Skip to main content

Average

#1019 of 1,280 schools in IA

Harlan Intermediate School

Elementary School · Harlan Comm School District

1401 19th St, Harlan, IA 51537

Enrollment

324

Student-Teacher

16.2:1

Score

5.2

Grades

3rd – 5th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Harlan

#2 of 4

public schools

Iowa elementary schools

#534 of 662

In district

#2 of 4

Harlan Comm School District

Equity

7.9 / 10

Very strong

About Harlan Intermediate School

Harlan Intermediate School is a regular public elementary school located in the heart of Harlan, Iowa. Situated at 1401 19th Street, it serves students from third to fifth grade with an enrollment of 324 students. The student-teacher ratio is 16.2:1, ensuring that each child receives ample attention and support from their teachers.

Harlan Intermediate School's academic performance places it in the middle tier among Iowa schools. With a MySchoolScout Rating of 5.1 out of 10 and a state ranking of #731 out of 1288 schools, there is room for improvement but also significant potential for growth. In terms of test scores, 69% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 70% are proficient or above in Math.

Science proficiency stands at 60%, indicating areas where the school can focus its efforts to enhance student learning. Harlan Intermediate School is part of a close-knit community located in Shelby County, and it benefits from being situated in a town setting that fosters a strong sense of belonging among students and families.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.1Below Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data4
Annual Change-0.43 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2025
TrendStable
Academics7.8Very Good30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency73%
Reading/ELA Proficiency72%
Math vs. State Avg-3.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+2.9 pts
Overall Proficiency73%
Expected (poverty-adj.)66%
vs. Expected+6.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile67th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment4.0Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,912

Harlan Intermediate School — Students at Harlan Intermediate School score 72% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 66%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

44.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 70.0%
School
State
74.6%
ELA Proficiency 68.7%
School
State
72.3%

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

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2019
Math
72%
ELA
71%
2021*
Math
68%
ELA
66%
2022
Math
73%
ELA
72%
2025
Math
68.9%
ELA
67.7%

* 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: 4.1/10.

How Harlan Intermediate School Compares

See how Harlan Intermediate School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.2/10
21th percentile in IA
Academic
7.8/10
7.8/10
Growth
4.1/10
Below average
Environment
4.0/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
44%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
20 teachers

Location

1401 19th St, Harlan, IA 51537

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Harlan Intermediate School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Denison Elementary School (rated 8.1/10, 25.1 miles away, in nearby Denison), which scores notably higher. Another option is Tri-Center Elementary School (rated 7.9/10, 16.9 miles away, in nearby Neola), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Boyer Valley Elementary School (rated 7.2/10, 20.5 miles away, in nearby Dow City), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Harlan, see our Harlan schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 25.5 mi
School Distance Rating
Harlan Primary Harlan 0.0 mi 4.4
Harlan High School Harlan 0.2 mi 4.5
Harlan Community Middle School Harlan 0.2 mi 6.3
SHELBY COUNTY CATHOLIC SCHOOL Harlan 0.4 mi 7.0
AHSTW Primary School Avoca 12.8 mi 6.7
AHSTW High School Avoca 12.8 mi 6.9
AHSTW Intermediate School Avoca 12.8 mi 6.6
Irwin Elementary School Irwin 11.9 mi 6.0
ExiraElk Horn-Kimballton High School Elk Horn 15.1 mi 7.8
Tri-Center Middle School Neola 16.9 mi 6.5
Tri-Center Elementary School Neola 16.9 mi 7.9
Tri-Center High School Neola 16.9 mi 5.6
Boyer Valley Elementary School Dow City 20.5 mi 7.2
Boyer Valley Middle/High School Dunlap 19.1 mi 6.3
Oakland Elementary Oakland 24.4 mi 7.2
ST ROSE OF LIMA SCHOOL Denison 24.9 mi 5.0
ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL Denison 25.0 mi 6.5
Broadway Elementary School Denison 25.0 mi 6.8
Denison Elementary School Denison 25.1 mi 8.1
Riverside Middle/Senior High School Oakland 25.5 mi 6.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 51537 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$62,353

Median Home Value

$161,800

Median Rent

$854/mo

Population

6,480

College Educated

23.9%

Homeownership

73.3%

Avg Commute

14.6 min

Poverty Rate

8.6%

Median Age

44.2

Community Profile

The community surrounding Harlan Intermediate School has a median household income of $62,353. It is a community where 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $161,800, with a median rent of $854/month. The local poverty rate of 8.6% is relatively low. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 15 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
Aurora Heights Elementary School Newton, IA 5.2
CR-B Elementary School Coon Rapids, IA 5.2
North Ridge Elementary Grimes, IA 5.2
Rogers Elementary School Marshalltown, IA 5.2
ST AUGUSTIN CATHOLIC SCHOOL Des Moines, IA 5.2
Table Mound Elementary School Dubuque, IA 5.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Harlan Intermediate School

What grades does Harlan Intermediate School serve?

Harlan Intermediate School serves students in grades 3rd through 5th.

How many students attend Harlan Intermediate School?

Harlan Intermediate School has an enrollment of approximately 324 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Harlan Intermediate School?

The student-teacher ratio at Harlan Intermediate School is 16.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Harlan Intermediate School rank in IA?

Harlan Intermediate School is ranked #1019 out of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Harlan Intermediate School's MySchoolScout rating?

Harlan Intermediate School has a composite rating of 5.2 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 Harlan Intermediate School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Harlan Intermediate School has 70.0% math proficiency and 68.7% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Harlan Intermediate School a charter school?

No, Harlan Intermediate School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Harlan Intermediate School a Title I school?

No, Harlan Intermediate School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Harlan Intermediate School?

44.1% of students at Harlan Intermediate 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

County Safety
Low (153/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
3rd – 5th
Enrollment
324
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
20
Free/Reduced Lunch
44.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Town
County
Shelby County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Harlan Comm School District
District Enrollment
1,505
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,544
District Rank
#2 of 4

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

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.