Skip to main content

Excellent

#84 of 1,280 schools in IA

Top 7% in state

Columbus Community High School

High School · Columbus Comm School District

1004 Colton St, Columbus Junction, IA 52738

Enrollment

203

Student-Teacher

10.2:1

Score

8.1

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Columbus Junction

#1 of 3

public schools

Iowa high schools

#6 of 334

In district

#1 of 3

Columbus Comm School District

Academic growth

9.9 / 10

Exceptional

About Columbus Community High School

Columbus Community High School is a regular public high school located in the rural setting of Columbus Junction, Iowa. The school serves students from ninth to twelfth grade with an enrollment of 203 students and boasts a student-teacher ratio of 10.2:1, ensuring that each student receives personalized attention. With 20 full-time equivalent teachers, the school is well-equipped to support its diverse range of academic programs.

Columbus Community High School has a MySchoolScout rating of 6.3 out of 10 and ranks at #414 among Iowa's 1288 schools, placing it in the 68th percentile statewide. The school’s academic performance is highlighted by ELA/Reading scores with 66% of students meeting proficiency standards, Math scores showing 53% proficiency, and Science scores demonstrating 56% proficiency. While there are opportunities for improvement in test performance, Columbus Community High School continues to focus on student development and overall well-being.

The rural setting offers a close-knit community atmosphere where students can thrive both academically and socially.

What Parents Should Know

Located in a rural area, Columbus Community 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 metrics
Student Progress9.9Exceptional25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data4
Annual Change+4.12 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2025
TrendImproving
Academics6.0Above Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency52%
Reading/ELA Proficiency72%
Math vs. State Avg-14.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-5.1 pts
Overall Proficiency62%
Expected (poverty-adj.)59%
vs. Expected+3.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile43th
College Readiness7.6Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment9.3Exceptional20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio10.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,306

Columbus Community High School — Students at Columbus Community High School score 62% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 59%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

57.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 52.6%
School
State
67.3%
ELA Proficiency 65.6%
School
State
74.2%

Based on 13 test records from IA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2019
Math
44.5%
ELA
44.5%
2021*
Math
37%
ELA
52%
2022
Math
52%
ELA
72%
2025
Math
60.6%
ELA
75.1%

* 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: 9.9/10.

How Columbus Community High School Compares

See how Columbus Community High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
8.1/10
94th percentile in IA
Academic
6.0/10
6.0/10
Growth
9.9/10
Above average
Environment
9.3/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
57%
Teaching Staff
10:1 student-teacher ratio
20 teachers

Location

1004 Colton St, Columbus Junction, IA 52738

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Columbus Community High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Wapello Senior High School (rated 6.8/10, 11.2 miles away, in nearby Wapello), a more accessible option. Another option is WACO High School (rated 6.7/10, 17.2 miles away, in nearby Wayland), a more accessible option. Additionally, Highland High School (rated 6.4/10, 13.2 miles away, in nearby Riverside), a more accessible option. For more schools in Columbus Junction, see our Columbus Junction schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 16.8 mi
School Distance Rating
Columbus Community Junior High School Columbus Junction 0.0 mi 6.7
Roundy Elementary School Columbus Junction 0.2 mi 7.2
Winfield Elementary School Winfield 10.6 mi 5.4
Winfield-Mt Union Jr-Sr High School Winfield 10.6 mi 4.9
Louisa-Muscatine Elementary Letts 8.7 mi 8.0
Louisa-Muscatine JR/SR High School Letts 8.9 mi 6.0
WACO Elementary School Crawfordsville 9.7 mi 5.8
Wapello Elementary School Wapello 10.9 mi 7.4
Wapello Senior High School Wapello 11.2 mi 6.8
Wapello Junior High School Wapello 11.2 mi 6.1
Morning Sun Elementary School Morning Sun 13.5 mi 8.0
Lone Tree Elementary School Lone Tree 15.1 mi 7.1
Lone Tree Middle-Senior High School Lone Tree 15.1 mi 5.8
Highland High School Riverside 13.2 mi 6.4
Highland Middle School Riverside 13.2 mi 5.9
Highland Elementary School Riverside 18.4 mi 7.1
WACO High School Wayland 17.2 mi 6.7
Lincoln Upper Elementary School Washington 16.7 mi 7.2
West Liberty Middle School West Liberty 21.8 mi 5.0
Washington Middle School Washington 16.8 mi 7.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 52738 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$83,953

Median Home Value

$135,900

Median Rent

$635/mo

Population

3,389

College Educated

20.9%

Homeownership

84%

Avg Commute

25.2 min

Poverty Rate

11.6%

Median Age

37.8

Community Profile

The community surrounding Columbus Community High School has a median household income of $83,953. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $135,900, with a median rent of $635/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.6%. The average commute for residents is 25 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Gladbrook-Reinbeck Jr. High & High School Reinbeck, IA 8.1
Wayne Community Jr-Sr High School Corydon, IA 8.1
Clayton Ridge High School Guttenberg, IA 8.0
East Mills Jr/Sr High School Hastings, IA 8.0
North Butler Jr/Sr High School Greene, IA 8.0
Treynor High School Treynor, IA 8.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Columbus Community High School

What grades does Columbus Community High School serve?

Columbus Community High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Columbus Community High School?

Columbus Community High School has an enrollment of approximately 203 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Columbus Community High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Columbus Community High School is 10.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Columbus Community High School rank in IA?

Columbus Community High School is ranked #84 out of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Columbus Community High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Columbus Community High School has a composite rating of 8.1 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 Columbus Community High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Columbus Community High School has 52.6% math proficiency and 65.6% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Columbus Community High School a charter school?

No, Columbus Community High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Columbus Community High School a Title I school?

No, Columbus Community High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Columbus Community High School?

57.1% of students at Columbus Community 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
County Safety
Average (514/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
203
Student-Teacher Ratio
10.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
20
Free/Reduced Lunch
57.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Louisa County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Columbus Comm School District
District Enrollment
686
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,780
District Rank
#1 of 3

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 methodology

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.