Very Good
#150 of 1,280 schools in IA
Top 12% 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
7.9
Grades
3rd – 5th
Enrollment
181
Student-Teacher
13.9:1
Score
7.9
Grades
3rd – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa elementary schools
#112 of 662
In district
#1 of 4
West Central Valley Comm School District
Academic growth
8.5 / 10
Exceptional
About Dexter Elementary School
Dexter Elementary School is a regular public elementary school located in Dexter, Iowa, within Dallas County. Serving students from third to fifth grade, the school has an enrollment of 181 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 13.9:1, ensuring individualized attention for each child. The dedicated teaching staff includes thirteen full-time equivalent educators committed to supporting every student's academic and personal growth.
Dexter Elementary School’s academic performance places it in the 75th percentile among Iowa schools, with an overall MySchoolScout rating of 6.7 out of 10. Students perform well in core subjects: 72% are proficient or above in ELA/reading, 71% in math, and 72% in science. These scores reflect the school's focus on fostering a strong foundation in essential skills while recognizing areas where improvement is needed.
Dexter Elementary School sits in a rural setting, surrounded by a close-knit community that values education and supports its young learners.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 181 students, Dexter Elementary School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.
Located in a rural area, Dexter Elementary 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
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Dexter Elementary School — Students at Dexter Elementary School score 74% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 69%).
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 13 test records from IA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 8.5/10.
How Dexter Elementary School Compares
See how Dexter Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 62% (2019) to 72% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 67% (2019) to 77% (2022).
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 8.0/10, 5.7 miles away, in nearby Earlham), with a very similar rating. Another option is Panorama Elementary (rated 7.7/10, 14.4 miles away, in nearby Panora), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Winterset Elementary School (rated 7.0/10, 17.0 miles away, in nearby Winterset), with a comparable rating. 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 | 5.1 |
| West Central Valley Middle School Redfield | 5.3 mi | 7.3 |
| Stuart Elementary School Stuart | 4.6 mi | 6.6 |
| Earlham Elementary School Earlham | 5.7 mi | 8.0 |
| Earlham Senior High School Earlham | 5.7 mi | 7.0 |
| Earlham Middle School Earlham | 5.7 mi | 4.6 |
| Meadow View Elementary Adel | 11.9 mi | 6.0 |
| DeSoto Intermediate School Desoto | 11.4 mi | 7.8 |
| Adel Elementary School Adel | 12.5 mi | 6.1 |
| Panorama High School Panora | 14.1 mi | 4.9 |
| Panorama Middle School Panora | 14.1 mi | 4.8 |
| Panorama Elementary Panora | 14.4 mi | 7.7 |
| ADM Senior High School Adel | 12.7 mi | 7.1 |
| ADM Middle School Adel | 12.7 mi | 7.9 |
| Van Meter Elementary School Van Meter | 14.2 mi | 6.9 |
| Van Meter High School Van Meter | 14.2 mi | 7.4 |
| Van Meter Middle School Van Meter | 14.2 mi | 6.5 |
| Winterset Elementary School Winterset | 17.0 mi | 7.0 |
| Winterset Junior High School Winterset | 17.2 mi | 7.3 |
| Winterset Senior High School Winterset | 17.2 mi | 5.5 |
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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Dexter Elementary School has a median household income of $90,352. It is an area where 28% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $187,500, with a median rent of $883/month. The local poverty rate of 3.4% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 33 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 |
|---|---|
| North Cedar Lowden Elementary Center Lowden, IA | 7.9 |
| North Hill Elementary School Burlington, IA | 7.9 |
| South Winneshiek Elementary School Ossian, IA | 7.9 |
| Akron Westfield Elementary School Akron, IA | 8.0 |
| Morning Sun Elementary School Morning Sun, IA | 8.0 |
| Odebolt Elementary-Odebolt Odebolt, IA | 8.0 |
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 is ranked #150 out of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Dexter Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Dexter Elementary School has a composite rating of 7.9 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 Dexter Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Dexter Elementary School has 71.3% math proficiency and 72.4% reading/ELA proficiency.
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
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
- Phone
- (515) 789-4480
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
West Central Valley Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 855
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,052
- District Rank
- #1 of 4
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated reading
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