil Armstrong Elementary School Eldridge, IA 4.8
ST PIUS X CATHOLIC SCHOOL Urbandale, IA 4.8
Wilson Elementary School Ottumwa, IA 4.8
Jefferson Elementary School Clinton, IA 4.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School

What grades does Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School serve?

Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School?

Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 517 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Clarion-goldfield-dows 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 Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School rank in IA?

Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School ranks #1,022 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 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 Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School has 73% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School a charter school?

No, Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School?

53.2% of students at Clarion-goldfield-dows 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
48 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
54 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
517
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
36
Free/Reduced Lunch
53.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Wright County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
9.3%

District

Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Comm School District
District Enrollment
1,010
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,007
District Rank
#3 of 3

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