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Very Good

#286 of 1,280 schools in IA

Top 22% in state

Colo-nesco Middle/high School

High School · Colo-NESCO Comm School District

PO BOX 136 919 West St, Colo, IA 50056

Enrollment

219

Student-Teacher

10.4:1

Score

7.8

Grades

5th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#286 of 1,280

In district

#1 of 2

Colo-NESCO Comm School District

School environment

9.0 / 10

Excellent

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Colo-nesco Middle/high School

7.8/10

High School in Colo · grades 5th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Collins-maxwell Elementary School

7.5/10

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

Nevada Middle School

8.5/10

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

About Colo-nesco Middle/high School

Colo-nesco Middle/high School is a public high school in Colo, IA, part of Colo-NESCO Comm School District. Colo-nesco Middle/high School serves approximately 219 students, and covers grades 5th-12th, and has a 10.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Colo-nesco Middle/high School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 out of 10 and ranks #286 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Colo-nesco Middle/high School show 75% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 76% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.8 pts above IA schools
  • This school 7.8 · Very Good
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

Colo-nesco Middle/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 Progress8.1Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-0.26 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics6.3Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency70.3% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency76.1% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-1.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+5.4 pts
Overall Proficiency73% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)71% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected+2.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile48th
College Readiness8.1Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate80%+
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment9.0Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio10.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,910
Chronic Absenteeism25.1%

Colo-nesco Middle/high School — Students at Colo-nesco Middle/high School score 73% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 71%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

43.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 75.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
70.6% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 76.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
74.8% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 45 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
69.5%
ELA
69.5%
2010
Math
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2011
Math
77%
ELA
67%
2012
Math
77%
ELA
72%
2013
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2014
Math
87%
ELA
82%
2015
Math
82%
ELA
82%
2016
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2017
Math
77%
ELA
77%
2018
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2019
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2020*
Math
67%
ELA
76%
2021*
Math
67%
ELA
76%
2022
Math
67%
ELA
72%
2025
Math
70.3%
ELA
76.1%

* 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: 8.1/10.

How Colo-nesco Middle/high School Compares

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

Overall Score
7.8/10
78th percentile in IA
Academic
6.3/10
Average
Growth
8.1/10
Excellent
Environment
9.0/10
Excellent
Sports
12
6 boys' · 6 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
43%
Teaching Staff
10:1 student-teacher ratio
21 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
25.1%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics12sports offered
6 boys'·6 girls'·20 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

PO BOX 136 919 West St, Colo, IA 50056

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Colo-nesco Middle/high School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Collins-Maxwell Middle/High School (rated 7.3/10, 9.2 miles away, in nearby Maxwell), with a comparable rating. Another option is West Marshall High School (rated 6.0/10, 7.6 miles away, in nearby State Center), a more accessible option. Additionally, Nevada High School (rated 5.7/10, 6.3 miles away, in nearby Nevada), a more accessible option. For more schools in Colo, see our Colo schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 16.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Collins-Maxwell Elementary School Collins 7.5 mi 7.5
Nevada Middle School Nevada 6.3 mi 8.5
Nevada High School Nevada 6.3 mi 5.7
Central Elementary School Nevada 6.7 mi 8.6
Collins-Maxwell Middle/High School Maxwell 9.2 mi 7.3
West Marshall Middle School State Center 7.5 mi 7.0
West Marshall High School State Center 7.6 mi 6.0
West Marshall Elementary School State Center 7.8 mi 5.9
Colo-Nesco Elementary School Zearing 10.8 mi 4.5
Roland-Story Middle School Roland 14.2 mi 8.1
Baxter Elementary School Baxter 15.4 mi 8.4
Baxter High School Baxter 15.4 mi 5.1
Ballard East Elementary Cambridge 14.0 mi 8.3
Mitchell Elementary School Ames 14.6 mi 6.3
South Hardin Middle School Hubbard 20.3 mi 7.0
Meeker Elementary School Ames 15.4 mi 5.6
Northwood Pre-School Ames 15.7 mi 4.3
AMES CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Ames 15.8 mi 6.5
Ballard Middle School Huxley 16.8 mi 8.4
Fellows Elementary School Ames 16.1 mi 6.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 50056 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$79,667

Median Home Value

$184,300

Median Rent

$1,054/mo

Population

1,122

College Educated

24.9%

Homeownership

85.5%

Avg Commute

28.7 min

Poverty Rate

3.9%

Median Age

40.8

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Grundy Center High School Grundy Center, IA 7.8
Lenox High School Lenox, IA 7.8
Riceville High School Riceville, IA 7.8
Rockford Junior-Senior High School Rockford, IA 7.8
Belmond-Klemme Community Jr-Sr High School Belmond, IA 7.7
Boyer Valley Middle/High School Dunlap, IA 7.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Colo-nesco Middle/high School

What grades does Colo-nesco Middle/high School serve?

Colo-nesco Middle/high School serves students in grades 5th through 12th.

How many students attend Colo-nesco Middle/high School?

Colo-nesco Middle/high School has an enrollment of approximately 219 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Colo-nesco Middle/high School is 10.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Colo-nesco Middle/high School rank in IA?

Colo-nesco Middle/high School ranks #286 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Colo-nesco Middle/high School's MySchoolScout rating?

Colo-nesco Middle/high School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 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 Colo-nesco Middle/high School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Colo-nesco Middle/high School has 75% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 76% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Colo-nesco Middle/high School a charter school?

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

Is Colo-nesco Middle/high School a Title I school?

No, Colo-nesco Middle/high School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Colo-nesco Middle/high School?

43.4% of students at Colo-nesco Middle/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
10 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
28 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
5th – 12th
Enrollment
219
Student-Teacher Ratio
10.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
21
Free/Reduced Lunch
43.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Story County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
25.1%
4-Year Graduation
80%+

District

Colo-NESCO Comm School District
District Enrollment
383
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,910
District Rank
#1 of 2

Other Schools in This District

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