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Needs Improvement

#1146 of 1,280 schools in IA

Expo Alternative Learning Center

High School · Waterloo Comm School District

1410 Independence Ave, Waterloo, IA 50703

Enrollment

578

Student-Teacher

18.1:1

Score

3.9

Grades

6th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#1,146 of 1,280

In Waterloo

#16 of 16

public schools

In district

#18 of 18

Waterloo Comm School District

Academic growth

7.9 / 10

Very Good

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Expo Alternative Learning Center

3.9/10

High School in Waterloo · grades 6th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Highland Elementary School

7.5/10

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

Cunningham School

5.8/10

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

About Expo Alternative Learning Center

Expo Alternative Learning Center is a public high school in Waterloo, IA, part of Waterloo Comm School District. Expo Alternative Learning Center serves approximately 578 students, and covers grades 6th-12th, and has a 18.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Expo Alternative Learning Center has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,146 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Expo Alternative Learning Center show 28% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2025) and 38% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2025).

How it compares0.4 pts below district
  • This school 3.9 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 4.3
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

Test scores at Expo Alternative Learning Center sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress7.9Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.33 pts/yr
Data Period2010–2025
TrendStable
Academics1.8Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency28.1% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency44.1% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-44.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-31.7 pts
Overall Proficiency36% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)51% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected-14.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile3th
College Readiness3.0Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate47%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.0Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,652

Expo Alternative Learning Center — Students at Expo Alternative Learning Center score 36% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 51%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

81.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 28.3% (multi-year average, 2010-2025)
School
State
69.9% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 37.8% (multi-year average, 2010-2025)
School
State
74.6% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 36 test records from IA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2010
Math
37%
ELA
37%
2011
Math
27%
ELA
37%
2012
Math
32%
ELA
37%
2013
Math
27%
ELA
27%
2014
Math
37%
ELA
37%
2015
Math
42%
ELA
37%
2016
Math
42%
ELA
42%
2017
Math
37%
ELA
37%
2018
Math
17%
ELA
37%
2019
Math
17%
ELA
37%
2020*
Math
17%
ELA
31%
2021*
Math
17%
ELA
31%
2022
Math
20%
ELA
40%
2025
Math
28.1%
ELA
44.1%

* 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 Expo Alternative Learning Center Compares

See how Expo Alternative Learning Center performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.9/10
11th percentile in IA
Academic
1.8/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
7.9/10
Very Good
Environment
3.0/10
Needs Improvement
Advanced STEM
2/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
82%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
32 teachers

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses2 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

1410 Independence Ave, Waterloo, IA 50703

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Expo Alternative Learning Center may also want to explore other high schools in the area. COLUMBUS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (rated 6.5/10, 3.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is West High School (rated 4.9/10, 2.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, East High School (rated 4.2/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Waterloo, see our Waterloo schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 4.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Highland Elementary School Waterloo 0.1 mi 7.5
Cunningham School Waterloo 1.1 mi 5.8
East High School Waterloo 1.2 mi 4.2
ROYAL LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Waterloo 1.4 mi 5.9
Lowell Elementary School Waterloo 1.6 mi 7.3
Kittrell Elementary School Waterloo 2.3 mi 7.5
Bunger Middle School Evansdale 2.4 mi 5.6
George Washington Carver Academy Waterloo 2.4 mi 6.2
Poyner Elementary Evansdale 2.5 mi 8.6
Irving Elementary School Waterloo 2.3 mi 8.0
COLUMBUS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Waterloo 3.0 mi 6.5
BLESSED MARIA ASSUNTA PALLOTTA MIDDLE SCHOOL Waterloo 3.0 mi 7.6
West High School Waterloo 2.9 mi 4.9
ST EDWARD SCHOOL Waterloo 2.9 mi 6.3
Kingsley Elementary School Waterloo 3.1 mi 7.3
Lincoln Elementary School Waterloo 3.3 mi 6.9
Hoover Middle School Waterloo 3.7 mi 7.2
Lou Henry Elementary School Waterloo 3.7 mi 5.4
WATERLOO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Waterloo 4.2 mi 5.8
Fred Becker Elementary School Waterloo 4.2 mi 6.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 50703 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$49,412

Median Home Value

$92,500

Median Rent

$926/mo

Population

18,397

College Educated

12.6%

Homeownership

57.7%

Avg Commute

17 min

Poverty Rate

18.9%

Median Age

37.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
West Liberty High School West Liberty, IA 4.0
Charles City High School Charles City, IA 3.7
Fort Madison High School Fort Madison, IA 3.7
Okoboji High School Milford, IA 4.1
Saydel High School Des Moines, IA 4.2
Anamosa High School Anamosa, IA 4.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Expo Alternative Learning Center

What grades does Expo Alternative Learning Center serve?

Expo Alternative Learning Center serves students in grades 6th through 12th.

How many students attend Expo Alternative Learning Center?

Expo Alternative Learning Center has an enrollment of approximately 578 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Expo Alternative Learning Center?

The student-teacher ratio at Expo Alternative Learning Center is 18.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Expo Alternative Learning Center rank in IA?

Expo Alternative Learning Center ranks #1,146 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Expo Alternative Learning Center's MySchoolScout rating?

Expo Alternative Learning Center 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 Expo Alternative Learning Center?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Expo Alternative Learning Center has 28% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2025) and 38% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2025).

Is Expo Alternative Learning Center a charter school?

No, Expo Alternative Learning Center is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Expo Alternative Learning Center a Title I school?

No, Expo Alternative Learning Center is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Expo Alternative Learning Center?

81.5% of students at Expo Alternative Learning 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
47 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
22 Minimal Transit
Bike Score
38 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
578
Student-Teacher Ratio
18.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
32
Free/Reduced Lunch
81.5%
Type
alternative
Setting
Small City
County
Black Hawk County
4-Year Graduation
47.0%

District

Waterloo Comm School District
District Enrollment
10,606
Schools in District
18
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,652
District Rank
#18 of 18

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