Skip to main content

Very Good

#339 of 1,280 schools in IA

Top 26% in state

Decorah High School

High School · Decorah Community School District

100 Claiborne Drive, Decorah, IA 52101

Enrollment

569

Student-Teacher

15:1

Score

7.6

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#339 of 1,280

In Decorah

#3 of 4

public schools

In district

#3 of 4

Decorah Community School District

Equity

9.4 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Decorah High School?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Decorah High School

7.6/10

High School in Decorah · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

John Cline Elementary School

8.1/10

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

Ne Iowa Montessori School

6.6/10

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

About Decorah High School

Decorah High School is a public high school in Decorah, IA, part of Decorah Community School District. Decorah High School serves approximately 569 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 15:1 student-teacher ratio. Decorah High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.6 out of 10 and ranks #339 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Decorah High School show 92% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 93% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.6 pts above IA schools
  • This school 7.6 · Very Good
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

Decorah 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 Progress7.9Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-0.33 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics9.2Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency88.5% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency89.5% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg+22 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+12.4 pts
Overall Proficiency89% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)82% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected+6.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile88th
College Readiness6.4Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate95%+
AP Participation10.4%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment6.9Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,870
Chronic Absenteeism16.5%

Decorah High School — Students at Decorah High School score 89% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 82%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

22.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 91.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
67.3% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 92.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
74.2% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 35 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
92%
ELA
92%
2010
Math
92%
ELA
92%
2011
Math
92%
ELA
97.5%
2012
Math
92%
ELA
92%
2013
Math
97.5%
ELA
92%
2014
Math
97.5%
ELA
97.5%
2015
Math
97.5%
ELA
92%
2016
Math
97.5%
ELA
97.5%
2017
Math
97.5%
ELA
97.5%
2018
Math
92%
ELA
92%
2019
Math
92%
ELA
92%
2020*
Math
85%
ELA
92%
2021*
Math
85%
ELA
92%
2022
Math
83%
ELA
92%
2025
Math
88.5%
ELA
89.5%

* 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: 7.9/10.

How Decorah High School Compares

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

Overall Score
7.6/10
74th percentile in IA
Academic
9.2/10
Excellent
Growth
7.9/10
Very Good
Environment
6.9/10
Average
AP Courses
2
State avg: 1.7
Sports
22
11 boys' · 11 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
23%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
38 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
16.5%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
10.4% participation·State avg: 1.7 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics22sports offered
11 boys'·11 girls'·47 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

100 Claiborne Drive, Decorah, IA 52101

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Decorah High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. MABEL-CANTON SECONDARY (rated 8.6/10, 14.7 miles away, in nearby Mabel), which scores slightly higher. Another option is South Winneshiek High School (rated 8.2/10, 9.6 miles away, in nearby Calmar), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Waukon High School (rated 8.0/10, 14.9 miles away, in nearby Waukon), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Decorah, see our Decorah schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 18.7 mi
School Distance Rating
John Cline Elementary School Decorah 0.1 mi 8.1
NE IOWA MONTESSORI SCHOOL Decorah 0.3 mi 6.6
Decorah Middle School Decorah 0.4 mi 8.6
Carrie Lee Elementary Decorah 0.5 mi 7.3
CROSSROADS ACADEMY Decorah 0.5 mi
ST BENEDICT SCHOOL Decorah 0.7 mi 6.0
KINDERHAUS Decorah 1.0 mi
South Winneshiek High School Calmar 9.6 mi 8.2
South Winneshiek Elementary School Ossian 11.4 mi 8.4
South Winneshiek Middle School Ossian 11.4 mi 8.7
MABEL-CANTON SECONDARY Mabel 14.7 mi 8.6
MABEL-CANTON ELEMENTARY Mabel 14.7 mi 7.3
VALLEY VIEW Mabel 15.9 mi
SPRING GROVE ELEMENTARY Spring Grove 19.0 mi 8.5
SPRING GROVE SECONDARY Spring Grove 19.0 mi 7.9
Waukon High School Waukon 14.9 mi 8.0
Waukon Middle School Waukon 15.0 mi 8.0
West Campus Elementary School Waukon 15.1 mi 8.0
East Campus Elementary School Waukon 15.4 mi 8.4
Postville Early Childhood/Ogden St Postville 18.7 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 52101 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$70,046

Median Home Value

$249,500

Median Rent

$813/mo

Population

12,539

College Educated

39%

Homeownership

74.3%

Avg Commute

16.7 min

Poverty Rate

8.9%

Median Age

42.6

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Creston High School Creston, IA 7.6
Cascade Junior-Senior High School Cascade, IA 7.5
Vinton-Shellsburg High School Vinton, IA 7.5
Van Buren County Community Middle & High School Keosauqua, IA 7.8
ADM Senior High School Adel, IA 7.3
Louisa-Muscatine JR/SR High School Letts, IA 7.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Decorah High School

What grades does Decorah High School serve?

Decorah High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Decorah High School?

Decorah High School has an enrollment of approximately 569 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Decorah High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Decorah High School is 15:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Decorah High School rank in IA?

Decorah High School ranks #339 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Decorah High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Decorah High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.6 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 Decorah High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Decorah High School has 92% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 93% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Decorah High School a charter school?

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

Is Decorah High School a Title I school?

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

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

22.7% of students at Decorah 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
79 Very Walkable
Bike Score
86 Very Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
569
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
Teachers (FTE)
38
Free/Reduced Lunch
22.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Winneshiek County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
16.5%
4-Year Graduation
95%+

District

Decorah Community School District
District Enrollment
1,640
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,870
District Rank
#3 of 4

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

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.