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#910 of 1,280 schools in IA

Fort Dodge Middle School

Middle School · Fort Dodge Comm School District

800 North 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501

Enrollment

774

Student-Teacher

18.4:1

Score

5.6

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Fort Dodge

#2 of 7

public schools

Iowa middle schools

#190 of 248

In district

#2 of 7

Fort Dodge Comm School District

Academic growth

9.1 / 10

Exceptional

About Fort Dodge Middle School

Fort Dodge Middle School serves grades six through eight in remote Fort Dodge, Iowa, with an enrollment of 774 students. The school has 42 full-time equivalent teachers, creating a student-teacher ratio of 18.4:1. Academically, the school is working to strengthen student performance across core subjects.

In English/Language Arts and Science, about 60% of students score at or above proficiency levels, while mathematics shows room for growth, with 51% of students meeting proficiency benchmarks. The school's overall academic score of 2.3/10 reflects these developing performance areas, and it ranks #1065 out of 1288 Iowa schools, placing it in the 17th percentile statewide. With a MySchoolScout Rating of 3.8/10, the school represents a community focused on supporting student development and academic improvement.

Fort Dodge Middle School is situated in a remote town setting, serving families throughout the Webster County area from its location at 800 North 32nd Street.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at Fort Dodge Middle School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress9.1Exceptional40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data4
Annual Change+2.14 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2025
TrendImproving
Academics3.6Fair35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency45%
Reading/ELA Proficiency59%
Math vs. State Avg-27.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-14.7 pts
Overall Proficiency52%
Expected (poverty-adj.)59%
vs. Expected-6.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile17th
Resources & Environment2.9Needs Improvement25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,778

Fort Dodge Middle School — Students at Fort Dodge Middle School score 52% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 59%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

57.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 50.7%
School
State
73.4%
ELA Proficiency 60.4%
School
State
76.8%

Based on 13 test records from IA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2019
Math
44%
ELA
52%
2021*
Math
45%
ELA
57%
2022
Math
45%
ELA
59%
2025
Math
56.8%
ELA
64.8%

* 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: 9.1/10.

How Fort Dodge Middle School Compares

See how Fort Dodge Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.6/10
29th percentile in IA
Academic
3.6/10
3.6/10
Growth
9.1/10
Above average
Environment
2.9/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
58%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
42 teachers

Location

800 North 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Fort Dodge Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Humboldt Middle School (rated 6.9/10, 14.4 miles away, in nearby Humboldt), which scores notably higher. Another option is Southeast Valley Middle School (rated 5.9/10, 12.1 miles away, in nearby Burnside), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Robert Blue School (rated 4.0/10, 16.1 miles away, in nearby Eagle Grove), a more accessible option. For more schools in Fort Dodge, see our Fort Dodge schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 16.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Fort Dodge High School Fort Dodge 0.5 mi 4.0
Cooper Elementary School Fort Dodge 0.7 mi 3.6
ST EDMOND CATHOLIC SCHOOL Fort Dodge 0.7 mi 5.3
ST EDMOND CATHOLIC SCHOOL Fort Dodge 0.7 mi 5.0
COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Fort Dodge 1.4 mi 8.1
Duncombe Elementary School Fort Dodge 1.1 mi 3.3
Early Childhood Center Fort Dodge 1.3 mi 5.9
Butler Elementary School Fort Dodge 1.7 mi 3.6
ST PAUL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Fort Dodge 1.7 mi 5.3
Feelhaver Elementary School Fort Dodge 1.7 mi 4.3
Southeast Valley Middle School Burnside 12.1 mi 5.9
Manson Northwest Webster Elementary Barnum 10.7 mi 7.0
Clyde D Mease Elementary School Dakota City 14.6 mi 4.0
Humboldt Middle School Humboldt 14.4 mi 6.9
Humboldt High School Humboldt 14.4 mi 4.8
Taft Elementary School Humboldt 14.8 mi 7.2
ST MARY SCHOOL Humboldt 14.9 mi 5.2
Dayton Center Dayton 17.9 mi 5.0
Robert Blue School Eagle Grove 16.1 mi 4.0
Eagle Grove Elementary Eagle Grove 16.1 mi 5.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 50501 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$66,130

Median Home Value

$139,700

Median Rent

$779/mo

Population

28,633

College Educated

20.5%

Homeownership

66.9%

Avg Commute

17.9 min

Poverty Rate

12.7%

Median Age

39.3

Community Profile

The community surrounding Fort Dodge Middle School has a median household income of $66,130. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $139,700, with a median rent of $779/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.7%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 18 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
Northwest Junior High School Coralville, IA 5.6
McCombs Middle School Des Moines, IA 5.5
Prairie Ridge Middle School Ankeny, IA 5.5
Southeast Junior High School Iowa City, IA 5.5
Stilwell Junior High School West Des Moines, IA 5.5
DC-G Oak View Grimes, IA 5.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Fort Dodge Middle School

What grades does Fort Dodge Middle School serve?

Fort Dodge Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Fort Dodge Middle School?

Fort Dodge Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 774 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Fort Dodge Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Fort Dodge Middle School is 18.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Fort Dodge Middle School rank in IA?

Fort Dodge Middle School is ranked #910 out of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Fort Dodge Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Fort Dodge Middle School has a composite rating of 5.6 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 Fort Dodge Middle School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Fort Dodge Middle School has 50.7% math proficiency and 60.4% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Fort Dodge Middle School a charter school?

No, Fort Dodge Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Fort Dodge Middle School a Title I school?

No, Fort Dodge Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Fort Dodge Middle School?

57.5% of students at Fort Dodge Middle 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

City Safety
High (4,310/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Fort Dodge). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
774
Student-Teacher Ratio
18.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
42
Free/Reduced Lunch
57.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Town
County
Webster County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Fort Dodge Comm School District
District Enrollment
3,611
Schools in District
7
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,013
District Rank
#2 of 7

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 methodology

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