Average
#573 of 1,280 schools in IA
Top 45% in state
Dayton Center
Elementary School · Southeast Valley Community School District
PO BOX 26 104 2nd St. NW, Dayton, IA 50530
Enrollment
205
Student-Teacher
12.1:1
Score
6.8
Grades
Pre-K – 4th
Enrollment
205
Student-Teacher
12.1:1
Score
6.8
Grades
Pre-K – 4th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa schools
#573 of 1,280
In district
#2 of 2
Southeast Valley Community School District
School environment
9.8 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Dayton Center?
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Dayton Center
Elementary School in Dayton · grades Pre-K – 4th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Southeast Valley Middle School
5.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Stratford Elementary
7.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Dayton Center
Dayton Center is a public elementary school in Dayton, IA, part of Southeast Valley Community School District. Dayton Center serves approximately 205 students, and covers grades Pre-K-4th, and has a 12.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Dayton Center has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.8 out of 10 and ranks #573 of 1,280 schools in IA.
Structured state assessment records for Dayton Center show 83% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 77% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.8 · Average
- IA avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
Dayton Center 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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Dayton Center — Students at Dayton Center score 70% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 70%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
46.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 32 test records from IA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 6.1/10.
How Dayton Center Compares
See how Dayton Center performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
PO BOX 26 104 2nd St. NW, Dayton, IA 50530
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Dayton Center may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Ogden Elementary School (rated 9.0/10, 15.4 miles away, in nearby Ogden), which scores notably higher. Another option is COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (rated 8.1/10, 16.7 miles away, in nearby Fort Dodge), which scores notably higher. Additionally, SACRED HEART SCHOOL (rated 6.8/10, 16.7 miles away, in nearby Boone), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Dayton, see our Dayton schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 18.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Valley Middle School Burnside | 5.7 mi | 7.0 |
| Stratford Elementary Stratford | 7.4 mi | 5.1 |
| Ogden Elementary School Ogden | 15.4 mi | 9.0 |
| Ogden Middle School Ogden | 16.0 mi | 5.5 |
| Ogden High School Ogden | 16.0 mi | 7.6 |
| COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Fort Dodge | 16.7 mi | 8.1 |
| Butler Elementary School Fort Dodge | 16.8 mi | 2.7 |
| Franklin Elementary School Boone | 16.0 mi | 6.7 |
| ST PAUL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Fort Dodge | 17.4 mi | 5.3 |
| Early Childhood Center Fort Dodge | 17.5 mi | 5.8 |
| Fort Dodge Middle School Fort Dodge | 17.9 mi | 5.0 |
| ST EDMOND CATHOLIC SCHOOL Fort Dodge | 17.9 mi | 5.3 |
| ST EDMOND CATHOLIC SCHOOL Fort Dodge | 17.9 mi | 5.0 |
| Fort Dodge High School Fort Dodge | 17.9 mi | 2.9 |
| Duncombe Elementary School Fort Dodge | 18.0 mi | 3.3 |
| TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Boone | 16.6 mi | 5.8 |
| Boone High School Boone | 16.8 mi | 4.9 |
| Cooper Elementary School Fort Dodge | 18.4 mi | 3.1 |
| SACRED HEART SCHOOL Boone | 16.7 mi | 6.8 |
| Feelhaver Elementary School Fort Dodge | 18.8 mi | 4.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50530 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$76,473
Median Home Value
$138,900
Median Rent
$542/mo
Population
1,119
College Educated
21.5%
Homeownership
71.7%
Poverty Rate
3.6%
Median Age
43.3
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Clarksville Elementary School Clarksville, IA | 6.8 |
| Creston Early Childhood Center Creston, IA | 6.8 |
| Eisenhower Elementary School Ottumwa, IA | 6.8 |
| English Valleys Elementary School North English, IA | 6.8 |
| Pocahontas Area Elementary School Pocahontas, IA | 6.8 |
| Riceville Elementary School Riceville, IA | 6.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Dayton Center
What grades does Dayton Center serve?
Dayton Center serves students in grades Pre-K through 4th.
How many students attend Dayton Center?
Dayton Center has an enrollment of approximately 205 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Dayton Center?
The student-teacher ratio at Dayton Center is 12.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Dayton Center rank in IA?
Dayton Center ranks #573 of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Dayton Center's MySchoolScout rating?
Dayton Center has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.8 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 Dayton Center?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Dayton Center has 83% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 77% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Dayton Center a charter school?
No, Dayton Center is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Dayton Center a Title I school?
No, Dayton Center is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Dayton Center?
46.3% of students at Dayton Center qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 4th
- Enrollment
- 205
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 17
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 46.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Webster County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 12.7%
- Phone
- (515) 547-2314
Resources & Links
District
Southeast Valley Community School District- District Enrollment
- 1,100
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,011
- District Rank
- #2 of 2
Other Schools in This District
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