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Very Good

#497 of 1,280 schools in IA

Top 39% in state

Clarion-goldfield-dows Middle School

Middle School · Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Comm School District

300 3rd Ave NE, Clarion, IA 50525

Enrollment

195

Student-Teacher

17.7:1

Score

7.0

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#497 of 1,280

In Clarion

#1 of 3

public schools

In district

#1 of 3

Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Comm School District

Academic growth

8.3 / 10

Excellent

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Clarion-goldfield-dows Middle School

7.0/10

Middle School in Clarion · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Clarion-goldfield-dows Elementary School

4.8/10

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 Middle School

Clarion-goldfield-dows Middle School is a public middle school in Clarion, IA, part of Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Comm School District. Clarion-goldfield-dows Middle School serves approximately 195 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 17.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Clarion-goldfield-dows Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.0 out of 10 and ranks #497 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Clarion-goldfield-dows Middle School show 80% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 73% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.3 pts above IA schools
  • This school 7.0 · Very Good
  • IA avg 6.7

What Parents Should Know

At 195 students, Clarion-goldfield-dows Middle School 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.

Clarion-goldfield-dows Middle 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 Progress8.3Excellent40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-0.21 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics7.5Very Good35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency78.5% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency73.6% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg+6.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+2.9 pts
Overall Proficiency76% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)70% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected+6.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile63th
Resources & Environment4.1Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,007
Chronic Absenteeism14.9%

Clarion-goldfield-dows Middle School — Students at Clarion-goldfield-dows Middle School score 76% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 70%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

45.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 79.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
73.1% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 73.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
75.3% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 38 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
82%
ELA
76%
2011
Math
85%
ELA
60%
2012
Math
78%
ELA
66%
2013
Math
80%
ELA
69%
2014
Math
81%
ELA
80%
2015
Math
82%
ELA
82%
2016
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2017
Math
84%
ELA
76%
2018
Math
78%
ELA
73%
2019
Math
78%
ELA
73%
2020*
Math
77%
ELA
74%
2021*
Math
77%
ELA
74%
2022
Math
75%
ELA
63%
2025
Math
78.4%
ELA
73.6%

* 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: 8.3/10.

How Clarion-goldfield-dows Middle School Compares

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

Overall Score
7.0/10
61th percentile in IA
Academic
7.5/10
Very Good
Growth
8.3/10
Excellent
Environment
4.1/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
46%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
11 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
14.9%

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

300 3rd Ave NE, Clarion, IA 50525

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Clarion-goldfield-dows Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. West Hancock Middle School (rated 8.6/10, 14.2 miles away, in nearby Kanawha), which scores notably higher. Another option is Webster City Middle School (rated 5.8/10, 19.2 miles away, in nearby Webster City), a more accessible option. Additionally, Robert Blue School (rated 3.7/10, 10.5 miles away, in nearby Eagle Grove), a more accessible option. For more schools in Clarion, see our Clarion schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 25.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Elementary School Clarion 0.0 mi 4.8
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 10.5 mi 3.7
Eagle Grove Elementary Eagle Grove 10.5 mi 3.9
West Hancock Middle School Kanawha 14.2 mi 8.6
Northeast Hamilton Elementary School Webster City 18.3 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
Webster City High School Webster City 19.4 mi 5.6
Pleasant View Elementary School Webster City 19.7 mi 7.5
ST PAULS LUTHERAN SCHOOL Latimer 18.3 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
South Hardin Middle School Hubbard, IA 7.0
West Marshall Middle School State Center, IA 7.0
BCLUW Middle School Union, IA 7.1
Pleasantville Middle School Pleasantville, IA 6.9
Remsen-Union Middle School Remsen, IA 6.9
West Fork Middle School Sheffield, IA 7.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Clarion-goldfield-dows Middle School

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

Clarion-goldfield-dows Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

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

Clarion-goldfield-dows Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 195 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Clarion-goldfield-dows Middle School is 17.7:1. 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 Middle School rank in IA?

Clarion-goldfield-dows Middle School ranks #497 of 1,280 schools in IA.

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

Clarion-goldfield-dows Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.0 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 Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Clarion-goldfield-dows Middle School has 80% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 73% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

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

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

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

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

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

45.6% of students at Clarion-goldfield-dows Middle 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
6th – 8th
Enrollment
195
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
11
Free/Reduced Lunch
45.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Wright County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
14.9%

District

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

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