Needs Improvement
#1142 of 1,280 schools in IA
Essex Elementary School
Elementary School · Essex Comm School District
111 Forbes St, Essex, IA 51638
Enrollment
121
Student-Teacher
15.1:1
Score
3.9
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
121
Student-Teacher
15.1:1
Score
3.9
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa schools
#1,142 of 1,280
In Essex
#2 of 2
public schools
In district
#2 of 2
Essex Comm School District
School environment
7.1 / 10
Very Good
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Essex Elementary School
Elementary School in Essex · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Essex Junior-senior High School
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Shenandoah High School
6.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Essex Elementary School
Essex Elementary School is a public elementary school in Essex, IA, part of Essex Comm School District. Essex Elementary School serves approximately 121 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 15.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Essex Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,142 of 1,280 schools in IA.
Structured state assessment records for Essex Elementary School show 73% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 67% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 3.9 · Needs Improvement
- IA avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
At 121 students, Essex 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.
Essex 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
Essex Elementary School — Students at Essex Elementary School score 45% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 68%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
48.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 33 test records from IA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 3.8/10.
How Essex Elementary School Compares
See how Essex 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
111 Forbes St, Essex, IA 51638
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Essex Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. South Page Elementary School (rated 9.9/10, 17.5 miles away, in nearby College Springs), which scores notably higher. Another option is Sidney Elementary School (rated 7.9/10, 18.5 miles away, in nearby Sidney), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Sylvia Enarson Elementary School (rated 7.6/10, 18.5 miles away, in nearby Villisca), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Essex, see our Essex schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 18.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Essex Junior-Senior High School Essex | 0.0 mi | 6.4 |
| Shenandoah High School Shenandoah | 6.0 mi | 8.7 |
| IGNITE Online & Personalized Learning Shenandoah | 6.0 mi | 3.5 |
| Logan Preschool Shenandoah | 5.9 mi | 2.9 |
| Shenandoah Elementary School Shenandoah | 6.1 mi | 7.1 |
| Shenandoah Middle School Shenandoah | 6.1 mi | 7.7 |
| Red Oak Early Childhood Center Red Oak | 13.0 mi | 4.9 |
| Inman Elementary School Red Oak | 13.9 mi | 3.3 |
| Red Oak Junior/Senior High School Red Oak | 14.1 mi | 5.2 |
| East Mills Elementary School Hastings | 16.2 mi | 3.9 |
| Stanton Elementary School Stanton | 15.3 mi | 7.1 |
| Stanton High School Stanton | 15.3 mi | 7.6 |
| Clarinda High School Clarinda | 14.9 mi | 6.7 |
| CLARINDA LUTHERAN SCHOOL Clarinda | 14.9 mi | 5.5 |
| South Page Elementary School College Springs | 17.5 mi | 9.9 |
| South Page Senior High School College Springs | 17.5 mi | — |
| Garfield Elementary School Clarinda | 15.9 mi | 6.9 |
| East Mills Jr/Sr High School Hastings | 19.2 mi | 7.9 |
| Sylvia Enarson Elementary School Villisca | 18.5 mi | 7.6 |
| Sidney Elementary School Sidney | 18.5 mi | 7.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 51638 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$61,154
Median Home Value
$115,700
Median Rent
$688/mo
Population
1,278
College Educated
16.2%
Homeownership
79.7%
Poverty Rate
9.4%
Median Age
50.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Clyde D Mease Elementary School Dakota City, IA | 3.9 |
| HULL PROTESTANT REFORMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hull, IA | 3.8 |
| Carson Elementary Carson, IA | 4.2 |
| Harris-Lake Park Elementary School Lake Park, IA | 3.4 |
| Moulton Elementary School Moulton, IA | 3.4 |
| Ruthven-Ayrshire Elementary School Ruthven, IA | 3.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Essex Elementary School
What grades does Essex Elementary School serve?
Essex Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Essex Elementary School?
Essex Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 121 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Essex Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Essex Elementary School is 15.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Essex Elementary School rank in IA?
Essex Elementary School ranks #1,142 of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Essex Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Essex Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.9 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 Essex Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Essex Elementary School has 73% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 67% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Essex Elementary School a charter school?
No, Essex Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Essex Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Essex Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Essex Elementary School?
48.8% of students at Essex 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 121
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 8
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 48.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Page County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 15.7%
- Phone
- (712) 379-3114
Resources & Links
District
Essex Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 215
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,141
- District Rank
- #2 of 2
Other Schools in This District
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