Average
#596 of 1,280 schools in IA
Top 47% in state
Dexter Elementary School
Elementary School · West Central Valley Comm School District
PO BOX 157 803 Washington St, Dexter, IA 50070
Enrollment
181
Student-Teacher
13.9:1
Score
6.7
Grades
3rd – 5th
Enrollment
181
Student-Teacher
13.9:1
Score
6.7
Grades
3rd – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa schools
#596 of 1,280
In district
#3 of 4
West Central Valley Comm School District
School environment
7.5 / 10
Very Good
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Dexter Elementary School
Elementary School in Dexter · grades 3rd – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
West Central Valley High School
3.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
West Central Valley Middle School
5.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Dexter Elementary School
Dexter Elementary School is a public elementary school in Dexter, IA, part of West Central Valley Comm School District. Dexter Elementary School serves approximately 181 students, and covers grades 3rd-5th, and has a 13.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Dexter Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.7 out of 10 and ranks #596 of 1,280 schools in IA.
Structured state assessment records for Dexter Elementary School show 77% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 75% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.7 · Average
- District avg 7.5
- IA avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
At 181 students, Dexter Elementary 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.
Dexter Elementary 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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Dexter Elementary School — Students at Dexter Elementary School score 74% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 74%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
38.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 35 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: 6.7/10.
How Dexter Elementary School Compares
See how Dexter Elementary School 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 157 803 Washington St, Dexter, IA 50070
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Dexter Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Earlham Elementary School (rated 8.8/10, 5.7 miles away, in nearby Earlham), which scores notably higher. Another option is Stuart Elementary School (rated 8.3/10, 4.6 miles away, in nearby Stuart), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Van Meter Elementary School (rated 8.2/10, 14.2 miles away, in nearby Van Meter), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Dexter, see our Dexter schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 17.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| West Central Valley High School Stuart | 3.9 mi | 5.5 |
| West Central Valley Middle School Redfield | 5.3 mi | 8.1 |
| Stuart Elementary School Stuart | 4.6 mi | 8.3 |
| Earlham Elementary School Earlham | 5.7 mi | 8.8 |
| Earlham Senior High School Earlham | 5.7 mi | 7.3 |
| Earlham Middle School Earlham | 5.7 mi | 6.3 |
| Meadow View Elementary Adel | 11.9 mi | 7.8 |
| DeSoto Intermediate School Desoto | 11.4 mi | 8.1 |
| Adel Elementary School Adel | 12.5 mi | 7.3 |
| Panorama High School Panora | 14.1 mi | 5.9 |
| Panorama Middle School Panora | 14.1 mi | 5.3 |
| Panorama Elementary Panora | 14.4 mi | 5.4 |
| ADM Senior High School Adel | 12.7 mi | 7.3 |
| ADM Middle School Adel | 12.7 mi | 7.8 |
| Van Meter Elementary School Van Meter | 14.2 mi | 8.2 |
| Van Meter High School Van Meter | 14.2 mi | 7.4 |
| Van Meter Middle School Van Meter | 14.2 mi | 7.3 |
| Winterset Elementary School Winterset | 17.0 mi | 5.3 |
| Winterset Junior High School Winterset | 17.2 mi | 7.2 |
| Winterset Senior High School Winterset | 17.2 mi | 5.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50070 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$90,352
Median Home Value
$187,500
Median Rent
$883/mo
Population
1,366
College Educated
28.2%
Homeownership
85%
Avg Commute
32.6 min
Poverty Rate
3.4%
Median Age
44.1
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Central City Elementary School Central City, IA | 6.7 |
| Fredericksburg Elem School Fredericksburg, IA | 6.7 |
| LOURDES CATHOLIC SCHOOL Bettendorf, IA | 6.7 |
| MATER DEI SCHOOL Sioux City, IA | 6.7 |
| ST THERESA CATHOLIC SCHOOL Des Moines, IA | 6.7 |
| Solon Intermediate Solon, IA | 6.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Dexter Elementary School
What grades does Dexter Elementary School serve?
Dexter Elementary School serves students in grades 3rd through 5th.
How many students attend Dexter Elementary School?
Dexter Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 181 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Dexter Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Dexter Elementary School is 13.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Dexter Elementary School rank in IA?
Dexter Elementary School ranks #596 of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Dexter Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Dexter Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.7 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 Dexter Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Dexter Elementary School has 77% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 75% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Dexter Elementary School a charter school?
No, Dexter Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Dexter Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Dexter Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Dexter Elementary School?
38.7% of students at Dexter Elementary 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.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 3rd – 5th
- Enrollment
- 181
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 13
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 38.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Dallas County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 19.9%
- Phone
- (515) 789-4480
Resources & Links
District
West Central Valley Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 855
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,052
- District Rank
- #3 of 4
Other Schools in This District
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